Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture

What is acupuncture and how does it work? Acupuncture-needling consists of inserting sterile acupuncture needles in certain spots of the body associated with nerve and blood flow pathways. Needling specific points leads to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemical mediators can change the perception of pain and lead to release of other chemical mediators that influence organ function. This improved “chemical communication” stimulates healing. What happens during an acupuncture session? Needles are placed and typically left in for about 20 minutes. Most pets adapt well to therapy and often will relax during their session and sometimes even fall asleep! Acupuncture therapy is meant to be a calm time. Most acupuncture therapy sessions will also be followed up with some gentle massage which pets often enjoy. What medical issues is acupuncture good for? There is good evidence that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, skin, reproductive, neurologic, behavioral disorders, as well as for stress. In cancer patients, acupuncture can be extremely effective for the alleviation of pain, fatigue, treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, inappetence, and improving the quality of life.

Laser Therapy

  • Low-level laser (LLL) therapy works by using light energy targeted in a particular area of concern. The energy produced by the laser enters the body and is absorbed by cells called chromophores. The activity that occurs at a cellular level when cells absorb light energy causes a cascade of events that promotes healing and decreases inflammation.
  • The major effects of LLL include:
  • 1) promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) which provides increased oxygenation and blood supply to the target tissue 2) increasing cellular proliferation and growth, which aids in healing
  • 3) promoting release of immune-mediating molecules which aids in healing and decreases inflammation