homeopathy  |  nutrition  |  acupuncture  |  chiropractic  |  full-service surgery  |  physiotherapy/rehabilitation
hydrotherapy  |  behaviourist  |  conventional medicine  |  grief counselling  |  overnight monitoring available

Currently we offer only TCM however acupunture services will be offered in the near future.

Acupuncture (Acupressure) and Herbs
(Traditional Chinese Medicine for Animals... The Natural Healing Art)

A method of using fine, sterile needles or manual pressure without the use of needles to stimulate lines of energy (Qi) running beneath the surface of the skin. This affects a change in the energy balance of the body and works to restore health and prevent illness.

TCM practitioners are very experienced at accurate placement of the needles and, generally, very little sensation is felt during placement or while the needles remain in place.

Common Questions About T.C.M.

What does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consist of?

TCM over the last 3000 years has developed a unique understanding of the workings of the human body. An independent system for TCM animal and pet care has developed at the same time. There are documented TCM practices as far back as 800 years ago using nutrition and other TCM methods of treatment for animals. Today in China there are hospitals devoted to the treatment of animals primarily by TCM combined with some Western Veterinarian practices. Extensive research continues in the area as well.

Herbal Supplementation and Diet

Supplementation with Chinese herbs is often necessary either alone or to enhance all the other therapies mentioned here. The herbal products prescribed are regulated and approved by the Chinese Government. Practical diet suggestions may be given as well. An animals metabolism is different from a human's. Herbal remedies formulated for humans may not be suitable for animals and some may be harmful.

Cupping

For some specific conditions, a deoxygenated suction cup is used to complement other TCM methods.

Moxibustion

One type of heat therapy uses special herbs. This technique complements acupuncture for specific conditions.

What is Qi (pronounced "chee") of the body which TCM adjusts and tones in order to restore balance to the body and stimulate its healing abilities?

Qi is generally unknown in western medicine but in simple terms, it is the vital energy of the body. It keeps the blood circulating, warms the body, fights disease, and in general, provides the energy for proper body and mind function. Qi flows through the main channels forming a network within the entire body and linking all parts and functions together so that they work as one unit. Although all animals have in common an energy system, each species of animal has meridians which are distinct and unique to that species. An appropriately trained TCM practitioner is familiar with each of them in order to treat successfully.

What does the consultation consist of and how is diagnosis made?

The consultation includes questioning of the pet owner, observation of the animal, examination of its pulse and tongue, as well as a physical examination when required. Pulse and tongue diagnosis are highly refined in Chinese medicine. What the practitioner is looking for are not symptoms in isolation but rather a pattern into which is woven a total picture of the animal. TCM terminology for describing conditions is very different. It is not based on the disease name as is Western medicine, but on the underlying individual energy pattern which can be different in each animal with the same disease.

What health conditions is TCM effective for in animals?

TCM is effective in treating acute and/or painful disorders, infectious disease, as well as chronic problems. It is effective for general therapeutic purposes. This is possible by creating balance in the body which enhances the body's own healing powers. Acupuncturists are trained to recognize disease often long before the animal owner is aware of its illness. They are therefore concerned, not with treating illness, but also with prevention.

Common conditions TCM can help for animals:

Inflammation and infections - arthritis - behavior problems - digestion problems - nervousness - weight loss or obesity - bad breath - exhaustion - dehydration - colds - bladder stones - constipation - diarrhea - injury - pain - all imbalances can be addressed.

Are the beneficial effects of acupuncture treatments temporary, or are they cumulative toward permanent healing so that treatments are needed less often or not at all?

TCM takes into account the whole animal, not only the disease but also other traits and conditions, and attempts to put together an overall picture of the animal in order to evaluate any patterns of disharmony that have arisen. The treatments are cumulative towards replacing these patterns with healthy patterns so the body is able to heal and maintain itself more efficiently on its own.

How long is each treatment and how many treatments are required?

Animals are generally very responsive to TCM methods, and healing is relatively fast. Generally one treatment in a one to two-week period is appropriate until balance and health is restored.

As soon as improvements are attained, should treatments be stopped?

Not usually. The practitioner will know by continued consultations using tongue and pulse analysis if the improvements are consistent and stable.

It is strongly recommended, for best long-term results, that the treatments be continued on your practitioner's advice, until (s)he is confident that the animal's body can maintain and continue the improvements on its own. This will prevent a relapse.

Can TCM be used in conjunction with Western medicine and other alternative medicine?

TCM can be combined with Western Veterinarian medicine and other alternative medicine.

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photo by Heidi Zutter

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