with all other groups. Researchers
concluded that both acupuncture
and cetirizine significantly reduced
type I hypersensitivity itch in
patients with atopic dermatitis,
compared with both placebo and no
intervention.
Timing
of
the
acupuncture
treatment
was
important,
as
concurrent
acupuncture
had
the
most
significant effect on itch, potentially
because of counter-irritation.
While acupuncture is typically
considered to be a safe and
minimally invasive modality, there
are some conditions that warrant
caution or contraindication. For
example, caution must be used
when treating a weak, debilitated, or
obtunded patient. Generally, fewer
needles and less stimulation are
used. It is contraindicated to needle
directly into skin lesions, ulcers, scar
tissue, umbilicus, tumors or masses.
Specific acupuncture points around
the abdomen and lumbar area are
contraindicated
in
pregnancy.
Electro-acupuncture
wire
leads
should not be connected through or
across a known or suspected tumor
or mass. Electro-acupuncture wire
leads should not be connected
around or across the chest of
animals with pacemakers. Electro-
acupuncture should not be used in
patients with a history of seizures.
In the past 30 years there has been
increasing evidence to support the
use of acupuncture as a therapeutic
modality in veterinary medicine.
There has been extensive research
proving
its
analgesic
effects,
therefore it is the primary clinical
indication for its use in both human
medicine and veterinary medicine.
Due to the intrinsic nature of the
anatomical structures associated
with the location of acupuncture
points there are numerous systemic,
local and endocrine effects. For that
reason, there are a variety of
valuable clinical indications from
pain management to pruritis control
and others.