A fine needle inserted through the skin generates many responses within an animal's nervous and endocrine (hormone) systems. Acupuncture increases the body's release of natural painkillers (endorphins and serotonin) and modifies pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord.
It can affect muscles, bones and joints, the circulatory, reproductive, digestive and urinary systems, as well as antibody production and hormone output.
Acupuncture is a very useful adjunct to conventional approaches to veterinary medicine.