Acupuncture
Traditional Therapies Endorsed By Veterinary Science
Dating back more than 2,500 years in traditional medicine, acupuncture is recognised by the International Veterinary Academy for pain management. Rather than blocking pain using medication, acupuncture uses very fine, specifically placed needles to stimulate a response. This response releases blocks and tension associated with the disease causing the pain, treating the underlying cause rather than just the symptoms of discomfort.
Many conditions benefit from acupuncture treatment:
Musculoskeletal e.g osteoarthritis, vertebral disk disease, degenerative joint disease
Neurological e.g. seizures, epilepsy, laryngeal paralysis, facial and nerve paralysis and other disease of the central nervous system
Gastrointestinal e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation,
Respiratory e.g. coughing, asthma
Dermatological e.g. allergic dermatitis, skin problems
Before starting any course of treatment we take a thorough history of the conditions we are addressing and look at many different factors that might be contributing to it. If appropriate we work with your vet or other professionals to make sure that our acupuncture treatments complement other aspects of your dog’s life including nutrition, medication and supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe?
When performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner acupuncture is very safe. Our needles are single-use and we ensure a completely clean environment in our acupuncture treatment space.
Does it hurt?
Some animals experience minor discomfort when the needles are being inserted however the needles used in our treatments are so fine that most tolerate them very well. Due to the relaxing effect of acupuncture in some cases dogs fall asleep or enter deep relaxation during the treatment.
How do we know it’s effective? How long does it take to see results?
Many people see an immediate change in the behaviour of their dog after an acupuncture session, with subsequent sessions creating a longer lasting improvement. The number of treatments required depends upon the condition we are treating and the treatment is reviewed each time we meet to ensure that we continue on the best path for your dog.
How much does a session cost?
Initial consultation session is 90 minutes, $100. Follow up appointments are 60 minutes, $90 .
“Diana is a gifted healer and special soul who came out on a Sunday evening to help my little Chewie with his pain, so that he could endure a long drive to Christchurch for medical treatment. If you are on the fence about whether acupuncture works, all you have to do is see how effective it is on a dog. In a short hour, Chewie went from dazed and sluggish with pain to being able to walk and even wag his tail. We cannot recommend Diana’s gifts highly enough!.”
— Chewie and Sumi