When examining the meridians, the acupuncturist is looking for areas that are tender, and evaluating their relationship to the ailment. This, coupled with the other evaluation information, allows her to make the diagnosis, then perform the treatment. Acupuncture treatments are not quick-fixes. While improvement usually follows each treatment, several sessions are generally required before healing can occur. Since acupuncture treats the whole animal, not just the symptoms, other problems the animal has been experiencing are often relieved as well.
Basic acupuncture involves inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points.
Another technique involves the use of a moderate electrical current. An electroacupuncture unit is used, and small wires are linked between needles and the machine to produce electrical currents which stimulate the points. This is used especially in deep acupuncture points. While improvement usually follows each treatment, several sessions are generally required. Sometimes heat at acupuncture points is called for.