What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points of the body in order to create a desired healing effect. Acupuncture has been one of the primary methods of medicine used on people and animals in China and other parts of the world for over 3,000 years.
How does it work?
Chinese medicine considers local symptoms to be an expression of the state of the ENTIRE body. When the body is out of balance or in disharmony, disease can develop. Acupuncture treatments are aimed at restoring balance and helping the body heal itself.
The body's invisible energy pathways are called meridians. These meridians travel throughout the entire body. Over 2,000 acupuncture points are located on these meridians. Therefore, by stimulating an acupuncture point, one can effect the many different structures along these pathways.
Acupuncture Modalities
The method of acupuncture will vary depending on the patient, points used and the desired effect. Chinese acupuncture needles are very thin needles. Other modalities include moxibustion, aqua puncture (injecting a solution into a point), gold bead implants, electro-acupuncture and lasers.
Treatment Schedule
Every patient and condition is different. Generally, a patient needs 3 to 8 treatments initially. These are usually given once or twice a week. Improvement is usually seen within 4 treatments. Sessions are tapered off as a stable improvement is seen. Some chronic conditions will require "tune-ups" to keep them at their desired level of function.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
The insertion of the needle is generally not painful. A mild tingling feeling or numbness may occur after the needle is placed. Animals are often relaxed during or after a treatment. Animals are not sedated for the treatment and generally rest quietly.
Dr. Strickfaden was certified by I.V.A.S. (the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) in 1995 and currently utilizes acupuncture techniques regularly on her patients.
