Therapeutic Modality – Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the therapeutic modality most known from Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Occident. Its acknowledgement as a complement to the eastern medicine led to a great development in research and to a better comprehension on its mechanisms and actions.

The veterinary acupuncture has its beginning parallel to human, in China, between 2000 and 3000 BC. This therapy consists in the insertion of some specific needles in selected areas of the body with the aim of mobilizing and circulating the energy harmonizing and strengthening the organism.

In the eastern cultures, the acupuncture got a lot of credibility especially for its effect on pain relief. This is the reason for all the research regarding the release of opioids and the analgesic effect of acupuncture. Besides that, it was noticed an increasing in the endorphin concentration and higher serotonin levels in the liquor after each section, what explain the well-being sensation expressed by the patients.

However acupuncture is not only responsible for the suppression of pain. It induces multiple biologic responses, such as an increase of the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones by the activation of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, stimulating the immune system and enhancing the blood circulation.

It is worth stressing that this therapy works better as a preventive treatment and alike other therapeutic modalities, it will not cure irreversible tissue damage, therefore, being indicated to the treatment of diseases as osteoarthritis, hip displasia, spinal cord injuries with paresis or paralysis, and so forth.

The treatment duration depends on the disease, age of the patient and the individual healing ability. It usually lasts between 1 to 3 months with weekly appointments in the beginning and further maintenance on quarterly or semiannual basis.