Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body, typically by means of a very thin,

flexible needle. Stimulation of an acupuncture point causes a complex cascade of body responses and the release of various neurochemicals and hormones in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and bloodstream. In his chapter in Veterinary Acupuncture, author and prominent veterinary

acupuncturist Dr. Sheldon Altman has this to say about veterinary acupuncture: “The most important quality in becoming a successful and legitimate veterinary acupuncturist is first of all to aspire to be as good a veterinarian as possible. It is the obligation of the veterinary acupuncturist to be familiar with current conventional techniques of diagnosis and treatment…….The second most important factor in becoming a legitimate acupuncturist is the veterinarian’s knowledge of acupuncture…..” We want everyone to know how seriously we take this statement. Dr. Drake practiced acupuncture only after undertaking extensive training which required both a huge amount of time and expense. She has been a certified acupuncturist for over 12 years. Dr. Shotwell and Dr. Moore will begin their acupuncture training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society this fall. They will be investing much in the process as this training is rigorous and comprehensive. So why go to this trouble? What are the veterinary indications for acupuncture?

Pain: Hip dysplasia, spondylosis, degernative joint disease (DJD), and disk disease patients make up

the vast majority of acupuncture patients. These are patients who, if responsive to acupuncture, will

require regular treatment for the rest of their lives. These are very rewarding patients to treat.

Healing of chronic wounds: Chronic, non-healing wounds often respond favorably to the use of

acupuncture in combination with topical herbal therapy.

Oncology patients: Acupuncture benefits include relief of chemotherapy-induced side effects (GI; leukopenia); reduced pain; improved immune function, sense of well-being, and remission time.

Immune-mediated disease: Acupuncture effects on immunity have been documented in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), myasthenia, pemphigus, immune-mediated thyroid disease, and asthma.

Dermatologic patients: Acupuncture releases endogenous corticosteroids (CS), suppresses mast

cell degranulation, and increases circulating IgE. Dependence on corticosteroids, antihistamines, and

antibiotics can be substantially reduced in some patients.

Renal disease and lower urinary tract disease: Acupuncture treatment can improve quality of life for many geriatric patients with chronic renal failure.

Hepatic disease: Patients suffering from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and liver changes associated

with drug administration often improve with acupuncture treatment.

Respiratory disease: Feline asthma, allergic bronchitis, and respiratory diseases secondary to

cardiac disease have all been treated successfully with acupuncture.

The five elements refer to categories in the natural world: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. These elements are in constant motion and change. These elements enhance and inhibit each other. The element principles are used to describe the nature of the organs in the body and their relationship to one another. Each of the 5 internal organs and sense organs is associated with a different element. These principles can seem quite complicated when first learning TCVM and I will not go in to detail about them here except to say that the Five Element Theory combined with the Yin Yang Theory form the basis to clinical diagnosis and treatment. These theories are interdependent and cannot be entirely separated from each other during a clinical evaluation. The theories are somewhat limited by the historical development of ancient Chinese society and are best complemented by modern, advanced scientific research, diagnostics and clinical experience.

Qi (pronounced Chee) is an impossible thing to measure and, for our Western thought process, an almost impossible thing to define. One of my favorite definitions, believe me there are many, is “the animating force expressed through all living processes as movement, transformation, sensation, thought and warmth. All human activity is an evidence and consequence of Qi.” It is a force for both construction and destruction. Everything is composed of and defined by its Qi. It includes all Yin and Yang and it takes countless forms.

The Qi that is directly involved in a person’s life has 3 sources. The original source of Qi is that which is transmitted from parents to their children at conception. The second comes from the food we digest and absorb. The third is from the air that we breathe. There is no place in the body that does not have this intermingled Qi. Qi in different parts of the body and with different functions have their own specific names as well.

Within a body, Qi has 5 major functions:

1. It is the source of all movement and it accompanies all movement (so not only is it the cause but it also flows along with the movement). This includes walking, breathing, speaking, eating growth, etc.
2. It protects the body from external pathogens and helps combat them if they invade.
3. Qi is the source for transforming food into its other states within the body.
4. Qi ensures stability and governs retention. It maintains structure. Qi keeps everything in, like holding organs in their proper place, blood in the vessels, fluid homeostasis, etc.
5. Qi warms the body and maintains normal body temperature.

Hopefully this helps you to understand a very difficult concept to grasp.