Acupuncture helps in pain relief – for pets too!

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years on people, so this isn't a new practice. But today, a growing number of pets - household and other – too receive acupuncture to treat ailments.

As people begin to look for alternative therapies for themselves, they search for their pet, too.

Eastern medicine looks at conditions differently than Western medicine. Vets can make pets better without having to know exactly what's wrong.

Acupuncture is just part of a well-rounded regimen of Eastern medicine the Chinese have used for years. The practice includes herbs and dietary therapy. The difference between Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine is we tend to treat the condition. Chinese (medicine) treats the whole animal.

The needles stimulate nerves and release natural pain relievers that help alleviate discomfort. Dietary therapy maintains the theory that foods can change the balance of animals. The herbs, which come in pill form, can treat conditions.

A pet's electrical balance can be in flux, causing illness. Practitioners prescribe nutritional changes to correct the imbalances and, in turn, the illnesses.