Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture is a calming, non-invasive treatment for pets that involves the gentle insertion of fine needles to stimulate healing and relieve pain. At Holistic Vet Care, both of our qualified vets are trained and certified in veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your pet.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Book your free introductory consult
Not sure if we can help? Book a free 15min introductory consult with one of our holistic vets!
It’s a chance to get to know us, ask questions, and decide if you want to use our services with zero obligation.
Introductory consults can be in person or via Teams. Terms and Conditions apply.
Acupuncture as part of a holistic approach
Acupuncture is most often used as part of a wider, individualised treatment plan. Our qualified vets often combine it with Chinese herbal medicine, and sometimes with other therapies such as laser therapy, shockwave, lifestyle support, and nutritional guidance.
Acupuncture can be used with great success as a diagnostic tool. Needling specific points on your pet’s body can tell us a lot, including which herbal combinations may be most effective. We look for changes to pulse points, which can mimic how herbs affect the body and give insight into prognosis as well as treatment direction.
Is acupuncture suitable for my pet?
When performed appropriately by a qualified vet, acupuncture is generally very safe and well tolerated by most pets. It is a gentle, soothing, non-invasive treatment that does not require sedation, making it a suitable option for many pets. However, as with any therapeutic intervention, there are certain situations where additional caution is required.
Our main concern with acupuncture is needling near tumours or masses. We avoid this as it may increase circulation, which could potentially stimulate tumour growth.
Before recommending acupuncture, we always assess your pet’s medical history, current condition, and overall wellbeing.
If you’re unsure whether acupuncture is right for your pet, we’re always happy to discuss their needs and answer any questions you may have.
What can acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions, where it can help improve comfort, resilience, and quality of life over time.
Acupuncture performed by our trained and certified veterinary surgeons may be used to support a wide range of conditions, including the following. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If your pet’s condition is not listed, we are still very happy to advise.
How much does acupuncture cost?
Acupuncture at Holistic Vet Care is included in your initial consultation – this is £184.71 and 75 minutes long.
Subsequent appointments with acupuncture are £109.11 and are 50 minutes long.
Claiming insurance
Many pet insurance providers now offer cover for complementary and holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and laser therapy. However, we recommend checking what is included in your plan as cover varies between policies. Please bear in mind that all consultations, treatments, and herbal prescriptions must be paid for at the time. We will then help you claim back from your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Is acupuncture painful?
Contrary to concerns about discomfort, acupuncture for pets is typically painless, with many cats and dogs responding by becoming relaxed or even falling asleep. Occasionally, certain acupuncture points can be more painful than normal for some patients, but we take steps to work around this for their comfort.
What can I expect from an acupuncture session?
Acupuncture sessions at Holistic Vet Care last around 20 minutes and are designed to promote increased circulation, enhance nervous system function, and trigger the release of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances.
Acupuncture for pets works in the same way as it does in people and is just as effective. The treatment is considered safe and involves placing fine needles in strategic points on the body; a process which is gentle and typically pain-free. Pets often feel so relaxed during acupuncture treatment that they fall asleep.
During and after acupuncture, additional therapies can be utilised to maximise the effects. This can be massage of an area that was too painful to touch prior to placing the needles or stretching exercises for a limb that was previously too stiff to move.
Overall, pets show noticeable improvement in conditions such as arthritis and digestive issues after just a few treatments.
How can acupuncture benefit my pet?
Acupuncture can be utilised by vets to treat issues affecting many different body systems and provide additional pain relief or long-term management.
Acupuncture for pets may seem like a new therapy, however many people have been using it with great results for over 5,000 years. It is now being integrated into Western medicine, with increasing evidence of its effects. In fact, many vets now recommend using acupuncture and most insurers will cover this complementary therapy.
How does acupuncture help with pain?
Chronic pain arises due to mechanisms occurring in the nerves, spinal cord and brain. Because acupuncture influences all of these, it can be an effective method for managing pain.
Pain can begin shortly after injury, and when left unmanaged, may become chronic and more difficult to treat over time. For this reason, it is key that acupuncture is used in the early stages of your pet’s pain management.
Research suggests that acupuncture can influence gene expression and stimulate the release of locally active pain-relieving substances such as adenosine. It may also encourage the release of the body’s natural opioids, including endorphins and serotonin. These substances, also called “happy hormones”, are extremely potent and natural painkillers.
How does acupuncture help with organ function?
Acupuncture can also regulate the autonomic nervous system. This improves organ function and restores vitality. Like in humans, many animals appear to have more energy and feel better in themselves after treatment. It is thought that acupuncture can improve intestinal, lung and heart related issues via autonomic nerves.
How does acupuncture help with behavioural issues?
The rate and degree of improvement depend on your pet and the severity of disease. Some animals show marked improvement in a matter of weeks, whilst others may need months. With TCM, improvement is steady and sustained, so patience is required.
Get in touch
Where are we located?
Suite A, Blisworth Marina, Blisworth, Northampton, NN7 3FG.
We are located just outside of Blisworth, between Northampton and Towcester. Our clinic is at the Blisworth Marina, providing a peaceful, relaxing setting, with ample parking.
