What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points (Acupoints) on the body through insertion of fine sterile needles to produce a healing response and has been used for thousands of years. These acupoints are located at areas of nerve endings and small blood vessels to release neurotransmitters that are involved in pain. Acupuncture is very safe and well tolerated by pets. Most patients find acupuncture relaxing and some will even fall asleep during the treatment.

What Conditions are Treated with Acupuncture?

Most often in small animals, acupuncture is used in conjunction with Western medicine to treat pain such as muscle spasms, back pain, disc disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and ligament trauma. However, acupuncture can also be used for other diseases such as coughing, seizures, kidney disease, vomiting, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, urinary incontinence, and diarrhea.

What to Expect

On the first visit (Initial Consultation), Dr Molina will review the medical history and perform a physical exam and TCVM exam. Using this information, Dr. Molina will work with the owner to formulate a treatment plan. The initial consultation will last around 90 minutes and includes the first acupuncture session. The owner will stay with the patient the whole time with the needles usually in place for 10 to 30 minutes.

Each consecutive acupuncture session will usually be for 30 to 45 minutes with the number of sessions depending on the condition being treated. Patients often start with 1 treatment per week for 4 to 6 weeks with a positive response seen after the 1st to 3rd treatment. Once an optimum response is achieved, treatments are tapered off based on symptoms. Some patients with chronic conditions can taper off to even 2 to 4 treatments per year.

Schedule and Fees

Initial Consultation

$175.00 - Includes first acupuncture session - 90-minute appointment

Follow Up

$100.00 - 45-minute appointment