Veterinary Acupuncture in Lenexa, KS
Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy that helps relieve pain and support healing in dogs, cats and exotic pets. At Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center in Lenexa, KS, our veterinarians offer acupuncture and aquapuncture as part of an integrative treatment plan for arthritis, back pain, digestive problems, skin conditions and much more.
What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body that can alter various biochemical and physiological conditions to produce a healing effect. Veterinary acupuncture has been used to treat animals in China for nearly 4,000 years, and in North America it has been used for decades in both domestic and exotic animals. Acupuncture is one of many therapies our veterinarians may use as part of your pet’s integrative treatment plan. We also offer aquapuncture, in which a small amount of sterile liquid, such as vitamin B12, is injected at acupuncture points for prolonged stimulation.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Ancient Chinese medical philosophy holds that disease results from an imbalance of energy in the body, and acupuncture is believed to restore that balance and help the body heal. In Western terms, acupuncture supports the body’s efforts to heal itself by causing measurable physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can:
- Stimulate nerves
- Increase blood circulation
- Relieve muscle spasms
- Release hormones such as endorphins, the body’s natural pain-control chemicals, and cortisol, a natural steroid
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is often combined with herbal medicine.
Conditions Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture has therapeutic effects in a wide variety of animal diseases. Pain relief is one of its most important uses, but its applications are much broader. Examples include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis and intervertebral disc disease
- Gastrointestinal disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease
- Respiratory problems
- Urinary disorders
- Dermatological problems such as allergies
- Recovery after injury or surgery
How Long Do Treatments Last, and How Often Are They Needed?
The length and frequency of treatment depend on your pet’s condition. Stimulation of an individual point may last as little as 10 seconds or as long as 20 minutes. Acute problems generally require fewer, shorter treatments than chronic ones. For example, an acute sprain may need only one treatment, while severe or chronic conditions often require a series. In chronic cases, a positive response is usually seen after the first to third treatment. Once the best response is achieved, treatments are tapered so that the longest possible symptom-free time passes between sessions.
What to Expect During a Session
Acupuncture needles are very fine, and most pets tolerate treatment well. Many become relaxed or even fall asleep during sessions. Acupuncture can be combined with laser therapy, veterinary medical manipulation and conventional pain management for even greater benefit. Learn about our other alternative therapies.
Pet Acupuncture FAQs
Does acupuncture hurt my pet?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and most pets feel little or no discomfort. Many pets relax and even fall asleep during treatment.
What conditions can acupuncture treat in pets?
Acupuncture can help musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, disc disease, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary and skin disorders, and recovery after injury or surgery.
How many acupuncture treatments will my pet need?
Acute problems may need only one treatment, while chronic conditions often require a series. Many pets show improvement within the first one to three sessions.
What is aquapuncture?
Aquapuncture is the injection of a small amount of sterile liquid, such as vitamin B12, at acupuncture points to provide longer-lasting stimulation.
Can acupuncture be combined with medications?
Yes. Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional medications and may help reduce the amount of medication some pets need.
Can exotic pets receive acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture has been used for decades in both domestic and exotic animals.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by a trained veterinarian, acupuncture is very safe with minimal side effects.
Schedule an Acupuncture Consultation
Discover how acupuncture can help your pet feel better. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.