Since earning my IVAS certification, I’ve increasingly been asked: “Does that actually work, those little needles on animals?” It’s a fair question, and one I’m always happy to answer. In this article, I’ll walk you through what veterinary acupuncture actually is, how it works, and what you can expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To put things in perspective: acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been around for roughly 2000-3000 years. Western, conventional medicine as we know it today (with it’s focus on pharmacology and evidence-based research) is, by comparison, still relatively young, only about 150-200 years old. Yet TCM receives little to no attention in the standard veterinary curriculum. Personally, I see that as a gap. A lamp won’t light up without electricity, yet in conventional training, almost no consideration is given to how the body’s own energy system functions. That knowledge, I believe, can be a valuable addition to the care we offer our patients.
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Acupuncture is a treatment technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in which thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body. For animals, we use the same principles as for humans, adapted to their anatomy.
The idea behind TCM is that pathways run through the body “meridians\u201d along which energy, or Qi, flows. When that flow becomes blocked somewhere, it can lead to pain, stiffness, or other complaints like unexplainable illnesses or behavioural problems. With acupuncture needles, I stimulate specific points to get that flow moving again.
Beyond the traditional explanation, modern veterinary science also shows measurable effects from stimulating these points: it boosts circulation, activates the nervous system, and prompts the body to produce its own pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is by far the most common question, and the answer is no. The needles I use are extremely thin, much finer than an injection needle. Most animals barely notice them, and many patients visibly relax during treatment. Some dogs even fall asleep during treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What can happen is that your pet feels a brief “ahshi” sensation at a specific point, a kind of tingling jolt, similar to the feeling of bumping your elbow. This is a normal reaction and lasts only a fraction of a second. It’s actually seen as a sign that the point has been hit accurately.
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I mainly treat dogs and cats, though the technique can be applied to other pets as well. Acupuncture is often used for:
– Arthritis and joint problems
– IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) and recovery after spinal surgery
– Recovery after cruciate ligament surgery
– Chronic pain
– Anxiety and stress
– Support for older animals with reduced mobility
The nice thing is that acupuncture often combines well with conventional treatments such as medication or physiotherapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A first appointment takes a minimum of one hour and always starts with a thorough conversation and examination. Ahead of the consultation, you’ll receive a questionnaire, which I ask you to fill in as thoroughly as possible. The more I know about your pet’s behaviour, habits and history, the more complete a picture I can form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the appointment, I carry out an extensive diagnostic examination specific to TCM. Among other things, I look at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Based on all this information, I form a diagnosis and determine which points need to be treated. These points are then treated with the needles. Something I still find remarkable myself: sometimes the body pushes a needle back out after just ten seconds, while other times the body hols onto a needle firmly. To me that’s a sign the treatment at that point isn’t finished yet. Every now and then, a needle even bends during treatment. The body has it’s own way of showing what it needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The treatment itself usually takes 10-20 minutes. The needles stay in place for a while as your pet lies or sit quietly. Most owners are surprised by how relaxred their pet is during this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the first session I’ll discuss with you how often follow-up treatments are needed. This varies quite a bit depending on the condition and the individual animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An honest answer: there is growing research into the effects of acupuncture in animals, particularly in pain management and rehabilitation, and the results are often positive. At the same time, not every mechanism has been explained in the same detail as with a conventional treatment. What I do consistently see in practice: animals that clearly benefit, seem to experience less pain, and move better.
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Every animal is different, and the best way to find out if acupuncture could help is a personal conversation. Feel free to get in touch to discuss the possibilities \u00e2\u20ac\u201d I’m happy to think it through with you.
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