Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the technique of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, with the aim of relieving pain for theraputic purposes. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that in healthy individuals there is a circulation of energy or 'chi' along well defined channels on the surface of the body. These channels are called meridians. The meridians are connected with internal organs, muscular and joint structures and the nervous system. In illness, the energy flow is interrupted, and the application of the needles removes this interruption, allowing normal flow of energy and a return to health.

The western view of acupuncture is that the needles have an effect on nerve fibres near the surface of the body, 'switching off' nerve fibres which produce chronic pain perception and releasing endorphins (pain killing substances produced by the body) into the blood stream. 'Trigger Points' which are painful areas in the muscles that are often related to underlying problems with the joints can also be removed by the application of acupuncture needles directly into the trigger points.

The needling is usually well tolerated by animal patients, as the needles are so fine that penetration of the skin is almost painless. In some patients electrical stimulation can be applied to the needles (electroacupuncture) to increase the theraputic effect. It is very useful in the treatment of arthritis, hip dysplasia, back pain and weakness, and in acral lick granuloma.