For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to treat various medical conditions in humans and animals worldwide. Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method originally used in China as part of a complete health care system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). TCM/TCVM is based on the idea that life energy or Qi (chi) flows through the body. The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body directly mirrored the state of the body’s Qi. Vibrant, free-flowing Qi allows for health but blocked or worn-down Qi allows disease.

Qi flows throughout the body on pathways called meridians or channels, considered rivers of energy, making a complete revolution every 24 hours. Along these meridians are special points (called acupuncture points) where the Qi gathers. These “rivers” or meridians can become blocked like a dam, disrupting the flow of Qi. During acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted into the points along these meridians to restore an appropriate balance to the Qi and thus create a desired healing effect, bringing the body back into balance.

Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points of the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. Acupuncture is used worldwide, either alone or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of conditions in every animal species. Clinical research shows positive results in treating both animals and humans. Thus, the use of acupuncture is increasing. Acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work well when indicated.

From a Western Medicine standpoint, acupuncture works because, at these special points, the needles stimulate the brain via nerves, causing the release of certain chemicals and neurotransmitters (like endorphins and serotonin), which are thought to be responsible for the healing effect. These chemical mediators can change the perception of pain and lead to the release of other chemical mediators that influence organ function. This improved “chemical communication” stimulates healing.

Additionally, acupuncture improves blood flow, which increases oxygen delivery to the tissues and removes waste products more efficiently. Acupuncture can relax muscles where the needle is inserted and elsewhere in the body, relieving pain caused by muscle tension. By stimulating the release of naturally occurring, pain-relieving, and anti-inflammatory substances, acupuncture may decrease the pain medication needed to treat these animals.

There are many approaches to treatment, but veterinarians are the only acupuncture professionals trained to understand both traditional Chinese medicine and the scientific aspects of acupuncture therapy in animals.

A Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) must be a licensed veterinarian, and in most states, it is illegal for other practitioners to practice acupuncture on animals. This specialized treatment form is now available through Sioux Nation Ag Center. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Mogck is now offering acupuncture at your farm or in the clinic for your small animals, equine, small ruminants, and even cattle. Last year, Dr. Mogck studied veterinary acupuncture at Chi University in Florida, where she learned this skill from expert veterinary acupuncturists and neurologists. We are very excited to offer this additional tool to help your animals, big and small!

Benefits of Acupuncture
• Pain relief – Alleviates acute and chronic pain and discomfort; musculoskeletal and lameness issues, arthritis, injuries.
• Improved Mobility – Promotes the relaxation of muscles, reduces inflammation, and increases blood flow to targeted areas.
• Stress Reduction – Helps animals with behavioral issues.
• Enhanced Recovery – May accelerate healing time following injuries or surgery by improving circulation and promoting the body’s natural healing processes. Supporting the immune system helps animals recover faster from health issues and injury.
• Respiratory health – RAO, COPD(Heaves), pneumonia.
• Digestive health – Ulcers, symptoms of colic, and inappetence.