Acupuncture
Dr. Maia Broussard is currently Durham’s only Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She received training during 2009 and 2010, and completed her certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in the spring of 2010. Since that time she has been thrilled to add veterinary acupuncture to her toolbox for helping animals. We have had many pleased patients and clients! Because of her interest in pain management and rehabilitation, most of her patients have been pets with chronic pain and neurologic or orthopedic issues. However, as you can read below in the FAQs, acupuncture can be useful for many other problems. If your pet suffers from chronic discomfort or disability, or if you are interested in alternative therapies for problems such as kidney dysfunction, gastrointestinal upset, allergies, etc., please call for further information.
FAQs
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient medical modality with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Veterinary application of acupuncture is at least 3000yrs old. The modern practice of acupuncture involves the stimulation of precise anatomical locations (acupoints), most often with needles. Stimulation may also be accomplished with injections, electricity, and laser or infrared light.
How does acupuncture work?
Most acupoints are located along nerves or blood vessels, and have distinctive histological and electrical characteristics. There are two main schools of thought regarding the mechanisms by which acupuncture works. Scientifically, and from a Western viewpoint, acupuncture has been demonstrated to affect physiologic changes such as nerve stimulation, neuron regrowth, improved blood circulation, relief of muscle spasm, and the release of endogenous chemicals such as neurochemicals and hormones. Thus we can stimulate healing, regulate bodily functions and moderate pain and inflammation. A simplified explanation of the more traditional, Eastern perspective on acupuncture is that disease is the result of imbalance. By treating acupoints we can modulate the flow of Qi, or vital energy, and other bodily “substances”. When normal flow of energy and internal balance is restored, the body heals itself.
What conditions can be treated?
Perhaps the most dramatic demonstration of acupuncture’s efficacy is acupuncture analgesia used alone in China for human surgeries. Unfortunately, “acupuncture anesthesia” is impractical in the veterinary field, as our patients cannot be asked to hold completely still, or regulate their breathing. However, acupoints can be used to improve the anesthetic experience, and decrease doses (and side effects) of anesthetic drugs. The analgesic effects of acupuncture are also frequently used in the treatment of orthopedic and back pain. In general, acupuncture is quite effective as sole therapy or in conjunction with Western treatments or herbal therapy for musculoskeletal conditions like soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and back problems. It is also used frequently for acute gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea, skin problems like lick granuloma and ear inflammation, respiratory issues like asthma or coughing, and metabolic or organ dysfunctions. It is important to understand when acupuncture is the best primary or adjuvant therapy, and when other modalities, such as surgery or antibiotics, are needed. For this (and for legal!) reason, only veterinarians are permitted to perform acupuncture on animals, and it is strongly recommended that veterinarians performing acupuncture have advanced formal training and certification.
Is acupuncture safe?
When properly administered by a trained professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. One reason for this is that acupuncture tends to bring abnormalities back into balance (i.e. can normalize either diarrhea or constipation). Side effects are rare, although some animals may act lethargic for up to 24hrs, or the treated condition may worsen for a couple of days. As with any treatment, treatment may not always be successful.
Is it painful?
Modern acupuncture needles used on small animals are virtually painless. They are solid, extremely fine, flexible, and do not have a cutting edge. Depending on your pet’s sensitivity and the point treated, there may be some irritation as the needle passes through the skin. Once in place, many patients will become relaxed. Nonetheless, I can tell you from personal experience that there may be localized or referred sensations such as tingling, warmth, cramping or numbness.
What is the usual course of acupuncture treatment?
Length and frequency of treatment will depend on the patient, the condition, and the method of treatment chosen. Treatment of a single point may take 10sec or 30min, and multiple points may be treated at once. For emergencies, treatments may be given several times a day. Sometimes a single treatment will affect a cure. For chronic problems, maintenance treatments may be given a few times a year. For most conditions, expect a 20-60min appointment, returning once or twice weekly for 4-8 treatments. It is important to plan on at least 6 treatments before evaluating efficacy.
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