Does a patient feel anything during the treatment?
Acupuncture will produce a sensation of heaviness or tingling around the needle, but is not painful. Occasionally when a needle penetrates the skin it will give a sharp sensation that wears off within seconds. Animals on the whole accept needling very well and may become very relaxed or even fall asleep.

 

What will the treatment involve?
Typically very fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in place for approximately 10-20 minutes. The number of needles may vary in each session. The frequency of treatments depends on the animal’s need. In case of chronic illnesses regular top ups will be required to maintain the therapeutic effect.

 

How does it work?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, but has only recently started to become integrated into western medicine. Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the stimulation of specific points in the body, usually by the insertion of very fine needles. It can relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the patient’s body to heal and repair itself.

 

Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in the skin and muscle and can produce a variety of effects on the musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. We know that it increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphin and serotonin, in the pain pathways of both the spinal cord and the brain. This modifies the way pain signals are received. But acupuncture does more than just relieve pain; it affects certain biochemical processes in the body and has a beneficial effect on health as patients often notice an improved sense of well being after treatment.

 

What kind of animals can be treated with acupuncture?

Hetty treats dogs, cats, rabbits and horses.