www.Acupuncture4Animals.com
Four Paws, Five Treasures LLC
Linda Vognar, DVM, CVA
Integrative Veterinary Medicine
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Four Paws, Five Treasures LLC
Linda Vognar, DVM, CVA
Integrative Veterinary Medicine
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
LASER ACUPUNCTURE AND ELECTROSTIMULATION
LASER LIGHTWe use lasers to listen to CDs, to measure distances, temperature and speed. Einstein was the first to discuss the properties of light, but our bodies have been using light energy since life was created. Therapeutic laser is a focused beam of coherent (all the same wavelength) light that emits photon energy which is received within the cell membrane to create a cascade of healing effects.
WHAT IS LASER ACUPUNCTURE?
Laser Acupuncture is the use of low level laser light at acupuncture points to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. The light replaces needles and produces no heat. These lasers are different than the more publicized heat lasers that are used in surgery to cut tissue. They have been used world wide for over 25 years.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF LOW LEVEL LASER?
The effects of low level laser include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. These effects are produced when the light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane.
WHEN IS LASER ACUPUNCTURE USED?
Laser acupuncture is used when an animal will not allow placement of traditional needles into acupuncture points (for example in a cat with chronic nasal discharge who will not allow needle placement around the face and nose ). The laser point is placed over the acupuncture point for 2-4 minutes to stimulate the tissue. It is painless, can be relaxing, and is generally as successful as traditional acupuncture needles. A diffuse laser can also be used over areas of inflammation or non-healing wounds to hasten healing.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM ELECTRICAL STIMULATION?
Electrical stimulation is the attachment of clips to actual acupuncture needles. A battery operated unit is then used to run low level electrical current through the needles to stimulate energy and blood flow through the meridian. This electricity gives longer lasting stimulation than dry needles alone and is used most often for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as paralysis, arthritis, and tendonitis. It can be used for internal medicine cases also, however. Needles are usually stimulated for 10 minutes with low level direct current to release seritonin and 10 minutes with a higher level alternating current to release endorphins.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF LOW LEVEL LASER?
The effects of low level laser include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. These effects are produced when the light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane.
WHEN IS LASER ACUPUNCTURE USED?
Laser acupuncture is used when an animal will not allow placement of traditional needles into acupuncture points (for example in a cat with chronic nasal discharge who will not allow needle placement around the face and nose ). The laser point is placed over the acupuncture point for 2-4 minutes to stimulate the tissue. It is painless, can be relaxing, and is generally as successful as traditional acupuncture needles. A diffuse laser can also be used over areas of inflammation or non-healing wounds to hasten healing.
HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM ELECTRICAL STIMULATION?
Electrical stimulation is the attachment of clips to actual acupuncture needles. A battery operated unit is then used to run low level electrical current through the needles to stimulate energy and blood flow through the meridian. This electricity gives longer lasting stimulation than dry needles alone and is used most often for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as paralysis, arthritis, and tendonitis. It can be used for internal medicine cases also, however. Needles are usually stimulated for 10 minutes with low level direct current to release seritonin and 10 minutes with a higher level alternating current to release endorphins.