What is Acupunture
An Introduction to Acupunture
Veterinary Acupunture
Acupuncture Practitioners
Acupuncture is the
ancient Chinese art of inserting fine needles at selected points in the body
and manipulating needles
into what is known as "acupuncture points" on the body. According to acupunctural
teachings this will restore health and well-being, and is particularly good
at treating pain.
Ancient Chinese
medical philosophy teaches that illness is the result of an imbalance of
vital energies in the body, and acupuncture restores that balance and allows
the body to heal. It does this by guiding chi (or qi), "vital energy,"along
certain pathways (commonly called meridians) in the body. The Chinese believe that energy
flows through the body along channels or meridians and by inserting needles
at points along the meridians, the energy flow can be stimulated, sedated
or balanced. This is the basis for treating a whole range of diseases.
It is particularly applicable to arthritis, back problems and muscular and
nerve disorders, but can be used to treat almost any condition.
Medical researchers
can observe changes in electrical activity and increased blood circulation
during acupuncture, as well as a decrease in muscle spasms and the release
of endorphins and other chemicals in the brain.
According to the
World Health Organization, the following are amongst a number of diseases
that are known to be responsive to acupuncture: acute and chronic pain
control, arthritis/arthrosis, anxiety, fright, panic, drug detoxification,
frozen shoulder, persistent hiccups, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal
distention/flatulence. Response
to acupuncture therapy is usually good, at least 75% of patients receiving
acupuncture show improvement in symptoms.
Most animals tolerate
acupuncture sessions very well, and feel little or no discomfort. Needles
are sterile and are used once only, so that there is no risk of infection
to the patient. The needles are left in a place for anything from five
to twenty minutes, depending on the problem being treated.
The practice
of accupuncture has become widely accepted around the world. It even has
its own professional organization, the International Veterinary Acupuncture
Society, or IVAS, which offers an extensive certification programe for veterinarians.
Today more than 150,000 vets and 700,000 paraveterinary assistants use acupuncture
in their practices.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an effective way of treating pain in pet animals with
joint and back pain and arthritis.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles at points along meridian
lines, which run along the body and limbs, for the relief of pain or
treatment of disease.
What is Acupuncture used for?
It can be used to treat diseases but it is most useful for the relief
of painful conditions of the joints, muscles and back. It is a good alternative
to anti inflammatory drugs in cases where the animal cannot tolerate
them.
My dog has chronic arthritis. How can Acupuncture help?
A course of treatment will generally improve mobility, and owners
often notice an improvement in general demeanour. "He is feeling better"
is a frequent comment. It is often possible to reduce the dose of anti inflammatory
medication and in some cases to withdraw it for periods.
How likely is my dog to respond to treatment?
4 out of 5 cases respond positively to treatment. It may take up
to 3 sessions before an improvement is noticed.
What does Acupuncture involve?
The needles are very fine and it is unusual for an animal to object
to their insertion. They remain in place for approximately 20 minutes during
which time the patient often becomes drowsy. A minimum of 3 weekly treatments
are usually needed to establish a lasting effect. This is usually followed
by 2 or 3 more sessions at longer intervals. For chronic cases, a "top
up" of one treatment is needed. This can vary from once a month to only
2 or 3 times a year.
How does it work?
There is no complete explanation for how it works but it can be partly
explained by the "gate" theory of pain. Endorphins are released while
the needles are in place. These are natural painkillers related to morphine
and this explains the drowsiness experienced by some patients. However,
a number of measurable physiological changes occur during needling and
research into this is continuing.
How do I go about obtaining Treatment?
Ask your veterinary surgeon to refer you. This normally involves
no more than your vet faxing through a case history and you telephoning
for an appointment.
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©2005 Judith Ellis. Website by Beauchamp Partnership.
reprinted with kind permission from Judith Ellis
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An Introduction
to Acupuncture
History
Acupuncture was developed in China over 4000 years ago. It is one of
the oldest and also most commonly used medical systems in the world. Although
there was limited use of acupuncture in Europe in the 1800's, it only became
widely known about in the West in 1972, when US president Nixon visited
China. During his stay a US journalist became ill with appendicitis and underwent
an appendectomy with acupuncture used for anaesthesia. This generated great
interest in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Around 5000 years ago the Chinese developed theories about the pulse,
circulation and heart. These were later proved to be correct even though
this was 4000 years before European medicine discovered these concepts.
The first record of acupuncture is found in the Nei Jing, a 4700 year old
book written by the Chinese Yellow Emperor. This is thought to be the oldest
medical textbook in the world. Many other written records of acupuncture
and medical textbooks have been found.
Excavations in China at Stone Age sites have found primitive stone needles
('bian' needles) dating back to over 4000 years ago. Later excavations from
around 400 BC discovered gold and silver needles.
When Otzi, a 5000 year old mummy, was discovered in the Alps on the
Austrian/Italian border in 1991, his body was found to have over 50 tattoos.
Many of these were simply dots or lines and closer examination has since
shown that many of these dots are at acupuncture points. Examination of
his body also showed various injuries and diseases and the acupuncture
points marked would have been beneficial in treating these. This discovery
has led to the hypothesis that in the early Bronze Age a system similar
to acupuncture was practised in Europe. If this is correct, it is further
evidence that acupuncture points are not simply random points, since they
were discovered by two separate civilizations with no contact between them.
The Chinese developed acupuncture techniques for animals as well as
for people. The earliest veterinary acupuncture book was written between
659 and 621BC. The Chinese were interested in the treatment of horses for
use in war and for transport and of dogs for hunting. They discovered acupuncture
points unique to these species as well as those found in corresponding
locations to those on the human body.
Today, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are still the preferred
treatment for many Chinese. Chinese hospitals will commonly offer both Western
medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, with patients often choosing
a combination to best treat their symptoms. Forms of acupuncture are also
used in countries such as Japan and Korea, which have developed their own
styles of acupuncture.
Acupuncture and the system of Chinese medicine
The Chinese developed complex theories of physiology and pathology largely
based on observation of illness and response to treatment. Out of the respect
which is due to ancestors, bodies were not dissected after death, so the
only knowledge of the internal structure of the body came from observation
of battlefield victims. Despite this handicap, many of the Chinese theories
were subsequently proved to be correct, for example their theory of circulation.
Other theories, such as the relationship of the heart to emotions and damage
caused to it by stressful events and worry, are only recently becoming recognised
in Western medicine. For example, a recent study found that some patients
presenting with an apparent heart attack had none of the expected physical
damage to blood vessels and the heart which would cause the physiological
events leading to chest pain and the other symptoms of a heart attack.
The hearts and circulatory systems of these patients were normal and healthy,
so there was no physical explanation for their symptoms. On further investigationIt
was found that they had recently suffered a stressful event such as a robbery,
car accident, death of a family member or even a surpise party. This stress
and worry had caused symptoms of a heart attack despite a functionally
healthy heart. Another study showed a direct relationship between depression
and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy (known as Qi, which is pronounced
and may be spelt as Chi) circulates around the body to all areas via a system
of 20 channels or meridians. Each of the twelve main meridians is associated
with a specific organ. Balanced energy in all areas is essential to health.
For example the flow of energy may become blocked, causing stagnation in
one area of the body and therefore causing pain. Acupuncture points are places
on these meridians where use of needles in the skin manipulates the flow
of energy and blood around the body and influences the internal organs.
The Chinese located 361 points in humans and 173 specifically in animals.
Acupuncture points not only manipulate the flow of energy, they also
have specific functions which relate to the organs, blood, Yin and Yang.
For example stimulation of a particular point may warm or cool the body,
expel pathogens, strengthen a particular organ or move and nourish blood.
Another central part of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the theory of
Yin and Yang. These are equal and opposite. Yang is associated with activity,
sun, fire and the male and Yin is associated with physical matter, shade,
water and the female. To be whole, everything is made up of a balance of
both, therefore being partly Yin and partly Yang. If Yin and Yang are out
of balance disease results. By restoring balance, healing can occur.
The Chinese developed specific theories for each organ in terms of function
and relationship to Yin, Yang and Qi. In addition to the circulation of
Qi in the meridians, there is also the circulation of blood in the blood
vessels and a specific form of defensive energy circulating between the muscles
and skin.
Disease in Chinese medicine results either from an internal imbalance,
such as blockage of flow of energy leading to stagnation in a particular
area, or an external pathogen invading. These pathogens are described as
elements and are wind, heat, summer heat, cold, dry or damp. Although the
Chinese did not really have a concept of bacteria or viruses causing infectious
disease, infection can be described within the framework of Chinese theory
as heat invasion. A patient with an acute infection will be hot with a fever
(since heat and redness are some of the signs of inflammation). The patient
can therefore be treated successfully by applying the Chinese treatment for
heat invasion.
With an understanding of the theories of Chinese medicine and consideration
of all aspects of the patient's disease and personality a diagnosis is made.
The patient's tongue and pulse are very important diagnostically. Whereas
in Western medicine only the rate of the pulse is really considered, in
Chinese medicine there are 27 different types of pulse. Qualities such as
strength, width and regularity are considered along with rate. The tongue
is examined with respect to colour, coating and size. The different organs
relate to different parts of the tongue and therefore diagnosis of organ pathology
can be made.
Palpation of specific acupuncture points is another part of diagnosis.
If there is an imbalance in the body, points may become sensitive or a depression
or raised area may be felt at the site of a point. Since points and meridians
relate to organs, diagnosis of imbalance in specific organs can be made.
For an accurate diagnosis to made, all signs and symptoms shown by a
patient must be considered. This includes those symptoms seemingly unrelated
to the main problem, for example insomnia in a lame dog. All aspects of a
patient's behaviour and personality are considered as well as the symptoms
and tongue and pulse diagnosis in determining the imbalance present. This
is a fundamental difference between western medicine and Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Since Chinese medicine deals with patterns such as heat invasion,
these apparently unrelated symptoms, behaviours and personality traits may
all be part of the same Chinese pattern. Therefore these apparently unrelated
symptoms or mental/emotional problems can improve after acupuncture treatment.
In treating the insomniac lame dog, Western medicine will concentrate only
on the area affected by pathology, for example a specific joint, and the
insomnia will be ignored (or possibly diagnosed as a separate problem with
it's own treatment). If this lameness case is treated with Chinese medicine,
both the lameness and insomnia will be considered and included in the diagnosis.
Treatment will be aimed at the imbalance causing both these symptoms, and
so both will improve with the same treatment.
How does it work?
Recently there has been increasing interest in how exactly acupuncture
works from a western scientific viewpoint.
The skin at the acupuncture points themselves has been studied. Most
acupucnture points are found on the junction between two muscles, and therefore
a small depression can generally be felt. Microscopic examination has shown
that the skin here is significantly different in both structure and function
from skin in general at any other non-acupuncture point. The acupuncture
point has a:
- higher concentration of nerve endings
- higher concentration of blood vessels
- lower electrical resistance
This shows that acupuncture points are not simply points picked by random
as they have definable features. These features may help explain how acupuncture
has it's effects.
Research in the West has shown that acupuncture has the following physiological
effects in the body as a whole:
- significant pain-relief by stimulating
release of pain-relieving transmitters in the brain and affecting
nerve transmission in the spinal
cord
- anti-inflammatory and anti-febrile
effect (therefore decreasing fever)
- regulation of the immune system
- promotion of the circulation
- regulation of hormone levels
However, there is still no definitive western scientific explanation
for how acupuncture works. There are several theories, such as:
The 'circulatory' theory - acupuncture causes constriction and
dilatation of blood vessels, perhaps by causing the body to release vasodilators
(such as histamine)
The 'augmentation of immunity' theory - in a way still to be
determined, acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones,
prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall
antibody levels and these may mediate it's effects.
The'neurotransmitter' theory - acupuncture somehow affects the
levels of neurotransmitters such as noradrenalin and serotonin and so the
nervous system mediates acupuncture's effects.
The 'endorphin' theory - acupuncture stimulates the body's secretion
of endorphins (and enkaphalins specifically) which provide pain relief.
'Gate control' theory - this is a theory of how acupuncture may
produce it's pain-relieving effects. Pain signals travel from an injured
body part up the spinal cord to the brain. While travelling up the spinal
cord they are regulated, and this regulation happens at the 'gate'. If the
gate is stimulated too much it becomes overwhelmed and will close, not permitting
any further impulses to travel past it up the spinal cord to reach the brain
and be interpreted as pain. Signals generated during acupuncture travel
to these gates and close them, therefore stopping pain signals from reaching
the brain. Since pain signals need to be processed and interpreted in the
brain before pain can be consciously perceived, if the gate is closed and
signals are not reaching the brain pain is not felt. This theory also explains
how acupuncture can reverse some forms of paralysis, by opening gates which
have become 'stuck' closed, therefore 'resetting' the system. However, this
theory is controversial is now not thought to adequately explain acupuncture's
pain-relieving effects.
It is most likely that the true mechanism of action of acupuncture is
a combination of elements of several theories.
What conditions may benefit?
Acupuncture can effectively help a wide variety of problems from arthritis
and skin allergies to respiratory and heart conditions. Infections, allergies,
degenerative disorders and many others can be improved with a good combination
of acupuncture and the best of conventional western medicine. Acupuncture
is of particular use in treating chronic painful conditions (for example
in older animals). Here it can be used either to supplement conventional
medicine or where conventional treatment is proving inadequate to control
the symptoms or pain seen.
In some cases where conventional medicine is unsuccessful, a patient
may be treated successfully with acupuncture (possibly with Chinese herbs)
alone. However, in many conditions the best results are achieved with a
combination of acupuncture and conventional medicine. Use of acupuncture
may allow a reduced dose of a conventional drug to be used (therefore reducing
side effects), alleviate side effects (for example nausea produced by chemotherapy
for cancer) and produce a faster improvement than conventional drugs alone.
Acupuncture is beneficial in the first 48 hours after surgery (especially
orthopaedic surgery) and subsequently to reduce pain and inflammation and
stimulate healing.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can also be beneficial in behavioural
problems. Chinese herbs may be used alone in patients who will not tolerate
acupuncture due to behavioural issues.
Examples of conditions where acupuncture may be beneficial:
Musculoskeletal problems
- unexplained lameness or residual lameness
after trauma, especially if painkillers are ineffective or
cannot be used
- hip dysplasia
- arthritis or rheumatism
- acute or chronic back pain / sacral
problems / spinal disorders
- muscle problems eg myositis
- ligament problems eg incomplete cruciate
tears
- tendon problems eg tendinitis, repetitive
strain injuries in working dogs, acute musculotendinous strains
- chronic lameness, including lameness
of unknown origin
- navicular disease
- azoturia ('tying up')
- laminitis
- Wobbler syndrome
- jaw pain in horses (causing symptoms
such as head shaking and teeth grinding)
A study of acupuncture was performed with 65 arthritic dogs who were
no longer responding to conventional medicine to control their pain. The
only options left for these dogs using conventional medicine were a life
of pain or euthanasia. After acupuncture treatment, 70% of these dogs had
an improvement of greater than 50% in mobility and gait (Schoen).
A study of 15 racing/eventing horses treated with acupuncture needles
for chronic back pain found that 13 had alleviation of their pain such
that they could perform normally and compete (Kilde & Martin). A study
of wobblers found a 90% response rate when treatment started before pronouced
articular degeneration (Jeffries & Cain). Both acute and chronic laminitis
can benefit with success rates of up to 90% (Kilde & Kung).
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be particularly beneficial in performance
horses, both for these problems and also in prevention of disease and for
general performance enhancement. It can be used to aid recovery after stressful
events such as travelling long distances or strenuous competition.
Respiratory conditions
- bronchitis
- kennel cough
- chronic coughing unresponsive to treatment
- chronic nasal discharge unresponsive
to treatment
- chronic sneezing or nasal discharge
in cats
- feline asthma
- chronic cat flu
- chronic obstructive lung disease
- allergies
- general respiratory infections
- nasal bleeding / EIPH in horses
Neurological conditions
- spinal disc disease
- epilepsy
- trauma such as head injury and spinal
cord damage, coma
- meningitis
- fibrocartilaginous embolism (blockage
of blood to the spinal cord)
- lumbosacral disease (compression of
lumbar nerves)
- spondylomyelopathy (wobbler syndrome)
- neuropathies
- vestibular syndromes
- facial paralysis
- neurogenic deafness
Cardiovascular diseases
- high blood pressure
- cardiac dysrhythmias
- heart failure
- disease of the heart valves
Studies of a particular acupuncture point in humans with dilated cardiomyopathy
(a type of heart failure) showed that the output of the heart increased
on stimulation of the point, so improving heart function (Chen and Li).
Gastrointestinal problems
- inflammatory bowel disease
- megacolon
- persistent diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation
- disorders of the biliary system
- megaoesophagus
- non-surgical colic (if surgical, surgery
must be performed as soon as possible or the condition may
be fatal)
- gastro-duodenal ulceration
- proximal enteritis
- rectal prolapse
Horses with colic must always be examined by a competent equine vet
as soon as possible to ensure rapid surgery is performed if indicated.
Gastrointestinal problems can also be alleviated by acupuncture and
Chinese herbs. Research has shown that acupuncture can regulate gastrointestinal
motility, decrease vomiting, resolve diarrhoea and decrease abdominal pain.
Skin conditions
- pyoderma
- ear infections
- psychogenic skin problems and self-trauma
such as lick granulomas
- acne
- immune-mediated skin problems
- allergies
- non-healing wounds
- urticaria
Eye conditions
- corneal ulcers
- cataracts
- recurrent uveitis in horses
Urinary problems
- infections such as cystitis
- kidney disease
- incontinence
Reproductive disorders
- false pregnancy
- problems after giving birth
- ovarian dysfunction
- incontinence in bitches
- infertility
- anoestrus
- irregular cycles in mares
- cystic ovaries
- excessive behaviour of mares in season
- uterine infection
- insufficient lactation
Immunological problems
- feline immunodeficiency virus infection
- gingivitis and pharygitis in cats (gum
disease)
- inflammatory bowel disease
- feline asthma
- immune-mediated joint disease
- degenerative myelopathy
- autoimmune anaemia
- blood clotting disorders
- immune deficiency / suppression
Hormonal (endocrine) problems
- diabetes
- hyperadrencorticism (Cushing's disease)
- hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease)
- hyperthyroidism
- hypothyroidism
Chinese herbs can consistently relieve symptoms and improve hormonal
levels in Cushing's disease without the use of drugs (Marsden).
Behavioural problems
- aggression
- headshaking in horses (some forms)
- fearfulness
- pacing and insomnia at night
- household destruction or soiling
Since acupuncture considers the whole animal, emotional and behavioural
problems can respond to acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs. Often an imbalance
from a Chinese point of view will be found where there is no conventional
medical problem. In these cases acupuncture and herbs may therefore benefit
the mental problem. Once the Chinese imbalance is resolved the behavioural
problem will resolve. Working animals such as horses or working dogs will
generally work and perform to a higher level as well as becoming easier
to manage. For patients who do not tolerate acupuncture due to behavioural
problems such as aggression, Chinese herbs may be used alone to good effect.
It must be realised that acupuncture cannot be used to modify behaviour
which is normal for the animal but inconvenient to it's owners. This would
include behaviours such as sexual behaviours (interest in females in season,
escaping to chase females) shown by non-castrated male animals. If this
is a problem, castration is the option most likely to produce the desired
results.
Many other problems can also benefit from acupuncture and Chinese herbs,
for more information please contact us. Although acupuncture and Chinese
herbs can be beneficial in many conditions, each case must be examined and
treated as an individual and as with any form of medicine, results cannot
be guaranteed. For more information please contact us.
How is acupuncture done on animals?
Acupuncture on animals is done using sterilised single-use needles.
These are only 0.18-0.25mm wide. It is rarely painful and over 95% of patients
are comfortable with acupuncture. Humans receiving acupuncture generally
report that they feel a sensation of warming, tingling, numbness or heaviness
and not pain. With their owner/handler to comfort and reassure, the vast majority
of animals relax and tolerate acupuncture very well. Treatment in the patient's
own home/yard rather than in a veterinary surgery is also very helpful in
reducing fear of treatment and the vet! Often the patient will become quite
sleepy due to the pain-relieving transmitters released in the brain during
acupuncture and many sleep deeply after treatment.
Generally 6-8 treatments are given at weekly intervals, and at least
6 treatments should be given to judge the effectiveness in a particular
patient. After the initial course of treatments regular follow-ups may be
required to maintain the effect. These are usually given at 4 week to 6
month intervals depending on the patient. Acute conditions may benefit from
only 2-4 treatments and generally respond more quickly.
Acupuncture is very safe when conducted by a qualified practitioner.
In the UK only qualified veterinary surgeons may administer acupuncture.
Proceedures related to acupuncture
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves the burning of dried herb called Moxa (mugwort)
and allows specific acupuncture points to be warmed. This warms the body
and helps energy and blood to move and circulate well. It is therefore most
useful when the body is cold and is not used if there is a fever. Moxibustion
pre-dates acupuncture but it is now most commonly used in conjunction with
needle acupuncture to produce effects in addition to warming.
Research has shown that moxibustion affects levels of neurotransmitters
and that it is most efficacous when used on consectutive days on peripheral
areas (Fukuda et al). Studies on rats have shown that moxibustion on acupuncture
points can prevent gastric ulceration by a corrosive substance placed in
the stomach (Freire et al).
The most common way to use moxibustion in small pet animals is to set
light to a 'stick' of compressed herb. The stick will smoulder and give
off heat/ It is held a few centimeters away from the skin and moved between
different acupuncture points. Most animals enjoy the warming sensation provided
by the use of moxa. Moxa sticks can be prescribed for use by the owner at
home between acupuncture sessions as a 'top-up' to help maintain the effects
of acupuncture. In horses, the stick may be cut into small slices which are
therefore shaped like small discs. Once acupuncture needles are in position
in the back, a slice is placed on the protruding end of the needle and set
light to. As it smoulders the heat it produces will penetrate along the needle
and allow for deep warming. This is very beneficial for chronic back problems.
Between treatments the owner can use a whole stick to indirectly heat the
skin in the way described above for small animals.
Mugwort is regarded as a sacred herb in both North and South American
cultures and was also used for centuries in Europe to ward off evil.
Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture allows very small electrical impulses to be generated
through acupuncture needles. It is generally used to provide pain relief,
both of existing pain and also as a preventative. It is so successful that
surgery may be performed in China with only electroacupuncture providing
pain relief. In animals it is most commonly used for musculoskeletal problems
(especially back problems) and pain.
Aquapuncture
This involves injection of a small amount of vitamin solution at an
acupuncture point. This results in prolonged stimulation of the point.
It is useful for example in small exotics or aggressive animals as the injection
can be quickly given without the need to keep acupuncture needles in place.
Lasers and photonic therapy
Lasers and infra-red light can be used to stimulate acupuncture points.
Photonic therapy involves use of a non-heating, low level laser held against
the skin for a few seconds at each point. It is non-invasive and therefore
completely pain-free and sterile. It may be combined with needle acupuncture
to allow a wider range of points to be treated. This type of laser has
been shown to have effects at the cellular level via infra-red light waves.
As it is not heating and low level it does not damage the eyes or the skin.
Research has shown that this type of laser has beneficial effects on wound
healing and stimulating cell growth as well as it's use in stimulating acupuncture
points.
Since laser and photon stimulation are not painful they may be especially
useful in aggressive or nervous patients who will not tolerate acupuncture.
It is also very useful in very small patients such as rabbits, mice and
rats and small birds. In these species there is an increased potential for
needles to cause damage since vital structures such as nerves, blood vessels
and joints are very close together and it may be difficult to adequately restrain
these small animals to ensure accurate needle placement.
Copyright © 2007 Lone Star Veterinary Acupuncture.
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