Acupuncture

Meet Helen: Our Acupuncture Expert

Our resident veterinary acupuncturist, Helen, brings decades of expertise to her practice. Having completed her advanced training in China during the late 1980s, she offers a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of traditional techniques.

What is veterinary acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe, gentle, and effective therapy used to manage pain and improve your pet’s quality of life. It involves inserting very fine needles into the body at specific, defined points.

The Traditional View: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these points sit along energy channels called meridians. Meridians conduct vital energy (Qi) around the body. The needles adjust the flow of Qi to restore natural balance and health.

The Scientific View: While modern science is still mapping out exactly how energy channels work, clinical evidence proves that acupuncture produces real results. Research shows that stimulating these points alters nerve signals in the spine, activates specific areas of the brain, and triggers the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers.

We are proud to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern clinical success to keep your pet comfortable.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

Initial assessment: Helen will first examine your pet to evaluate their health from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective. Your input regarding your pet’s personality and behaviour changes is vital to this process.
Gentle needle insertion: Helen will carefully insert between 5 and 25 extremely fine needles into specific points, depending on your pet’s condition.
A relaxing experience: Most animals do not mind the needles at all. In fact, the procedure is usually deeply relaxing and enjoyable for them.
Enhanced stimulation: Once placed, the needles are gently stimulated by hand or, in some cases, using a mild, painless electric current (electroacupuncture).
Appointment length: Treatments take between 30 and 45 minutes. You will stay with your pet the entire time to keep them feeling secure.
Treatment plan: Most pets require an initial course of three treatments. If they show a positive response, we will transition to booster sessions every 1 to 3 months.

What conditions can be treated?

Acupuncture provides an excellent sense of well-being and is highly effective for:

Chronic pain management: Arthritis, spinal disease, and other forms of lameness.
Skin conditions: Chronic issues like acral lick dermatitis.
Organ support: Serving as a helpful supportive therapy for kidney and liver disease.
Symptom control: Helping to manage nausea and digestive discomfort.
Stress-related illnesses: Conditions heavily influenced by stress, such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD/cystitis).
Neurological support: Helen has successfully used acupuncture to help manage epilepsy, though results vary depending on the individual case.

Have questions?

Every animal responds differently, and acupuncture can be used alongside most traditional treatments. If you would like to find out if acupuncture is right for your pet, please call the surgery on 017683 51507 to speak directly with Helen.