Acupuncture for Animals

[Photo Credit]

"Acupuncture has been used on animals for over 4000 years. Legend has it that veterinary acupuncture was discovered when lame horses used in battle were found to become sound after being hit by arrows at distinct points. In any event, there is evidence that Chinese "horse priests", the caretakers of the army's horses, practiced acupuncture during the Zang and Chow Dynasties around 2000-3000 BC. Numerous texts on veterinary acupuncture and old engravings of cows and horses, on which acupuncture points have been marked, are dated back to as early as 221 BC. During the Zhou dynasty (1122-770 BC), veterinary acupuncture was designated as a separate branch of traditional Chinese medicine.

The study of veterinary acupuncture had reached Europe by the 17th century. It gained popularity in the United States during the Nixon era with a special symposium entitled, Acupuncture for the Veterinarian held in the United States in 1974." [Information Credit]

My sister, the dog lover, fosters several dogs. About this time last year, she picked up a 9-month-old dachshund mix named Frank. Frank has been battling a skin condition since his rescue and he has some digestive issues. Frank has been from vet to vet getting shots, medications, and biopsies to try and figure out what is causing his symptoms. For the last two to three months, Frank has been getting regular acupuncture treatments along with his allopathic treatments. Since his acupuncture treatments began (along with Chinese herbal treatments), his skin has been breaking and bleeding less, he has some hair growth in his formerly bald areas, and his digestion has become more stable. 

Of course, veterinary medicine can be exceedingly difficult since animals can't tell us exactly what symptoms they're having. This is where Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can be very useful. The diagnostic tools in the acupuncture vet's tool bag are different than those of a regular vet. 

If your pet suffers from issues that are being treated with regular veterinary medicine, consider finding a vet that also practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It might just be the treatment that your best bud needs.