attached to the acupuncture needles in pairs at specically chosen acupuncture points. An electrical impulse is applied at a specic frequency and amplitude depending on the desired outcome. E.g. low frequency for pain relief or high frequency for internal medical conditions. 4. Moxibustion – this method makes use of heated herbs e.g. Artemisia. It combines heat and the healing action of herbs. It can be applied to the acupuncture needles or directly over acupuncture points or other specic areas. 5. Laser – Laser light is used to stimulate acupuncture points. 6. Gold Bead Therapy – This treatment involves the Insertion of tiny 24 carat gold (1mm diameter) gold beads into acupuncture points under sedation or anaesthetic. The result is continuous stimulation of certain points. There are also local electrical and chemical reactions which provide long-term benets. Obviously, acupuncture has its limitations as with any modality but can work very well on its own, or when combined with conventional or other integrative veterinary medicine. For health and wellbeing, Acupuncture is suitable as a supportive treatment or adjunct treatment for use in animals with a variety of conditions including: l Pain: acute, chronic, age-related, osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, cancer, neuropathic l Gastrointestinal disorders: IBD (Inammatory Bowel Disease), megacolon, vomiting, diarrhea l Cardio-respiratory problems: asthma, coughing, heart failure l Dermatological problems: allergies, ear infections, self-mutilation, lick granulomas l Musculoskeletal disorders: lameness, tendonitis, back pain, arthritis, non-healing fractures l Neurological problems: spinal disease, paralysis, paresis, seizures, laryngeal paralysis l Behaviour problems: fear, anxiety (incl. separation anxiety), aggression, depression l Urinary problems: cystitis, incontinence When administered by a suitably qualied practitioner, acupuncture is extremely safe. The single use needles are made of surgical grade stainless steel. Most animals tolerate them very well, and a lot enjoy the treatment with some even falling asleep. The sessions can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Acute conditions may respond to one treatment. Chronic conditions will likely need a few. Once the optimum response is achieved, the treatment interval is extended to the maximum amount of symptom free time that elapses between treatments. Feel free to ask us if you have any further queries! ACUPUNCTURE continued