EQUIPMENT & METHODS

Traditionally acupuncture involved the use of acupuncture needles. The needles are sterilised singe-use thin stainless steel needles. The needles are rounded at the tip and do not have a cutting edge unlike those used for injections. They separate the muscles rather than cutting them and are generally very well accepted. There is occasionally a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin. The acupuncturist then feels for the “De Qi” sensation which is a feeling of resistance at the tip of the needle. In general the needles loosen up towards the end of the treatment and may fall out. The needles are usually kept in place for 20 minutes.

 Short needles are used to prevent accidental removal when the animal moves. Most animals are lying down during the treatment with minimal restraint. Once the needles are in place most animals relax, often falling asleep. The first needle placed is at GV20 which is at the top of the head and has a sedative effect. After a treatment many patients go home and have a very deep sleep, which is an important part of the healing process.

DRY NEEDLE ACUPUNCTURE

LASER ACUPUNCTURE

Laser Acupuncture involves the use of a low intensity laser applied to the skin covering acupuncture points. The wavelength is 650 nm which is in the visible light range. Other lasers that may be used are in the infra red range and are also low intensity. The action of the Laser applied to Acupuncture points is similar to that of needles, especially at superficial points. Needles are generally left in place for between 5-20 minutes, however this intensity (25 mW) Laser acupuncture only needs around 1 minute per point. It is particularly useful at superficial points, in areas that may be painful to needle such as on the feet and in animals which are needle sensitive/phobic. It is also very useful in cats as they may resent being held in one place for too long.

Aquapuncture involves the injection of liquids at acupuncture points. These liquids may be homotoxicological products such as of the “Heel” brand. These are multiple homeopathic preparations suspended in combination designed for particular diseases. Other liquids used are liquid vitamins or sterile saline.

Aquapuncture is often used to prolong the effects of acupuncture following a dry needling treatment, especially in chronic diseases.

Electro acupuncture is the passing of electrical current through acupuncture points. In general the clips are attached to acupuncture needles in place on acupuncture points. Electro stimulation can produce a higher and more continuos level of stimulation than dry needling alone. It may be used in surgical analgesia. It can be useful in paralysed animals and as an adjunct to dry needling in chronic diseases.

 This unit also has an acupuncture point locator. As acupuncture points have lowered electrical resistance compared to surrounding skin the current passes through that point more quickly. When the point locator is on an acupuncture point it sounds a high pitched sound. This is particularly useful in humans with less hair than animals.

Moxibustion is the heating of acupuncture points through the  burning of a herb above the skin covering the  acupuncture point. The herb that is used is Mugwort or Artemisia vulgaris. It is rolled into sticks like cigars which burn very slowly. The smell is somewhat similar to marihuana and is therefore generally unacceptable in the veterinary clinic setting. There are smokeless rolls available, although they do not always burn so well.

Moxibustion is ideal for home therapy to enhance the effects of dry needle acupuncture. It is generally well accepted by animals.