Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Acupuncture? Find here some of the most common questions about veterinary acupuncture.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

No!
  • Generally, no, acupuncture does not harm patients. On rare occasion, it may cause discomfort or minimal pain because it is new to your pet. The needles are extremely thin, and even anxious pets may become very relaxed after a few minutes.

Is Acupuncture Effective?

Yes!
  • Yes, acupuncture is one of the most beneficial forms of treatment to soothe your pet’s pain and stimulate other positive reactions in their body. For example, pets may have increased energy, blood flow, and oxygenation in the body.

Will I See Results Right Away?

Maybe!
  • Some patients may experience immediate evident improvement, but other pets may have slower appearing benefits. Thus, several sessions are highly recommended to reach ultimate health for your pet.

What is acupuncture?

  • Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has four main components: acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui—na (medical manipulation).
    Acupuncture usually involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect but may include other methods such as electrical stimulation and moxibustion.
    The point on the body is called “Shu-xu” or acupuncture point (acupoint). The ancient Chinese discovered 361 acupoints in humans and 173 acupoints in animals.

Is there any scientific evidence on how acupuncture works?

  • Yes, Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A great number of studies indicate that the stimulation of acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.

    The US National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.gov) has a total of 22,158 articles regarding acupuncture and 349 animal specific articles as of March 2015.

What physiological effects are induced by acupuncture?

  • Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulation induces the following physiological effects:

    - Pain relief
    - Promotion of tissue
    - Healing processes
    - Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
    - Anti-inflammatory effects
    - immunoregulation
    - Hormone and reproductive regulation
    - Antifebrile effects.

Is acupuncture safe?

  • Yes, Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few negative effects have been found in clinical cases.

How soon can we expect results?

  • Some results can be seen immediately but others will require several treatments. Generally, a minimum of 3 to 5 treatments 1-2 weeks apart for chronic conditions are needed before one can expect notable improvement.

When is acupuncture recommended?

  • Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

    - Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease.
    - Neurological disorders: seizures, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), laryngeal hemiplegia, and facial and radial nerve paralysis.
    - Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation, and impactions.
    - Other chronic conditions: anhidrosis, heaves, asthma, cough, uveitis, renal failure, chronic liver diseases, behavioral problems, infertility, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, geriatric weakness, and skin problems.
    - Quality of life, maintenance and enhancement, and hospice care
    - Performance enhancement and the prevention of disease.

How many treatments are needed?

  • As in all medicine, this depends on the situation and treatments can be done daily, weekly, monthly, or even further apart depending on the severity and chronicity of the condition.

How long does each treatment take?

  • Each session may take 30 up to one hour; the first session usually takes longer than follow-up appointments.

To inquire more about our services or for a quote, please contact us at (954) 348-7146 or email us at info@truebalance.vet

INFORMATION & APPOINTMENTS

The amazing healing benefits of Acupuncture for your beloved pet in the comfort of your home.

Appointment Hours


Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Friday: from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Weekends on a case-to-case basis.

“I truly believe Health is the balance of all the physiological reactions in the body with the mind and the environment. I believe in the power of your pet’s body to heal, in the influence that a good diet and a healthy environment have in the body and the great influence that the human-animal bond has in the in the health of your pet.”
~ Dr. Maria T. Patino. ~

Safety And Contraindications

Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Very few negative effects have been found in clinical cases. In spite of everything, there are certain contraindications of needle insertion based on the location of the acupoint or health status of the patient, such as: inserting a needle directly into a tumor or open wound, using a needle at acupoint at the umbilicus, the use of certain points in pregnant patients, the use of electro-acupuncture on patients who suffer from seizures, and hemo-acupuncture on weak or geriatric animals.

Pricing

Service prices vary by location/distance. Please call us to ask about your specific pricing.

Cancelations

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please notify us 24 hours before your appointment time.