By: Carolina Medina, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA — Coral Springs Animal Hospital Sports
Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist
Acupuncture is defined as the
stimulation of a specific point
(acupuncture point) on the body
with a specific method resulting
in a physiologic effect. These
physiologic effects include both
systemic and local effects as
acupuncture stimulates both the
central and peripheral nervous
systems. Some of the systemic
effects
include
release
of
endogenous substances such as
beta-endorphins,
dynorphins,
enkephalins, serotonin, epinephrine,
GABA,
cortisol
and
various
hormones. Acupuncture can also
improve blood flow to the pituitary
axis and capillary wall enzyme
concentration; release somatotropin
in chronic pain; induce luteinizing
hormone release which triggers
ovulation; stimulate prolactin release
to promote lactation; stimulate
oxytocin release to induce uterine
contraction; and modulate thyroid
function. The local effects of
acupuncture
include
muscle
relaxation and spasm relief; release
of Hageman’s Factor XII which
activates the clotting cascade,
complement cascade, plasminogen
and kinins; degranulation of mast
cells which releases histamine,
heparin and kinin protease; release
of bradykinin which leads to
vasodilation; and production of local
prostaglandins which leads to
smooth muscle relaxation.