Dr Anuska Viljoen

Dr Anuska Viljoen

BVSc(Hons) VetMFHom MRCVS

Acupuncture – The Ancient Veterinary Treatment

Veterinary Acupuncture was discovered over 3000 years ago. By patient, detailed, meticulous observation of animals and their response to disease over a considerable period, it was discovered that digital pressure, applied to certain points on the body, relieved or cured the signs of disease. Later, it was discovered that a better effect was produced by inserting a special needle into these points.

Although Veterinary Acupuncture and Human Acupuncture developed side by side, the traditional points used on animals bear little semblance with the human acupuncture points. The first Veterinary Schools in Europe taught Acupuncture as routine for both large and small animals until the early part of the 19th century. Modern drugs replaced this until more recently, when Acupuncture has seen an upsurge in popularity.

Classical Chinese Acupuncture is based on the philosophy of Yin and Yang. This is more readily explained as two opposing forces within the body, which exist in a balanced state unless disturbed by disease when one or the other becomes more dominant. This energy is also thought to be in a constant state of movement around the body, along a number of energy channels or “meridians”. By inserting needles at specific points on these meridians, we can influence the body’s response to disease, either alleviating the symptoms (e.g. pain) or curing the disease by restoring balance, and hence harmony within the channels.

Acupuncture is especially useful in muscle and bone diseases such as Paralysis, Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, and “Back” pain, Disc Problems, Muscle/Ligament sprains/Strains, Incontinence as well as many other chronic diseases.

More to explorer

Simply Vets Practice Notes Placeholder Image
Practice Diary

Natural Does Not Equal Safe

Just because something is NATURAL it does not necessarily mean it is SAFE! This is a very dangerous misunderstanding amongst many untrained (however well meaning)

Read More »