Holistic Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves insertion of needles into specific points on the body in order to bring about a desired healing effect. It is said that veterinary acupuncture was first discovered when lame battle horses were found to become sound after being hit by arrows at distinct points. There is evidence that veterinarians practiced acupuncture as far back as 2000-3000 BC. Acupuncture was used as preventive medicine as well as to treat existing illness. Today it is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with other alternative modalities and/or western Medicine. Modern acupuncture techniques involve the use of fine, solid needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage and low power cold lasers to stimulate acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Occasionally an animal will appear to be worse for up to 48 hours after treatment and some will be drowsy for up to 24 hours after acupuncture.

Acupuncture can be used as a sole therapy to treat many types of arthritis, degenerative joint disease and back pain. It can also be safely combined with conventional pain medications for a synergistic effect and to lower the frequency and dosage of pain relief drugs in severe cases.

Acupuncture is primarily indicated for functional problems such as paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (allergies), and pain. In animals, the following are some of the general conditions that respond well to acupuncture:

  • Musculoskeletal problems... arthritis, disc problems
  • Skin problems... lick granulomas
  • Respiratory problems... feline asthma
  • Gastrointestinal problems... vomiting, diarrhea
  • Selected reproduction and hormonal problems

Bach Flower Therapy

Bach Flower therapy is similar to Homeopathy and was developed developed by the English physician, Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930's. Dr Bach observed and catalogued negative emotional behavior and stress and its effects on the health of his patients. As with all holistic healers Dr. Bach perceived ill health as being due to imbalance. When an individual is out of synch emotionally with their environment they will be unhealthy. Bach flower therapies are a very safe method of dealing with many emotional based problems in pets. They can be given directly or in your pet's drinking water.

Bio Assessment and Therapy

Bio assessment integrates clinical nutrition and non-drug medicinal therapies into the practice of Veterinary Medicine. The Nutraceutical therapies and supplements recommended by a Bio assessment are based on a metabolic and physiologic interpretation of standard blood testing commonly used by all Veterinary practices. The chemical blood results are related to underlying physiological processes as well as to the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, cofactors and enzymes utilized by the body to complete these biochemical reactions. These results coupled with medical and historical information supplied by a good physical exam and medical work up form the basis for the analysis and recommendations.

Once an analysis is performed on your animal, an individualized program of biochemical compounds (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, glandular substances and other nutrients) along with symptom oriented medicinals (homeopathic, Western herbal, Chinese herbals) that closely match the current metabolic and nutritional needs of your animal will prescribed.
The BA program provides another tool for a Veterinarian to seek a balance of health for your animal. As a result the patient's day to day quality of life and health as well as a reduction and elimination of chronic disease symptoms are addressed from a medical and nutritional point of view.

Veterinary Manipulative Therapy

Manual Medicine philosophy is based on the relationship of the spinal column to the nervous system and the role of the spinal column in biomechanics and movement. It does not encompass the entire study of health and disease, but instead approaches it from a structural point of view, with particular emphasis given to spinal mechanics and neurological relationships. The Chinese were practicing spinal manipulation as early as 2700 BC. Hippocrates used spinal manipulation and is to have said, "Look well to the spine for the cause of disease".

VMT treatment is based on intervertebral manipulations (adjustments). Spinal adjustment uses either short-lever, high velocity, or long lever manipulation directed at specific articulations. Adjustments are designed to restore biomechanical and neurologic function by affecting a single motor unit. The key to VMT care is in identifying areas of subluxation in the vertebral column. History and a general physical examination serve as a baseline for VMT assessment. In addition one must observe postural abnormalities, analyze gait and perform thorough static and motion palpation of the vertebrae and paraspinal tissues. In addition it is necessary to do a complete orthopedic and neurologic examination.

Depending on what is determined in the evaluation process further diagnostic tests or services may also be required. It becomes very apparent that manual manipulation should only be administered by a qualified Veterinarian trained in Veterinary Manipulative Therapyc. Well recognized, extensive, Post-Graduate Certification courses are available in this modality. Acupuncture therapy and manipulation share some similarities in their physiologic effects and mode of action. The combination of acupuncture and manipulationc can, in many cases, have a synergistic effect.

TCM Food Therapy

In the West, food is described as containing certain amounts of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals etc. These levels are obtained through laboratory analysis of the food. The nutritional value of a food is a statement of the sum total of its chemical ingredients before the body processes them. In the East, food is described as possessing certain qualities such as a warming or cooling nature, having certain flavors such as sweet or pungent or having certain actions on the body such as tonification or sedating qualities. These qualities and their application are based upon the principles of philosophies such as Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM foods are looked upon as extensions of herbs... in fact there is considerable crossover between the two categories.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy, as with other alternative modalities, recognizes the difference between symptom and disease. It also stresses the importance of maintaining a state of homeostasis within the body. A symptom is not a disease but a sign or signalment of disease. In Western Medicine the goal is often to alleviate a specific symptom. This works in that the animal may feel better, but it does not necessarily change the underlying cause of the problem. Many homeopathic practitioners feel that symptoms are adaptive responses to physiologic stress. It is felt that symptoms are inherent defenses of the body, and eliminating them without addressing the source of the problem can suppress the body's healing responses. Thus instead of treating, controlling or suppressing symptoms, therapies that augment and even mimic the body's defense symptoms are utilized.

In Homeopathic Medicine the general picture of the case is more important than the conventional name of the disease. The true guide to the correct homeopathic prescription is the individual expression of signs and symptoms both mental and physical. Determining these involves an accurate history, observation, thorough examination and, if indicated, laboratory and/or other diagnostic procedures. One must also remove any adverse influences that have contributed to the cause of the syndrome or that may inhibit the animal's response to therapy and its ability to heal. In order to be sure safety and effectiveness, Veterinary Homeopathy, should be practiced by trained Veterinarians.