Healing Hands
Acupuncture FAQS:
What is acupuncture?
How does it work?
Acupuncture is a type of medical treatment that involves the insertion of very small needles into the skin at specific locations to improve healing. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), it is believed that health is maintained by the smooth flow of energy throughout the body. This energy is called "Qi" and it flows along very discrete "energy highways" called meridians. In TCVM, when there is blockage or disruption in the flow of Qi, disease and pain result. Acupuncture points represent points along these energy highways where the Qi can be manipulated and normal flow re-established, therein restoring health.
Acupuncture works by physically interacting with blood vessels, myofascia, and nerves. When the acupuncture needle is inserted in the skin, it activates the body's mechanoreceptors (touch receptors) and sends a signal through a sensory nerve to the spinal cord, altering the body's pain pathways and directly lowering pain perception. In addition, the needling initiates local reactions in the tissue that cause improved blood flow, increased immune function, and the release of endorphins & enkephalins-- the body's "natural pain-killing" hormones.
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House Call Veterinary Acupuncture
Meet Dr. Karin Olsen
Karin Olsen obtained her veterinary degree in 2003 from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Karin is trained in both medical acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and has completed two of the three certification programs in veterinary acupuncture. She is a member of both the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), where she obtained her most recent training.
Email: klo22@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-221-1588 (Text preferred)
