Veterinary acupuncture has been used to treat animals in China for nearly 4000 years.In North America it has been used for decades in both large and small animal. Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies a veterinarian may use to treat animals. Simply stated, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect. It is a means of helping the body heal itself. Acupuncture is not a cure-all, but where indicated it works well when used alone, or in combination with traditional veterinary medicine.

Ancient Chinese medical philosophy believes that disease is a result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy, and thereby assist the body in healing disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body’s efforts to heal itself by causing certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, and relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control) or cortisol (a natural steroid).