Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture has successfully been used to treat animals and humans for more than 2000 years. It is an incredibly safe therapy if practised by a professionally trained veterinary practitioner and is non-stressful for both animal and owner. It is the treatment of choice for a quarter of the world’s population for many ailments. It is a complementary and holistic treatment, so it works effectively alongside the existing treatment plan prescribed by your veterinary surgeon. I will coordinate with other professionals involved in your pet’s health and well-being such as hydrotherapists and physiotherapists. This collaboration enhances the effects of each therapy and helps us reach our shared goal of a content, long lived companion.
Acupuncture provides pain relief and stimulates the body's natural defence system. It is effective for a wide range of problems, providing an alternative option when there is a concern that drugs may create harmful side effects. It can also be used to treat conditions which are unresponsive to medication, or when surgery is not an option.
What does Wirral Veterinary Holistics offer?
I am an experienced, veterinary surgeon based in Heswall on the Wirral and provide effective, accessible and affordable veterinary acupuncture and complementary therapies throughout Wirral and the surrounding areas. I treat horses out at your yard and smaller animals by home visit. As an experienced and practicing veterinary surgeon I am more than happy to work alongside whatever treatments your own vet has prescribed.
How does it work?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of points on the body that can alter biochemical and physiological processes in a beneficial way. It involves the insertion of single use, fine, sterile needles into specific areas of the body.
Acupuncture is known to have effects on all major physiological systems and appears to activate the body’s homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. It acts primarily through the central nervous system to affect the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems, regulating inflammation and releasing natural endorphins and opioids. Relief from pain and muscle spasm eg. associated with joint and bone disease or muscle and ligament problems.
Who can perform acupuncture on animals?
In animals, acupuncture is a schedule three procedure and as such can only be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon and member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
What to expect?
Treatments often last around 30 minutes with the needles usually in situ for anything up to 20 minutes. You should allow up to 1 hour for the first consultation and acupuncture session.
Most animals are very relaxed during an acupuncture treatment, some even appear sedated and will occasionally fall asleep with the needles in place.
Talk to an expert?
Our website contains all the background information you might need, but if you have specific questions about your animal or would like to book a visit, get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as we can.