Frequently Asked Questions

About Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is a centuries old medical tradition that is used in partnership with Western medicine to treat a variety of conditions. TCVM has evolved through a continual process of critical thinking and careful clinical observation and testing. The TCVM approach is based upon the understanding that the body has an innate healing ability. It is founded in a metaphor describing health to be when the complimentary and opposing forces intrinsic to all beings, Yin and Yang, are harmonious and in balance. Likewise, disharmony occurs from imbalance and the result is illness or disease. TCVM seeks to restore balance and therefore enhance the body’s healing process. 

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Western medicine has the ability to treat disease with intense focus and accuracy by isolating it to systems or organs. Chinese medicine appreciates single parts in their relation to the whole. It incorporates physical, behavioral, and personality aspects that are individual to each patient and can influence health and illness. The partnership and complimentary nature of these medicines yields our most powerful and complete therapies. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of established points on the body that have been found to have a physiological and pain relieving effect. Stimulation of acupuncture points is achieved by insertion of sterile needles, electro-stimulation, pressure, injection, or laser. 

Acupuncture points are generally similar in humans and animal, but the specific locations and use varies by species. Species-specific point locations have evolved over time through observation of the desired result.

How does Acupuncture work?

Simply put, acupuncture kicks off a cascade of chemical messengers and nerve signals that have widespread effects on healing and pain relief. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture through a variety of physiological mechanisms, though no single mechanisms is capable of describing all of the effects. Some of the most important research has demonstrated physiologic changes including: release of endogenous opioids, neuromodulation, immune system stimulation, and blood pressure regulation. The effects of acupuncture have been shown to reach locally - affecting the site of stimulation, along the spinal cord - creating neuronal feedback loops to internal organs, and into the brainstem - achieving global and endocrine and hormonal effects.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is an excellent therapy for a variety of common conditions in animals and it integrates well with Western medicine. Some common conditions treated include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, tendon/ligament disorders, IVDD, muscle injury, lameness, joint pain

• Neurologic disorders: seizures, FCE, facial paralysis, nerve injuries, neuropathy

• Gastrointestinal issues: anorexia, vomiting, constipation, megacolon, IBD, diarrhea, colic

• Skin issues: allergies, ear infections, granuloma, wounds

• Eye disorders: glaucoma, conjunctivitis, KCS, uveitis

• Behavioral conditions: separation anxiety, compulsive behavior, thunderstorm phobia, aggression

• Cardiac disorders: Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias

• Respiratory disorders: Asthma/ COPD, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, chronic cough

• Urinary disorders: renal failure, incontinence

• Reproductive disorders: anestrus, infertility, poor libido

• Endocrinology disorders: diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism

• Autoimmune and immune deficiency diseases

• Cancers as an adjunctive therapy to improve quality of life

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The equine veterinary industry was first to embrace acupuncture as a therapy and horses tend to be excellent responders, especially for performance, musculoskeletal, and lameness issues.

What happens during an appointment?

Either call, or submit your contact information and Dr. Briggs will call you to schedule an initial appointment. Over the phone prior to the first appointment, we will collect both a Western and TCVM medical history.

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At the visit, your pet or horse will have a TCVM exam to establish a pattern diagnosis. We will discuss any Western diagnoses that have been made by your regular veterinarian as well as TCVM exam findings. Then Dr. Briggs will perform the initial acupuncture treatment. The first session usually lasts between one and two hours and subsequent sessions last about 45-60 minutes.

Is acupuncture safe?

Absolutely. Most animals tolerate needle placement quite well, with occasional reactions occurring at particularly sensitive points (indicating acupuncture is greatly needed in the area). Typically there is a relaxation period after needle placement and pets often fall asleep. Horses and cats are particularly sensitive to the effects of acupuncture. 

It is common for animals to be tired for a day or two after the session and they may be a bit sore. This is a good sign. Other less common side effects may be increased water intake or minor bleeding at placement sites. Animals must be monitoring during treatment to ensure they do not ingest any needles. There are no drug interactions and only a few specific contraindications, such as avoiding certain points during pregnancy.

How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments needed varies depending upon the condition being treated and the response to acupuncture. For chronic issues, we recommend 4-6 weekly treatments to get a good evaluation of the response and address any new concerns.

What is the cost?

If you’d like to learn more about True West Veterinary Services, contact us today!