How to Use Acupuncture on Canine Arthritis
Acupuncture has been used on humans for thousands of years. According to the University of Florida, acupuncture can be used effectively on dogs to treat pain associated with arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Improvement is often seen within three to five treatments. Arthritis is usually an issue of stagnancy. Acupuncture helps to free blockages and clear stagnation along the body's meridians. Acupuncture should only be done by veterinarians who are certified acupuncturists.
Instructions
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Assess the symptoms and energy blockages of the dog. Acupuncturists use general symptoms from your dog to determine the appropriate acupuncture points that treat arthritis and pain. Some of the points may also address general health and vitality.
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Apply acupuncture. The veterinarian will feel the along the meridian, or energy channel, to locate the acupuncture point and observe the energy flow. He will use very small individually packaged needles to activate the energy within the acupuncture points.
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Activate the acupuncture point called "Three Mile Run." Also known as Stomach 36, Zusanli and "Leg-Three-Mile," this point is used in many arthritic problems. According to Narda Robinson D.V.M., of Colorado State University, it also addresses digestive disorders, breathing and chest problems, edema and issues with weakness.
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Disperse stagnation. According to Cheryl Schwartz, D.V.M., in her book "Four Paws, Five Directions," the point Liver 3, or "Great Pouring," helps to free the energy of the liver meridian. This point aids in alleviating pain in the lower back and leg joints.
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Cool heat conditions with the point Urinary Bladder 40. Also known as "Commission the Middle," this point addresses sciatic nerve problems and pain and weakness in the lower back and hind legs. Inflammatory issues and symptoms of excess heat may be calmed with this point.
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Use Spleen 9, or "Yin Tomb Spring," for dampness. This point is often used when the dog experiences increased pain, especially in the lower legs, in damp weather. Stagnation from dampness can cause the dog to move slow or seem lethargic because he feels weighed down.
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Alleviate hip dysplasia with the points Gall Bladder 29 and 30. These points address the energy flow of the lower back and hip joints which can be especially helpful for the many dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia pain. These points may even help with conditions of paralysis in the leg.
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Let the dog rest during acupuncture. After the veterinarian has placed needles in the desired acupuncture points, she will keep them in for approximately 20 minutes. She will then remove all of the needles and the acupuncture treatment will be complete.
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Tips & Warnings
Be extra observant of your dog's behavior before bringing him to the acupuncturist. Information on your dog's symptoms wil help the acupuncturist determine the proper treatment.
Do not try to administer acupuncture on a dog. Your dog should only receive acupuncture from a veterinarian that is a fully certified acupuncturist.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dog image by Miron Kostiukov from Fotolia.com
