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Acupuncture 101

Molly B. Doyle, DVM, CVA, IVCA Certified • July 9, 2020

What is veterinary acupuncture? How does it work? What conditions does it help? 

Acupuncture 101.
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Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points throughout the body, that have been scientifically studied and supported in their efficacy of treatment and management of different medical conditions.
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These "points" are described to be located along meridians, or Qi (energy) channels within the body. We now know these points to be associated with:
• myo-fascial junctions (muscle movement)
• high density free nerve endings (direct pathways to the brain) 
• small arterioles (blood = nutrients) and
• lymphatic vessels (detoxification!)
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A recent surge of research studies provide scientific evidence supporting that the afferent somatic neural stimulation caused by  acupuncture, results in:
• Release of B-Endorphins, Serotonin, and other neurotransmitters (feel good hormones and pain control!)
• Increased microcirculation (again, nutrition and detoxification)
• Decrease of harmful inflammatory cells (the body damaging itself)
• Increase of circulating mesenchymal stem cells (regeneration aka healing cells!!)
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So what conditions benefit from increased circulation, neuronal stimulation, pain control, hormone release/regulation, decreased inflammation, detoxification, and release of stem cells?
-> Muscluloskeletal Conditions: Osteoarthritis, muscle soreness, back pain, ligament rehabilitation.
-> Neurological Disorders: intervertebral disc disease, peripheral nerve paralysis, aids in the management of seizures
-> Gastrointestinal Disorders: diarrhea, GI ulcers, constipation, etc
-> Chronic Conditions: chronic skin conditions, asthma, allergies, otitis, renal/liver diseases, endocrine diseases, geriatric weakness, and anhidrosis
-> and most importantly, improved comfort and quality of life for cancer and hospice patients.
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Does this sound like something your pet could benefit from?! We would love to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation to help you determine if your pet would benefit from acupuncture (and/or chiropractic)! Call or text today to schedule (616)965-1833!
By Molly Doyle September 5, 2020
Ever wonder who takes care of the animals when the veterinarian is sick, helping their family, out of town for continuing education, or dare I say, on vacation?! --- The possibility of an animal suffering and not getting the care it needs, is exactly why most veterinarians feel they can never take any time off. More often than not, the solution is simply that they never take a day to learn, recover, heal, or refresh. --- This time to care for yourself is critical for everyone, and doctors are no exception. We must first take care of ourselves, so we can better care for others. This allows us to think more clearly and come back stronger, renewed, resilient - which all benefits the patient and improves the animal's care. --- This is where I come in! In addition to providing animal chiropractic and acupuncture to pets and four legged athletes, I also am a relief veterinarian! I temporarily take the place of other doctors so they can attend to things in their life away from the hospital, all while having the peace of mind that their patients and clients are still being well cared for within their own hospital. --- I love that my job not only allows me to care for animals, but also for my fellow veterinary colleagues! Plus, I get to work with and learn from amazing teams all over the country. I am so grateful for the opportunity to visit so many remarkable hospitals around the state and country, to learn from them, have new experiences, learn new medical techniques, all while providing much needed help. --- Want to learn more about veterinary relief practice? Visit Relief Rover for more information!
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