electro-acupuncture,
aqua-
acupuncture,
and
laser
acupuncture.
Acupressure
is
applying firm digital pressure to an
acupuncture point for a specific
length of time (i.e. 5 minutes). This
is the least invasive type of
stimulation. Dry needle is the
insertion of a sterile filiform
needle into an acupuncture point
to elicit a response. These
needles are typically left in place
for 15-30 minutes. Dry needle is
the
most
commonly
used
technique in veterinary medicine.
Electro-acupuncture is applying
electrical current to the dry needles
to
increase
the
therapeutic
response. This modality is desirable
because you can adjust the
frequency and amplitude and
induce a stronger stimulation than
dry needle alone. Low frequency (1
-20
Hz)
electro-acupuncture
predominantly stimulates A-delta
fibers
and
releases
beta-
endorphins and met-enkephalins.
High frequency (80-120 Hz) electro
-acupuncture
predominantly
stimulates C fibers and releases
dynorphins. Very high frequency
(200
Hz)
electro-acupuncture
predominantly
stimulates
serotonergic fibers and releases
serotonin and epinephrine. Aqua-
acupuncture is the injection of a
sterile liquid (i.e. saline, vitamin B12,
lidocaine, Adequan ® ) into an
acupuncture point. This causes
constant
stimulation
of
the
acupuncture point for an extended
period of time (until the liquid is
absorbed) and it has the added
benefit of the medicinal properties
of the liquid used. Laser acupuncture
is the use of laser therapy to emit
light to penetrate the tissues and
stimulate acupuncture points. Laser
acupuncture
stimulates
ATP
production, cellular proliferation,
collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity;
decreases pain; and improves
circulation and wound healing.
Acupuncture can be used treat a
variety of diseases as a sole
treatment or in conjunction with
traditional
medicine
and/or
surgery.
Treatable
conditions
include but are not limited to pain
and
lameness,
musculoskeletal
disorders (osteoarthritis, hip/elbow
dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament
rupture, and patellar luxation),
neurological disorders (seizures,
intervertebral disc disease, cervical
spondylomyelopathy,
nerve
paralysis, degenerative myelopathy,
fibrocartilagenous embolism, and
degenerative lumbosacral stenosis),
dermatological disorders (allergies,