Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupunture points are situated on meridians along which qi (a “life energy”), flows.

Modern research shows that acupoints are located in areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. A great number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints induce release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Therefore, acupuncture for pain relief is well supported by these scientific studies. As more studies are conducted, the mechanism of this ancient therapy will be better understood.

We are now scheduling acupuncture sessions with Dr. Son. Dr. Son was trained in Medical Acupunture for Veterinarians at Colorado State University. She emphasizes acupunture as complementary treatment for musculoskeletal problems, i.e., muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease.

What needles are used?
Most modern acupuncturists use sterilized, disposable stainless steel needles of fine diameter. These needles are far smaller in diameter (and therefore less painful) than hypodermic injection needles since they do not have to be hollow for purposes of injection.

How safe is Acupuncture therapy?
Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few side effects have been found in clinical cases.

How long does each treatment take?
Each session may take 20 to 60 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?
It depends upon the nature, severity and duration of diseases. A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition. A series of 3 to 10 treatments can resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.