Acupuncture has been used as a treatment modality for animals in China for thousands of years, and it is constantly evolving in both eastern and western medicine. In general, western medicine focuses on the control of specific ailments and disease processes, while Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine recognizes disease as an imbalance of the whole body. Acupuncturists see the body as an energetic structure and focus on removing energy blockages to both treat and prevent disease or imbalance.
Albert Einstein’s equation E=mc^2 shows us that there is a relationship between mass and energy, and under the right conditions, energy can become mass and mass can become energy. Our goal as acupuncturists is to affect the energy before disease sets in and becomes structural, or mass. If a problem is already established, then we try to rebalance the energy of the body in order to bring as much normal flow as possible. Acupuncturists do this by manipulating specific points along energy pathways called meridians.
We know from a western medicine standpoint that the acupuncture points are specific foci of increased electrical conductivity. They have a higher number of free nerve endings, certain types of cells, blood vessels and lymphatics. When we stimulate an acupoint we cause a complex cascade of local chemical, neuro chemical and hormonal changes. Along with the anti-inflammatory and pain- relieving effects of these substances, acupuncture has been shown to cause pain relief through a mechanism called the “gate theory.” The gait theory suggests that the non-painful stimulus causes a rapid transmission to the brain activating inhibitory neurons that close “the gate” before the slower pain impulses can arrive.
Acupuncture can be used for acute conditions, chronic diseases and for keeping the body in optimal condition to help prevent disease. It has been shown to have a stronger influence on certain diseases vs others and works best if used early on. If you would like to enhance your current care plan, or if you just want to get your pet on the road to better health and a better quality of life then give Dr. Viano a call for an in home acupuncture appointment.
If you have any questions about acupuncture please contact us today at (845) 244-1160.