An Introduction to Acupuncture

There are two ways to look at it, one from a western medicine standpoint and one from an eastern medicine standpoint.   A body is an energy force, something we know to be true from both western and eastern philosophies.  Acupuncture helps to encourage a body’s own healing response by way of its own energy and actions.

An ill or diseased body will be described as having an imbalanced or stagnated energy.  In other words, the body’s systems aren’t working cohesively.   This could mean a body isn’t properly detoxifying a liver, or perhaps is not providing much needed pain relief as with an arthritic, older dog.

What we seek to accomplish with acupuncture is to stimulate points within a body’s energy, or qi.  This is achieved by the insertion of small, thin, blunt needles into specific points.  Insertion is described as having a slight pressure, and the sensation in the area is often described as warm or tingling.  These needles are helping to safely elicit what is commonly a natural response, such as pain relief to an aching joint or to provide cleansing aid to a liver.

Acupuncture can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions!  It can provide much needed support for a body battling cancer, musculoskeletal issues, allergies, seizures and more.  One of the great things about acupuncture is that it can work safely alongside traditional therapies.

Initial acupuncture treatments are often done in sets of 5-6 weekly sessions, although specific recommendations are made for each animal based on their condition and circumstances.  Our goal is to ultimately get pets into a maintenance phase where acupuncture is only recommended every 6-12 weeks, especially for chronic conditions. 

People are often worried about their pets sitting still for a 10-20 minute acupuncture session – most animals will surprise you with how relaxed they become during their treatments!

Check out our Appointments page to learn more about scheduling acupuncture for your pet!


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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Smith's Veterinary Service


9:00 am-6:00 pm


9:00 am-6:00 pm


9:00 am-6:00 pm


9:00 am-6:00 pm


9:00 am-3:00 pm


By Appt.


By Appt.