Veterinary Acupuncture

Falcon Valley Animal Hospital is proud to offer veterinary acupuncture to our patients. Acupuncture services are available with Kristol Stenstrom, DVM in the comfort of your home. Feel free to give us a call for more details.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body. This stimulation produces physiologic changes through signaling the nervous system. Acupuncture points are chosen based upon the condition being treated and the desired physiological effects.

So how does acupuncture work? There are two different explanations. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the disease is an imbalance in the flow of energy through channels in the body called meridians. Acupuncture is used to re-establish this balance of energy. Additionally, scientific research has proven that acupuncture points contain nerve bundles, clusters of the blood vessel, and increased numbers of mast cells, which release histamine and other chemicals when stimulated. The stimulation of acupuncture points causes local irritation and inflammation resulting in the release of various chemicals in the body, including endorphins and enkephalins, which help block the pain pathways.

Acupuncture is used to relieve the symptoms of a condition or reduce the dose of medications, as well as encourage the patient's body to heal itself if it is able. Acupuncture can be used alone or in addition to conventional medical treatments. Many common conditions can be treated effectively with acupuncture, such as musculoskeletal pain, skin problems, neurological problems, epilepsy, stomach or intestinal problems. The length, number, and frequency of treatments vary from pet to pet. This depends on the condition being treated, the age and health of the pet, and how he or she responds to acupuncture. Generally, acute problems require fewer treatments, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require several, or even several dozens, treatments. Sequential treatments yield more benefits and a positive response is often seen in the first five treatments. Contact your Lenexa, KS veterinarian today to schedule a treatment