What is Acupuncture? How does it work?Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body in order to produce a therapeutic effect. These points are called 'acupoints.' Modern science has established that acupoints are located just underneath the skin or on the surface of muscle, in areas with high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation of these specific points causes release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters, as well as activation of stem cells and many other powerful systemic effects.
Because of their location so close to the nervous system and other energetic conduits such as lymphatics and vessels, acupoints act as access points for various parts of the body as well as systemic functions. When stimulated, each acupoint has a specific set of effects, both locally and at distant locations in the body. Most acupoints have multiple functions and can be used in different ways, depending on the situation. What are the effects of acupuncture on the body?Although our understanding of the wide-reaching effects of acupuncture continues to evolve, current studies have shown that acupuncture induces many physiologic effects, including:
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How safe is acupuncture therapy?
One of the best things about acupuncture is that no matter the direction of imbalance, acupoint stimulation causes a return to center. For example, the same point used for GI motility will restore motility if poor, and will reduce motility if hyperactive. Similarly, a point for immune regulation can reduce fever or treat immune-mediated disease, while promoting immunity in a patient struggling with infection. If we consider illness as the body being 'stuck' in a disease or illness pattern, the needle response simply frees the body from being 'stuck' and allows a return to balance. If a point is treated but not needed for that patient at that time, nothing happens.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In order to be effective, acupuncture therapy must stimulate the acupoints, which causes a heaviness, tingling or brief stinging sensation as each needle is placed. This response is important because it occurs only when the acupoint has been accessed correctly by the needle. Because of the immediate endorphin release and other healing effects, over 95% of patients are comfortable during acupuncture therapy. It is common for animals to become relaxed and calm during treatment and some will even fall asleep. Sedation is rarely needed, and generally not recommended before acupuncture as it may reduce the full effect of the treatment.
What is electroacupuncture? What other types of acupuncture are there?
Electroacupuncture is the application of an electrical signal in order to increase the intensity of the treatment. The ancient Chinese did not have electricity and had to manually stimulate the needles in order to achieve this effect. There are two primary frequencies used for electroacupuncture, one to increase the potency of the immediate response, and another to sustain it. Other frequencies can be used for more specific effects in special circumstances. The electrical signal is mild and causes an immediate release of endorphin and serotonin, so is often quite relaxing to the patient.
Aquapuncture is the injection of a healing or stimulating substance at the site of an acupoint. Injectable vitamin B12, pain medications and anti-inflammatory substances are common materials used for aquapuncture. Aquapuncture both prolongs the effect at the point treated, as well as promoting a cooling or anti-inflammatory effect. It can also be used to treat points that are in a difficult location, where patients will not tolerate the presence of needles for very long.
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy, where a dried herb called moxa is burned near an acupoint or area that requires warming. Moxibustion can relieve muscle tension, pain and also is a form of warmth that penetrates well and can soothe deeper tissues.
Acupressure is the stimulation of acupoints with fingertips instead of needles. There are many ways of stimulating acupoints without needles, including therapeutic massage, Tui-Na and cupping (applying suction to an acupoint area). Dr. Long may recommend and show you how to perform therapeutic massage or acupressure for your pet if certain areas need particular attention.
Aquapuncture is the injection of a healing or stimulating substance at the site of an acupoint. Injectable vitamin B12, pain medications and anti-inflammatory substances are common materials used for aquapuncture. Aquapuncture both prolongs the effect at the point treated, as well as promoting a cooling or anti-inflammatory effect. It can also be used to treat points that are in a difficult location, where patients will not tolerate the presence of needles for very long.
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy, where a dried herb called moxa is burned near an acupoint or area that requires warming. Moxibustion can relieve muscle tension, pain and also is a form of warmth that penetrates well and can soothe deeper tissues.
Acupressure is the stimulation of acupoints with fingertips instead of needles. There are many ways of stimulating acupoints without needles, including therapeutic massage, Tui-Na and cupping (applying suction to an acupoint area). Dr. Long may recommend and show you how to perform therapeutic massage or acupressure for your pet if certain areas need particular attention.
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