All acupuncture will be performed by Dr. Ana Tobiansky, a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist by The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a well-known treatment that originated in China more than 5000 years ago. This procedure includes the insertion of needles into specific points to achieve therapeutic effects. Many studies have proven that there are scientific benefits in acupuncture for helping control pain in acute and chronic situations.

What to expect from an acupuncture treatment

 Dr. Tobiansky will do a regular examination as well as an eastern medicine based exam. All factors are considered from both to make a point formula. Typically, 15 points are chosen to treat. The ideal method of needling is then chosen: traditional needles or injections at the acupuncture points (Aquapuncture). The small traditional needles are kept in place for 15 minutes. With aquapuncture the saline and vitamin B12 injected at the acupuncture points will stay in place until fully absorbed to activate the points.

Common questions and answers

The doctor will examine your pet and evaluate if they will be a good acupuncture candidate. Acupuncture works best on animals that are not stressed going to the vet, or that can sit still for 15 minutes. If your pet needs sedation to be seen this can diminish the effects of acupuncture and it would not be recommended.

It is helpful to have your pet be hungry for the appointment so they will be interested in the treats we offer. If they have a favorite treat, feel free to bring it with you.

Treatments are typically recommended once to twice weekly for 6-8 weeks. After this, we attempt to taper out treatments to 1-2 times a month for maintenance.

  • Stimulation of local nerves and blood flow to the area
  • Gate control theory: Stimulation of the same region of the spinal cord with acupuncture needles blocks out signals from injury “closing the gate” to chronic pain pathways.
  • Through the release of natural opioids to modulate pain
  • Turns on inhibition of pain from the spinal cord down to the site of injury
  • Brain Scans have shown acupuncture stimulates the center in the brain responsible for the emotional aspects of pain