What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a health care system that focuses more on prevention than our present-day western health care system. Along with food therapy, exercise and herbal supplements, acupuncture is one aspect of the ancient art of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), and has been used in China for over 3000 years. Other aspects of TCVM include herbal medicine and Tui-na, which is Chinese massage.
The Chinese believe that everything (people, animals, plants, the earth, the sky) is CONNECTED. They also believe that all the connections have an innate balance between them. The day is balanced with the night, hot with cold, male with female, Yin with Yang (pronounced yahng).
Health, then, is a reflection of balance between all parts of the body, mind and spirit. Illness manifests itself when there is an imbalance between body, mind and/or spirit.
Health, then, is a reflection of balance between all parts of the body, mind and spirit. Illness manifests itself when there is an imbalance between body, mind and/or spirit.
This balance is maintained through the flow of energy between and within these areas. This energy is known as qi, pronounced "chi."
The Chinese discovered that this qi flows along pathways from the outside of the body (the skin) to the internal parts of the body. If these pathways are stimulated through acupuncture, the flow of energy can be stimulated. Problems arise when there is either not enough energy, deficiencies, at a particular point or if there is a blockage of energy, excess, at a certain point.
The Chinese discovered that this qi flows along pathways from the outside of the body (the skin) to the internal parts of the body. If these pathways are stimulated through acupuncture, the flow of energy can be stimulated. Problems arise when there is either not enough energy, deficiencies, at a particular point or if there is a blockage of energy, excess, at a certain point.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine can be used to maintain and promote balance in healthy individuals, as well as to treat a wide variety of conditions. These conditions include, but are not limited to:
- hip dysplasia/ chronic arthritic conditions
- acute muscle, tendon and bone injuries (often best used in conjunction with western modalities)
- pre- and post-operative pain management
- spinal cord trauma including paresis (weakness) and paralysis
- control nausea in cancer patients to improve appetite and boost the immune system
- gastrointestinal disorders: vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease
- kidney disease
- urinary incontInence and retention
- respiratory disorders: upper respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, and asthma
- seizures
- separation anxiety
- skin conditions
- disorders of the immune system
- liver disease
- heart disease
- endocrine disorders including thyroid disorders
- geriatric patient management to improve the general quality of life
Often times the best treatment is a combination of Western and Eastern approaches.I welcome working with your regular veterinarian to provide an integrated approach to your pet’s health.