WELLNESS AUTHOR
Debbie Kung, DAOM, LAc
ACUPUNCTURE AND YOUR PET n It can be as beneficial for our pets as it is for us.
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ur pets are our best friends, loving companions, family and fur angels. And, like humans, they can get sick and suffer from similar ailments, too. Chinese Medicine is as great for pets as it is for humans. Animals also have Qi (energy life force) that runs through their bodies, just as humans do. Incorporating acupuncture and herbal remedies into a pet’s life can be beneficial for post-surgical recovery, aging issues (such as arthritis) and anxiety. On pets, acupuncture treatment can help ease pain, strengthen joints and ensure a high quality of life. Acupuncture on pets can have a plethora of therapeutic effects on a wide variety of animal conditions:
MARCH 2021
• Musculoskeletal/neurological: acute or chronic pain, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease • Dermatological: lick granulomas, allergies, chronic skin disorders • Respiratory: asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, chronic cough • Gastrointestinal: inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, vomiting • Urinary: chronic renal failure, cystitis, incontinence • Autoimmune diseases, cancer,
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reproductive, behavioral, geriatric issues, etc.
Pet Acupuncture FAQ How does acupuncture work? Acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (the body’s own pain modulator) and cortisol (a natural steroid).