According to Chinese medical philosophy, “Qhi,” or “Chi,” or life’s energy flow, creates a pathway between points called meridians. Meridians, which also serve as acupuncture points, connect internal organs in the body. These points often get interrupted, and it is believed that acupuncture balances the flow of energy to these areas, allowing the body to heal itself and return to homeostasis. Homeostasis describes the ideal body state where all internal processes are working properly and supporting each other.
Acupuncture serves as an alternative treatment to approaches taken in western medicine. Its potential usage and mechanisms in the human body have been a topic of interest among scientists for many years. Recently, research has transitioned into determining the role acupuncture can play in veterinary medicine. The science behind understanding how acupuncture works is still somewhat of a mystery. The exact mechanism has been difficult to identify, as it appears to be connected to many physiological systems within the body. However, it is clear that acupuncture offers several benefits, such as improving blood flow while reducing pain and inflammation. Acupuncture’s roots come from Eastern medicine and China, where it has demonstrated its ability to influence and maintain homeostasis for thousands of years. More intuitively, acupuncture can be considered as the “grease” of the body. By channeling nerve points in specific areas, acupuncture plays a role in stimulating certain areas to increase blood flow or remove a blockage and rebalance internal systems when they are out of sync.
On a biochemical level, research points to acupuncture stimulating neurotransmitters, causing them to fire and induce their unique effects on the body. Neurotransmitters are naturally produced chemical substances that transmit messages between neurons, or from neurons to muscles. This is how acupuncture would help the brain identify the area of concern. In conjunction, acupuncture increases blood circulation in the affected area, which can speed up the healing process. The buildup of inflammation in an affected area often presents itself as pain, swelling and redness. Evidence shows that acupuncture also activates the endocannabinoid system. This system is connected to many different biological systems but is primarily the central nervous system. It functions to help maintain homeostasis within the body. Cannabinoid receptors are activated to promote natural, healthy opioid production. This inhibits both inflammation and pain. More research is required to determine how acupuncture specifically influences things like neurotransmitters, and the resulting cascade that provides its healing qualities.
While the uses of acupuncture remain most successful in neurological, musculoskeletal and degenerative joint diseases relating to pain management, acupuncture has been considered beneficial throughout time for anything that disrupts a person’s/animal’s “Qi”. Success was seen in studies regarding pain and quality of life of dogs with neurological diseases such as cervical spinal cord disease, intervertebral disc disease, spinal cord injuries and more. When it comes to canine wound healing, acupuncture helps reduce swelling significantly over time. It’s worth noting in one study on dogs with osteoarthritis, no significant difference was observed between treatment and control groups. This study also reported no adverse effects of acupuncture use, with only minimal soreness as a side effect. It emphasizes the benefits to adding acupuncture to compliment a full treatment or rehab strategy.
Like many homeopathic treatments, significant improvements were observed in studies where acupuncture was used in combination with pain medications, corticosteroids or added stimulations. Stimulation may be seen in the form of electroacupuncture, during which minimal frequencies of ~20 Hz are applied for about 15-20 minutes. However, dry needling is the most common form of acupuncture. Needles are usually stainless steel, ranging from 24 to 32 gauge, and one to three inches in length. Many practices keep needles in place for 15-20 minutes.
Acupuncture may seem intimidating at first, however it may be just what your pooch needs and there is no need to worry. Any needles used during a session are gently placed and do not penetrate the dermal layer of skin, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Additionally, licensed acupuncturists are trained to observe any potential positive or negative responses to needles and make appropriate adjustments. If you’re looking for a safe, naturally induced healing method for an ailment, consult your veterinarian about incorporating acupuncture into your wise woof’s therapeutic regime.
