“qi noun
variant spelling of CHI entry 2
: vital energy that is held to animate the body internally and is of central importance in some Eastern systems of medical treatment (such as acupuncture) and of exercise or self-defense (such as tai chi)” – Merriam-Webster

Acupuncture involves inserting very small needles in precise locations along channels also known as “meridians.” The needles are used to help the flow of energy, “Qi” (pronounced chee) which travels along the meridians all over the body. The goal of treatment is to achieve balance.

Healing hands for animals

Acupressure follows the exact same principles as acupuncture but uses the therapist’s fingers rather than needles to stimulate specific pressure points around the body.

Applying gentle but firm finger pressure to the body’s acupoints helps to address pain, release muscle tension, strengthen the immune system and promote blood circulation. In addition, healing hands can help relax our patients with acupressure such as gently caressing your pet’s head in specific areas.

Acupressure is ideal for animals that may be sensitive to needling and can easily be taught to owners to continue at home on their own.

““If there is free flow,
there is no pain; If there is no free
flow, there is pain.”
— Traditional Chinese Medicine View of Pain

Electroacupuncture involves using a machine that conducts a small current across the inserted needles. This electrostimulation accentuates the response to traditional needling. Patients feel a gentle tingling which relieves pain and stimulates nerves. Electrostimulation is similar to a TENS unit.

“Yin and Yang, male and female, strong and weak, rigid and tender, heaven and earth, light and darkness, thunder and lightning, cold and warmth, good and evil—the interplay of opposite principles constitute the universe.” – Confucius

Acupuncture injection therapy applies the same principles as needling, however we inject a small volume of liquid in specific points to achieve the same desired results. The injection allows for the positive effects to linger a little longer than just the dry needling technique. In addition, sometimes we inject Vitamin B12 which has added health benefits.