Ancient Chinese medical philosophy believes that disease is a result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy, and thereby assist the body in healing disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body's efforts to heal itself by causing certain physiological changes. Acupuncture activates the nervous system. It has been proven to relieve pain and muscle spasms, and stimulate circulation, nerve regeneration and the immune system. It causes the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body's pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Acupuncture also decreases inflammation and promotes healing of diseased tissue and organs, making it particularly helpful for pets recovering from surgery or coping with disease.

Acupuncture is known to have therapeutic effects in a wide variety of animal diseases. Pain reduction is an important application of veterinary acupuncture, but there are much wider applications that we use this for at QVC. Examples of clinical conditions where veterinary acupuncture may be used are: - Musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease - Spinal conditions - Head trauma/disease such as epilepsy or brain trauma - Gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, chronic/acute diarrhoea, chronic constipation, nausea and decreased appetite - Urinary disorders - Skin problems such as lick granulomas, chronic allergies, wound healing and scar therapy