Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the most powerful and longstanding forms of natural medicine. It is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for over twenty-three centuries. The World Health Organization recognises a number of disorders that have been successfully treated by Acupuncture. These include conditions of the digestive system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, neurological conditions, psychological disorders, urogenital system, gynaecological system, musculoskeletal system and athletic injuries.
A practitioner will insert fine stainless steel needles into mapped out ‘acupuncture points’ on the animal’s body. This is generally painless and animals find it quite relaxing and therapeutic and will nod off into a very relaxed state. Each of these Acu-points has a specific action in the body, which helps to regulate or increase the energy (Qi) which flows through meridians or channels. The Chinese believe that a disruption to the flow of energy in the body leads to pain and disease.
Acupuncture can also be understood in Western terms. For example the concept of meridians or energy channels in Acupuncture has recently been likened to the nerve courses, which we now recognise in Western Neuro-anatomy. There are several studies and theories aiming to prove just how Acupuncture works in the body. These include it’s ability to release endorphins, block pain responses in the spinal cord using the peripheral nerves in a theory called the ‘Gate control Method’ and encourage blood flow to the area being treated which helps to flush toxins and bring about healing.