At our pet hospital in Torrance, we offer veterinary acupuncture treatments for cats or dogs as a way to help supplement other rehabilitative therapies and manage pain.
Pet Acupuncture for Healing & Recovery Support
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that can be used to help promote the healing process for cats and dogs by renewing the balance of energy throughout the pet's body.
This type of ancient medicine is based on the philosophy that illness is the result of an imbalance of vital energies in the body. In modern terms, acupuncture can help by improving blood flow, which boosts oxygenation in tissues.
At Harbor Animal Hospital, we believe that we can obtain the best possible results by utilizing veterinary acupuncture as a supplement to medical therapy, helping restore the vitality and health of your cat or dog.
The Acupuncture Technique
Acupuncture consists of inserting tiny needles into precise points of a pet's body called meridians, where the blood vessels converge with the nerves. The needles help direct essential energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation while strengthening the body's healing abilities.
Common Acupuncture Uses
Often, our vets suggest using pet acupuncture or other methods of Chinese medicine to help various medical problems, such as:
- Pain Management
Pets can feel very uncomfortable when undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Acupuncture will often be used in combination with these treatments to try and help alleviate some of your cat or dog's pain, helping them fight their illness.
- Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture can often be used for injury rehabilitation. Conditions such as arthritis, nerve injuries, and hip dysplasia also tend to respond well to acupuncture.
- Dermatology & Skin Issues
Acupuncture treatment could help promote increased circulation, which may help allergic dermatitis, granulomas, and hot spots. It can also reduce pain and improve healing, resulting in less itching and subsequent over-grooming.
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Acupuncture may stimulate digestive secretions, which helps to promote healthy digestive activity. Conditions such as diarrhea or nausea may benefit from increased blood flow.
- Respiratory Issues
The anti-inflammatory and immune-calming capabilities of acupuncture treatment could improve conditions such as allergies, asthma, and more.
The Benefits of Pet Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture for pets provides a number of benefits, including:
- Promotes an increased blood flow which boosts oxygen in tissues
- Helps relax muscles and relieve pain
- Lowers the number of waste products produced
- Improves metabolic waste removal from the body
- Pets in poor health will benefit from the lack of systemic side effects
Dr. Chung
Dr. Chung is a veterinarian at Harbor Animal Hospital and is a graduate of Chi University's Veterinary Acupuncture Program. He can perform both acupuncture and electroacupuncture for pets in Torrance.
Veterinary Acupuncture at Harbor Animal Hospital
If you would like to get a better understanding of what our cat and dog acupuncture services look like at our Torrance animal clinic, browse the photo gallery below.
