Whole Body Holistic Integrated Care

When it comes to our pets, there is nothing we wouldn’t do to keep them from experiencing pain or anxiety. That is why traditional and new healing modalities are being embraced, as the benefits of pet acupuncture, Tui-na, Herbal Medicine and other treatments offer beneficial and noninvasive ways of enhancing recovery and managing pain.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine: The five branches of Chinese medicine is considered a holistic approach to medicine. When there is health, there is balance in the body. When there is disease there is an imbalance or disharmony. In order to bring a patient back to health, the whole patient has to be considered. When forming a treatment plan to promote and reestablish health, the following modalities should be considered.

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Acupuncture

so......... you want to stick needles in my pet?

Well, yes and let us explain why: Acupuncture is the stimulation of certain points on the body that correspond to neurovascular bundles, blood plexuses, sites of nerve branching. The original theories of traditional Chinese medicine formed the basis of acupuncture-needling certain spots on the body regulates the flow of “Qi” (energy), which flows through and nourishes the tissues and organs. Nowadays we have controlled studies that provide evidence and show the neurophysiologic effects of pain control in response to acupuncture. Acupuncture also helps improve local circulation and promotes healing by bringing oxygen and the bodies own "fighter cells" to promote regenerations from within. Using this therapy as part of a multi-modal treatment plan will provide the best chance of relief from pain and promotion of quality of life.

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 3000 years.

Acupuncture works in pets the same way as it does in humans. Through the application of very fine needles into the top skin or dermal layer, healing is enhanced through increased blood flow, pain is reduced by the release of endorphins, and, in many cases,

issues of anxiety or stress are reduced.

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Tui-Na

Tui-Na, pronounced “twee na”, is a form of manipulative bodywork based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Tui-Na, which can be roughly translated as “push and pull”, the veterinarian is attempting to remove any blockages or other disruptions to the natural flow of the body’s energy along the meridians and muscles, thus bringing the energy back into proper alignment.

This can be used as an adjunctive treatment for pain, musculoskeletal issues, as well as respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and immune disorders.

Tui-Na can also help improve a pet’s overall sense of well-being and speed healing by helping to increase blood and lymph circulation, can help promote an improved appetite and restful sleeping.

Tui-Na can be demonstrated by our Integrative Veterinarian , and then performed by you the pet parent in between sessions.

"Many of the movements are not difficult, so we can empower clients to become part of the healing process – something every caring pet guardian desires."

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Herbal Medicine

Herbs and supplements are another staple of integrative pet care. When used in conjunction with Western medications, they can increase the effectiveness of treatments for a variety of medical conditions and behavioral disorders.

Herbs and supplements are especially useful for patients with underlying liver or kidney diseases that make it difficult to tolerate certain prescription drugs. For more information schedule a consult with our Integrative Veterinarian.

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Food Therapy

Diet can be used to treat disease patterns, as well as prevent disease.

Food is Medicine that your pet will love.

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Qi Gong

Qi Gong: Ancient practice that involves stretching, strengthening and flowing movements, with a focus on the mind, body and breathing connections. We can not ask our pets to preform Qi Gong. However, we can spend several minutes daily preforming Qi Gong movements to strengthen our own bodies, ultimately allowing us to better

support our pets.

How does Acupuncture work?

What conditions may be benefited by acupuncture?

Research has shown that there is not just one mechanism of action, but rather acupuncture works at several different levels throughout the body. The insertion of the needle into a specific point can locally stimulate good inflammatory cells and increase the blood supply to an area, to help with healing or local inflammation. But the insertion of the needle also has an impact further away from where the needle is inserted. The insertion can cause the release of endorphins, serotonin and neurotransmitters that help to alleviate pain. These substances are the same substances that are released when we prescribe many of the western oral or injectable pain medications. Morerecent research shows that insertion of needles at specific points help with fascial release. There is ongoing research that reveals new mechanisms of action, but overall, it is accepted that there are a number of mechanisms that are in play when a needle is inserted into a specific point that has a positive effect on the body.

What conditions may be benefited by acupuncture?

Acupuncture is going to have the biggest positive impact on musculoskeletal and neurologic disease processes. But it also can help with the management of chronic internal medicine disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, organ dysfunction (Liver, Kidney), endocrine diseases (Cushing’s, Thyroid, Diabetes) and many more. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with western medication and treatment options.

Do pets really let you poke them with needles?

What conditions may be benefited by acupuncture?

Do pets really let you poke them with needles?

Yes, they do!! I find most pets tolerate needle insertion very well. The needles once inserted are typically left in for 10-30 minutes. Often the clients will report that their pets are more relaxed or calm the night of acupuncture and sometimes the next day as well. Some pets don’t love acupuncture, and if I have a pet that does not enjoy their acupuncture treatment, we make changes accordingly. If acupuncture is a part of a pet’s treatment plan it needs to be a positive experience.

Are there any side affects from acupuncture?

Do pets really let you poke them with needles?

No! There are so few things that we do that have minimal to no risk, but acupuncture is one of them!! Many pets that I see for an initial hospice consult are on a cocktail of medications and theirquality of life is not great. Or they may be a pet that is challenging to medicate. For both of these types of pets, acupuncture is a great idea to try! Acupuncture may not make them 100% better, but it is not going to make them worse. And I would rather try something that could substantially help the pet, than do nothing at all.

Are there any contradictions to acupuncture?

Are there any side affects from acupuncture?

Are there any contradictions to acupuncture?

There are very few conditions that acupuncture would be contradicted.

If the veterinarian has any concerns about using acupuncture in the treatment plan, these concerns will be discussed.

What is the purpose of Herbs?

Are there any side affects from acupuncture?

Are there any contradictions to acupuncture?

The focus of herbal supplements is to correct any underlying health imbalances and to achieve an overall state of “wellness" and aid the body in healing from within.

Can my Pet take both herbal and regular prescription medication?

Yes! That is the beauty of integrative medicine. It is a blend of east meets west. A multi-modal approach that often leads to improved quality of life, better pain control and a reduction in the amount of prescription drugs needed.

Do you carry Herbs and Supplements for purchase?

Can my Pet take both herbal and regular prescription medication?

Our Integrative Veterinarian only carries a small supply of starter herbs for conditions that require immediate supplementation or support. Specific herbs and supplements can be ordered to ship directly to your home to insure freshness, quality, safety and optimal effectiveness. These are usually available within a week or less of ordering. Since not all herbs and supplements are created equal or produced sustainably, we only use the most reputable sources and vendors.