Aiken Veterinary Acupuncture

VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE
Shelley Onderdonk DVM
372 Langdon Road
Aiken,SC 29805

What is acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese medical theory (TCM) understands acupuncture as a way to balance the yin and yang of a living organism. In this, its Taoist roots are revealed. According to Chinese philosophy, any living system has Qi flowing through its meridians which interact with environmental, hereditary and emotional factors. Achieving homeostasis and removing blockages is the pathway to health and longevity.

In an attempt to explain TCM in scientific terms, neurophysiologic research has identified various mechanisms whereby acupuncture exerts its effects. The acupoint is a morphologically distinct area on the skin which has particular electric and biochemical properties. Needling there triggers many reactions, one of which is the inhibition of pain impulses traveling along neurons to the brain (gate theory). There are also humoral mechanisms, meaning that many chemical substances are released by needle stimulation.