What is medical acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method involving the insertion of fine, sterile needles. The needle placement triggers the activation of nerve fibers to send signals to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Acupuncture also releases tension from the muscles and surrounding connective tissue. While the practice originates from Chinese medicine, today medical acupuncture relies on current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
What can it treat?
Medical acupuncture is well-known for its effects on acute and chronic pain. Current research is also showing that acupuncture can be beneficial for a wide range of medical issues including
- Musculoskeletal problems – osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, tendinitis, etc.
- Neurological problems – disk disease, sciatic injury, spinal cord injury, peripheral neuropathy, etc.
- Respiratory issues – sinusitis, recurrent infections
- Gastrointestinal issues – inflammation, motility disorders
Not every patient responds to acupuncture the same way. Thus, it’s recommended to do at least 3 treatments before deciding if it’s having the desired effect. Practitioners often use a multi-modal approach incorporating additional techniques such as laser or electroacupuncture into their treatment plans to provide the most benefits to the patient.
How did Dr. Kyra get involved in acupuncture?
Prior to veterinary school she was intrigued by the integrative therapies that exist but was skeptical about their efficacy. During vet school she got to spend time with a large animal clinician who did acupuncture on racehorses. It was amazing to see how well the horses tolerated it and how relaxed they became during the treatments. She then completed a clinical rotation at a small animal clinic and learned about cases where acupuncture improved the lives of patients experiencing chronic pain, paresis, or paralysis. After graduating, she wanted to have the skills and knowledge to offer clients an integrative therapy that could improve their pet’s well-being. Therefore, in August of 2024, after almost 100 hours online and in-person practical sessions she became certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture through CuraCore in Fort Collins, CO.
