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Pet acupuncture gaining wider
acceptance
May 10, 2007
I have heard from readers who want to share thoughts about acupuncture
for animals and their positive experiences with this alternative form of
medicine.
Initially skeptical about the treatment, Jay relayed the story of his
9-year-old dog, Mickey.
"She had sustained a leg injury as a puppy and was limping badly, to the
point of my having to carry her back to the car on some walks in the
park," Jay said. "Mickey has responded well enough now that she no
longer has to be carried back and barely shows a limp during her walks."
Acupuncture for animals is not unlike acupuncture for humans in that it
uses the ancient Chinese approach of inserting thin, sterile,
stainless-steel needles into precise points and depths of skin to affect
certain physiological changes, primarily through stimulation of the
central nervous system.
Dr. Cynthia Benbow, a licensed veterinarian in the New Orleans area,
uses her knowledge of Western medicine combined with traditional Eastern
medicine to help both large and small animals. She points out that
acupuncture can be helpful for any medical condition or residual side
effect -- such as chemotherapy -- that often "decreases an animal's
quality of life."
Programs that study the science of acupuncture have demonstrated that
the technique can release endorphins, one of the body's pain-control
chemicals, and cortisol, a natural steroid.
Common ailments for which owners seek pet-acupuncture treatment include
arthritis or nervous-system problems, skin problems, gastrointestinal
conditions, or pain-associated side effects that stem from cancer
treatment or other types of medical treatments. Acupuncture often is
used adjunctly with medication, surgery or post-operative treatments.
Acupuncture for animals is becoming more mainstream in the veterinary
field, and many universities are beginning to offer courses in this
field as part of their Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine
programs.
Even the American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledges its
benefits.
It's important to note that any practitioner of the field will point out
that the treatment should only be done by a licensed veterinary
professional who is accredited and certified in the field of acupuncture
treatment.
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society is one of the most
well-known accreditation programs, but others, such as Colorado State
University's Academy of Veterinary Medical Acupuncture, have
well-established accreditation programs that incorporate large doses of
scientific study.
Benbow believes that bringing science into the equation combines the
best of both worlds -- East and West.
It's a point well taken for the many pet owners who have seen their
pets' quality of life improved through the benefits of acupuncture.
- Gloria
Dauphin
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