Acupuncture…

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Most animals (including humans!) can benefit from acupuncture therapy, and generally tolerate treatments very well.  Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, yet durable.  They are a fraction of the width of hypodermic needles typically used for vaccination and blood collection, and are designed to gently penetrate tissues with minimal trauma.  The needles are strategically placed at individual acupoints, areas with larger collections of nerve endings, blood or lymphatic vessels, and immune cells.  These needles stimulate the meridians or channels that course along the body, to help restore the natural balance of Qi (energy) within the body.  

Acupunture treatments generally last 15-45 minutes, but the entire appointment will last 1-2 hours.  The number of needles used are highly dependent on the patient’s personality, health, and presenting issue.  The number of needles placed varies from case to case.  Additional therapies, such as electroacupuncture (running an electric current through the needles), aquapuncture (injecting saline or vitamin B12 into the acupoint), or hemoacupuncture (releasing blood from or injecting blood into an acupoint) may also be utilized. 

Acupuncture therapy can be beneficial in a variety of scenarios including:

• • Musculoskeletal conditions (arthritis, muscle soreness or injury, joint disease)
  • Neurological conditions (intervertebral disc disease, acute paralysis, seizures)
  • Gastrointestinal conditions (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory conditions)
  • Dermatological conditions (anhidrosis, lick granuloma, inflammatory dermatitis)
  • Other chronic medical conditions (laminitis, asthma/inflammatory airway conditions, chronic liver or renal disease, Cushing’s disease)
  • Behavioral issues (note: not all behavioral problems can be treated with acupuncture or Chinese herbs)
  • Quality of life care (pain management, geriatric support, cancer, hospice care)

Consultations…

Consultations are available to discuss the details, benefits, and limitations of treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.  The consultation appointment will include a brief physical exam and discussion of your animal’s previous medical history.   Focus will be placed on the main reason for seeking alternative care, as well as personality traits and daily behaviors that are typical for your pet.  A preliminary treatment plan will be provided, which may include any combination of acupuncture, herbal therapy, simple dietary changes, basic training or behavior modifications, and simple exercise plan.  Response to treatment will determine any modifications to the treatment plan.

Chinese Herbs…

Chinese herbal therapy has been used successfully for thousands of years and is currently used as sole treatment or in conjunction with acupuncture.   Various herbs contain properties that can help nourish and balance the body.  These herbs can be used by themselves, but are often prescribed in formulations that contain a specific blend of multiple herbs. 

It is important to understand that some of these herbs can be very potent and, if not processed properly, can even be toxic.  Willow Point only offers herbal formulations that have been developed and manufactured by companies that are compliant with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations established and enforced by the FDA.  These regulations ensure quality products manufactured with rigorous quality control practices.