ACUPUNCTURE FAQ

Medical acupuncture is the science of inserting small needles in peripheral points on the body, which correspond to nerves and blood vessels, to manipulate the body’s natural healing and pain management pathways.  

Medical acupuncture has its origins in the millennia-old system of palpation and observation that ancient Chinese people used for healing.

Medical acupuncture uses a different framework of understanding than is commonly used within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but we are ultimately needling the same points and channels as TCM practitioners.

Acupuncture allows minimally invasive modulation and stimulation of the body’s own healing and pain control mechanisms.  Technically this is called "neuromodulation".  It can help to take the body out of a "fight or flight" state and into a "rest and digest". 

It can be considered either a first line or adjunctive treatment for many diseases, particularly since surgery, medication and other treatments may have side effects that are difficult to manage.  The side effects of acupuncture are minimal and rare.

Yes! There is actually a large body of scientific research about the mechanisms of acupuncture and how they work to create change within the nervous system.  Additionally, it is now known through modern imaging techniques, such as MRI, that the majority of ancient acupuncture points correspond exactly to anatomic locations of major nerves and blood vessels. 

Great question - let’s geek out for a minute! 

Our nervous system is how we sense and respond to the world.  It includes nerves throughout our extremities, inside our internal organs, in our blood vessels (nervi vasorum), as well as in our spinal cord and brain.  Ultimately, the entire nervous system is connected, and is also connected to every organ in the body.  You can think of it like a tree with roots (the brain), a trunk (the spinal cord), and branches (peripheral nerves).  Acupuncture works by stimulating both cells and nerves, telling them to send cell signals to each other and to relay signals to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).  

Acupuncture has three areas of effect: local tissue, spinal cord and brain.   One fascinating molecular effect of acupuncture is that it releases the body’s own pain management molecules (endorphins).  Another well-documented mechanism is stimulation of collagen-making cells (fibroblasts).  We also have evidence that acupuncture activates natural inhibitory pain pathways from the brain, and it can stimulate the immune system to clean up areas of damaged tissue. 

Because of the nervous system connections, acupuncture can have amazing whole-body effects, and even effects on the brain and organs distant from the needle insertion. 

You can learn more about the science of acupuncture on our Resources Page.  

Any patient with a chronic disease is considered a candidate for treatment with acupuncture!

Having said that, some common conditions treated include:  

-Osteoarthritis 

-Stiffness/lameness/limping

-Trauma or old injury

-Muscle atrophy

-Nerve paralysis

-Cancer pain

-Intervertebral disk disease (herniated disks) or IVDD

-Lick granuloma

-Allergies

-Kidney disease

-Digestive disorders

YES!   They tolerate acupuncture well and can benefit greatly. Around 80% of cats over the age of 9 will be suffering quietly from osteoarthritis somewhere in their bodies.  Additionally, older cats may develop chronic kidney disease.  Both arthritis and kidney disease are two common ailments that can be treated with acupuncture. 

Dr. Julie is comfortable with many domestic and exotic species, provided they can be handled safely by their caregivers.  She is also comfortable with wildlife and zoo species.  At this time, she does not treat horses.  Please email us if you have a specific species you are interesting in having treated. 

Many pet insurances cover integrative care.  We are happy to provide you with an invoice or fill out your pet insurance's paperwork in order to get your visit covered.  Please check with your insurance provider regarding whether or not they cover acupuncture and laser treatment.