During an initial consultation, a full history will be obtained, and a full traditional physical exam as well as a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical examination will be performed on each patient. The findings will be discussed, and we will work together to establish a treatment plan through contemplation of conventional (western) and/or non conventional (eastern) options. Additional diagnostics may be recommended. The first visit typically lasts an hour, and the following visits usually last half an hour.
How many treatments will my pet need?
Each case is different, and typically, we will suggest a combination of acupuncture, herbal therapy, food therapy, nutritional supplementation, or laser therapy.
Acupuncture: Initially, it is recommended to start with 4-6 consecutive treatments (usually once a week or once every two weeks), depending upon the severity of the problem. After initial treatments and initiation of herbal therapy or other complimentary treatments, acupuncture treatments can usually be spaced much further apart, and in some cases may be discontinued as goals are met.
Veterinary Acupuncture: Acupuncture is one modality of a more comprehensive Chinese medical system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years to treat a variety of diseases including: pain, musculoskeletal disease (osteoarthritis), neurological disease (disc disease, seizures, degenerative myelopathy), GI disease, dermatological disease, cardiovascular / respiratory disease, urogenital disease (including incontinence), immune-mediated diseases and neoplasia.
The classic form of acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body using sterile, thin stainless steel needles. Stimulation of these points manipulates energy flow or “Qi,” which travels in meridians or channels through the body, creating sufficient and balanced flow of Qi, which is necessary for health. Free nerve endings, small arterioles and veins, lymphatic channels, and numerous white blood cells surround these points. Stimulation of these points causes release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones that help to relieve pain, increases blood flow, and decreases inflammation. Overall, manipulation of these points helps to restore balance in the body, allowing the body to heal itself, while at the same time providing symptomatic relief.
Aquapuncture: Aquapuncture is stimulation of an acupuncture point by injecting a liquid such as Vitamin B-12, normal saline or a homeopathic remedy into the point.
Electroacupuncture: ElectroAcupuncture employs an electrical device to stimulate acupuncture points. Most electroacupuncture machines have a number of “leads” that attach to acupuncture needles. The machine sends variable electric frequencies through the needle to either stimulate or sedate the acupuncture. This technique is most helpful in situations of paralysis.
Laser Therapy: Also known as cold laser, low-level laser therapy is a form of photo-therapy used to stimulate tissue repair and provide pain management. The laser uses focused red and infrared light to stimulate tissue at and below the surface of your pet’s skin. The biochemical effect of the low-level light increases the production of cellular energy and thus promotes cellular regeneration, production of collagen for tissue repair, and vascular dilation and synthesis for better circulation. Light from the low-level laser also encourages production of the body’s natural pain-relievers.
Chinese Herbal Therapy: Eastern herbs are used to support the function of the body and the healing process. These herbal formulas usually help to lengthen the duration of the effects of the acupuncture. The herbs are ingested easily by most pets through administration in capsule form or in powder form mixed in food.
Food and Supplementation Recommendations: Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of preventative medicine and is necessary to promote healing. In Chinese Medicine, nutrition is based on the patient’s age-related nutritional needs, temperament, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and illness. A complete and balanced whole food diet can be formulated to focus on overall health and disease prevention, or as a treatment to current issues.
Bioenergy Healing: Bioenergy is the universal life sustaining force. This force is also called Qi, Chi, Prana, the Divine among others to represent the same energetic phenomena. The Zdenko Domancic Method of Bioenergy Therapy is simple, noninvasive, medicine free. Following a specific protocol for each health condition, practitioners use their hands and eyes to channel this energy into the body. These specific protocols have been developed over 30 years, and are based on the fact that the body uses this energy to strengthen its immune system and to heal itself naturally. Healing sessions are 15-30 minutes, and take place at the same time over a 4 day period. The method is used to benefit all health conditions.