Arya Animal Acupuncture
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Acupuncture for Cats
Cats benefit from acupuncture just as much as any other pet! Here, one of our friends receives acupuncture on a cozy blanket. Acupuncture treatments improve strength and function in damaged limbs. Cats often rediscover their ability to pounce and climb.
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Acupuncture for Kittens
Kittens are an absolute joy to have as part of your family! They sure can keep the whole family entertained for hours! When your bouncy kitten needs a little extra care from playing too hard we are here to help. Yes, even kittens can benefit from acupuncture.
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Acupuncture for Dog Epilepsy and More
Although Dr. Bhatt treats all manner of canine issues with acupuncture, did you know that dogs suffering from epilepsy can benefit from acupuncture? Acupuncture soothes the nervous system as well as helps balance the whole body. This, in turn, helps dogs with neurological conditions such as epilepsy live a happier and longer life!
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Electroacupuncture for Pets
Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture in which small wires are attached to the acupuncture needles in order to vibrate them. This vibration stimulates the acupuncture point a bit more than dry-needle acupuncture and is an excellent choice for senior pets as they need that extra omph! Electroacupuncture is not suitable for pets experiencing seizures.
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Acupuncture for Rabbits
Did you know that pet rabbits/bunnies can receive acupuncture? Acupuncture can be beneficial to our bunny companions just as much as it can help our cats and dogs. Dr. Bhatt performs acupuncture for domestic rabbits just as she performs acupuncture on dogs and cats!
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Acupuncture for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are the only other type of exotic pet we treat at the clinic using acupuncture. Meant to be an adjudicative therapy, we work with the exotic vet to help provide balance to vet care.
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Acupuncture for Horses
Horses are the first animals that received acupuncture in China thousands of years ago. We work with Equine vets and owners who want to use acupuncture as a complimentary treatment for musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, obscure lameness, laminitis, and other conditions.
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Here are some of the main acupuncture modalities used in veterinary acupuncture:
Dry needling - Insertion of thin, solid acupuncture needles into acupoints without injecting liquid. This is the most common technique.
Aquapuncture - Stimulating acupoints by injecting small amounts of sterile fluid. Often using vitamin B12.
Electroacupuncture - Passing a mild electrical current through acupuncture needles to stimulate the acupoints.
Moxibustion - Burning dried mugwort herb near acupoints to apply heat stimulation.
Laser acupuncture - Using low-level lasers over acupoints to stimulate them with light energy.
Acupressure - Applying pressure manually to acupoints without needles.
Sonopuncture - Stimulating acupoints using ultrasonic waves transmitted through a probe.
What is Animal Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body, correlating with paths (or meridians), resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect. This specific point on the body is called "Shu-xu", meaning acupoint.
Animals have 173 acupoints. Research has shown that acupoints are located in areas with high density free nerve endings, mast cells, blood and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation of these points induces the release of many "feel-good" neurotransmitters, such as beta-endorphins and seratonin. Scientifically, the physiological processes triggered by acupuncture leads to pain relief, reduction in inflammation and improved motor movement.
Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture
Acupuncture was identified and practiced over 2,000 years ago when modern science was not available to diagnose to treat ailments. The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of "Qi", or life force. Qi is always flowing through the body, maintaining balance and homeostasis. When the flow of Qi is interrupted, stagnation ensues, leading to pain and/or disease.
Diagnoses of these conditions are dependent on observations of the patient, tongue color and shape, and pulses characteristics. These observations lead to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnoses. Acupuncture points and herbals are selected based on these diagnoses.
When is Acupuncture Indicated?
Anytime and All the Time!
Pain Relief
Improve Mobility
Anti-inflammatory Effects
GI Regulation
Specific Conditions
Geriatric (Older Age) Management
Orthopedic Concerns: arthritis, hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, forelimb lameness, spondylosis management
Neurological Concerns: disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, tumors
Cancer Management
Seizures
Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, poor appetite
Immune Imbalances (such as Autoimmune conditions)
Internal Medicine Management: endocrine diseases, congenital problems (i.e. megaesophagus)
Skin Conditions
Behavioral Disorders
Performance Enhancement (for performance dogs)
Why Combine Herbs With Animal Acupuncture?
All Chinese herbs prescribed by Dr. Bhatt are formulated and packaged by accredited veterinarians in the United States. Chinese herbs are frequently used as a support for acupuncture, on in lieu of it. Herbs are meant to "work" when acupuncture cannot be performed.
Animal Acupuncture Safety
Acupuncture is a completely safe medical procedure. There are only a couple of contraindications when performing acupuncture, but it is the responsibility of the trained medical professional to be fully aware of the patient's medical history prior to needling. In the US, only veterinarians fully certified in acupuncture are qualified to practice acupuncture. Please look for the practitioner's certification letters, “CVA".