How to Perform Avian Acupuncture

Avian acupuncture, or the practice of applying acupuncture techniques to birds, has a long and rich tradition as old as many other traditional Chinese medicinal techniques. It has been used for many years in the West with much success. Birds have simple organ systems that allow them to respond quickly and effectively to treatment making them ideal candidates for acupuncture techniques.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Visit your veterinarian if your bird is sick. Discuss treatment options with your vet and ask if she practices acupuncture on patients. If not, get a referral for an avian acupuncture practitioner.
2. Learn about the illness in birds that respond well to acupuncture. Some of the more common problems that are treatable with acupuncture include psychological problems such as feather plucking and epilepsy, chronic infections such as sinusitis, reproductive illnesses such as chronic yolk infections and egg binding and motor problems such as leg and wing stiffness as well as tendon injuries.
3. Choose a veterinarian trained to practice acupuncture. A pattern of disease must be established and a careful medical history must be taken and recorded before acupuncture is a viable option. Not all veterinarians practice acupuncture, so when choosing a veterinarian to care for your pet, be sure he incorporates holistic heath techniques into his practice.
4. Realize that acupuncture is often coupled with other treatments such as laser surgery, herbal treatment, nutritional supplements, change in environment and other holistic health techniques such as massage.

Tips & Warnings

• Acupuncture on animals may only be practiced by someone trained in animal acupuncture in addition to veterinary medicine.