Soft Tissue Surgery

Cats, Dental Care, Dogs, Health Care, Services

Soft Tissue Surgery

Expert Soft Tissue Surgery for Your Pet at Animal Qi: The Care Your Furry Friend Needs for a Healthier, Happier Life!

Trust our skilled veterinary professionals to perform soft tissue surgery with precision and compassion, addressing a range of health issues and enhancing your pet’s well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At Animal Qi, we understand that the decision to pursue surgery for your pet can be a challenging one. Our team of dedicated veterinary professionals is committed to providing expert soft tissue surgery services to address various health conditions and improve your pet’s quality of life. With our advanced techniques and compassionate approach, you can have confidence in the care your furry companion receives.

selective focus photography of dog lying on ground

What is Soft Tissue Surgery?

Soft tissue surgery encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures that involve the non-skeletal tissues of your pet’s body, such as skin, muscles, internal organs, and the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems. Our experienced veterinary team at Animal Qi is highly skilled in performing soft tissue surgeries to treat various health issues, using advanced techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Why Might a Pet Need Soft Tissue Surgery?

There are several reasons your pet might require soft tissue surgery, including:

Removal of masses or tumors
Treatment of internal organ diseases, such as liver or kidney issues
Repair of hernias or other structural abnormalities
Treatment of gastrointestinal or urogenital conditions, such as bladder stones or intestinal blockages
Wound repair or skin grafting for severe injuries or burns

Our team at Animal Qi will thoroughly assess your pet’s condition and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you, ensuring that surgery is recommended only when necessary and beneficial for your pet’s well-being.

Why Choose Animal Qi’s Soft Tissue Surgery Services?

At Animal Qi, we’re passionate about providing exceptional care for your pets. Here’s what sets us apart:

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Expertise

Our experienced veterinary professionals are highly skilled in performing a wide range of soft tissue surgeries, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care.

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Advanced Techniques

We utilize state-of-the-art surgical techniques and equipment to provide the most effective and minimally invasive treatment options for your pet.

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Personalised Care

We understand that every pet is unique, and our team works closely with you to develop a customized surgical plan tailored to your pet’s individual needs and circumstances.

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Comprehensive Services

In addition to soft tissue surgery, we offer a full range of veterinary services to provide your pet with the best possible care throughout their life.

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Comprehensive Support

Our dedicated team at Animal Qi is here to support you and your pet through the surgical process, providing guidance and reassurance at every step of the way.

Ready to give your pet the expert care and attention they need through soft tissue surgery?

Book an appointment with Animal Qi today and let our compassionate team guide your furry companion toward a healthier, happier life.

Your pet’s health and happiness are our top priorities at Animal Qi. Our expert soft tissue surgery services are designed to address a wide range of health issues and improve your pet’s quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and give your beloved companion the care and attention they deserve.

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FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pet needs soft tissue surgery?

Our team at Animal Qi will conduct a thorough examination and diagnostic testing to determine if soft tissue surgery is the most appropriate treatment option for your pet’s specific condition. We will discuss our findings and recommendations with you, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What can I expect during my pet's soft tissue surgery?

During soft tissue surgery, your pet will be placed under general anesthesia to ensure their comfort and safety. Our skilled veterinary team will then perform the surgical procedure using advanced techniques and equipment. We will closely monitor your pet’s vital signs throughout the surgery to minimize any risks.

How long will it take my pet to recover from soft tissue surgery?

Recovery times can vary depending on the type of soft tissue surgery performed and your pet’s overall health. Our team at Animal Qi will provide you with a realistic estimate of your pet’s recovery timeline and work closely with you to ensure a smooth healing process.

How can I help my pet recover after soft tissue surgery?

To help your pet recover after soft tissue surgery, follow the post-operative care instructions provided by our team at Animal Qi. This may include administering medications, restricting activity, providing a special diet, and attending follow-up appointments. Additionally, it’s essential to provide your pet with a comfortable and stress-free environment, along with plenty of love and attention.

Are there any risks or complications associated with soft tissue surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications associated with soft tissue surgery. However, our experienced veterinary professionals at Animal Qi take every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for your pet. We will discuss any potential risks with you before the surgery and closely monitor your pet throughout the procedure and recovery process.

How much does soft tissue surgery cost at Animal Qi?

The cost of soft tissue surgery at Animal Qi depends on the specific procedure, your pet’s species, and any additional services that may be necessary. We encourage you to contact us to discuss your pet’s needs and receive a personalized quote for our services.

Can soft tissue surgery improve my pet's quality of life?

In many cases, soft tissue surgery can significantly improve a pet’s quality of life by addressing health issues that cause pain, discomfort, or impaired function. Our team at Animal Qi is committed to providing the best possible care to enhance your pet’s well-being and ensure they lead a happy, healthy life.

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From Our Visitors

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Massage and Touch (Tui-na)

Animal Acupuncture, Cats, Dogs, Pet Massage, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Tui-na Therapy

Information

Small Animal Tui-na Techniques for Home Care

Tui-na is a manual therapy that is one of the five brances of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) and uses Chinese medical theory as the basis for its application and actions. It was first used in the 16th-11th centuries BC and references to this treatment can be found in the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperors Inner Classics 475-221 BC).

From a conventional medicine perspective, Tui-na can be thought of as corresponding to a combination of acupressure, conventional massage and chiropractic techniques.

It can be used to regulate the Channels, soothe joints and sinews, promote circulation of Qi and Blood, strengthen the immune system and promote normal function of the Zang-fu organs.

Tui-na is most used to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and is also useful as a preventative medicine therapy because it promotes balance in the body. Small and large animals and exotic species respond well to Tui-na treatments and it can be used for animals that will not allow acupuncture needles to be placed. It is safe and effective with no known side effects. Although veterinarians must receive specific training in the techniques and applications of Tui-na, once mastered several Tui-na techniques can be easily taught to caretakers for home treatment.

Mo-fa (touching skin and muscle), Rou-fa (rotary kneading), Ca-fa (rubbing), Tui-fa (pushing), An-fa (pressing), Nie-fa (pinching), Dou-fa (shaking), Ba-sheng-fa (stretching) and Cuo-fa (kneading) are Tui-na techniques that caretakers can learn and use to accelerate the healing process and deepen the connection with their animals.

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Tui-na has clinically been observed to help promote and regulate normal circulation of Qi and blood through the Channels of the body and restore balance (restores Yin-Yang balance). Tui-na can be used to promote normal functioning of the internal organs (balance Zang Fu organs) and improve immune function (strenghten body resistance). In other sections Tui-na techniques were recorded as being successful in the treatment of various disorders, including joint pain (Bi syndrome), muscle weakness and atropy (Wei syndrone), facial paralysis and stomach pain. Other chapters of the Huang Di Nei Jing describe the therapeutic effects of Tui-na that include resolving pain, moving Qi, invigorating Blood, eliminating Pethogens and dispersing Heat (having the ability to relieve fever) in specific cases.

In traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) Tui-na is most used for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Tui-na treatments can be useful to align and restore the normal anatomic relationships of the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of the body (soothe tendons and ligaments) in these conditions. Tui-na can also be useful to treat problems of the digestive and respiratory systems and is well suited to notification and strengthening weak, chronically ill, geriatric and paediatric animals. Small and large animals as well as exotic species can be treated with Tui-na, which is especially useful for the treatment of fractious animals that will not allow acupuncture. Many TCVM practitioners combine Tui-na with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Food Therapy and an exercise/lifestyle programs for an enhanced therapeutic effect. Tui-na is a safe and effective therapy with no known side effects and is contraindicated in pregnant animals, open wounds, skin injuries, dermatitis, fractures, phlebitis and infectious diseases with zoonotic and or iatrogenic transmission potential.

Tui-na Techniques

Over the years, many different types of Tui-na techniques have been developed in China. Dr Han Ping, a professor of Tui-na/An-mo at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has compiled six systems of Tui-na techniques. These six Tui-na systems were developed for use in humans but are easily adapted to animals and have similar applications in veterinary medicine. While performing any Tui-na technique, it is important that hand manipulation should be kept soft and fluid and appropriate evenness, duration and force of pressure be applied for optimal clinical results. Veterinary Tui-na practitioners are typically trained to perform all of Dr Han’s techniques. However, it is common to also teach caretakers to perform Tui-na techniques on their pets at home to elp relieve pain and hasten recovery. Not all Tui-na techniques are appropriate for home treatment, but the nine techniques outlined below are simple, safe and effective and can easily be taught to clients for home treatments.

Mo-fa (touching skin and muscle): Mo-fa is performed by rubbing the skin in a spiral, rhythmic motion using the palms of the hands and fingers with light to moderate pressure. This technique is thought to use nervous system reflexes to exert an effect through the skin and superficial connective tissues to restore order to the circulation and may promote homeostatic reactions in internal organs. Mo-Fa is often used as a general introductory technique for Tui-na to acclimate animals for other techniques and is especially useful for weak and geriatric animals. It is used to regulate Qi, harmonize the Middle Burner (Zhong Jiao), drain Stagnation and remove accumulations and can be used to treat constipation, diarrhea and food retention.

Rou-fa (rotary kneading): Rou-Fa is performed with a gentle rotational motion using the ball of the fingers and the heel of the hand. This is one of the most common Tui-na methods and is used to regulate the actions of the other techniques. It functions to harmonize the Ying and Wei, resolve Qi and Blood Stagnation, relieve pain and eliminate food retention. Rou-Fa is especially good for Deficient animals and is often used as an introductory technique at various acupoints and Ah-shi points all over the body, before using techniques that work on deeper tissues. It is commonly combined with An-fa to produce a combination technique Rou-An-Fa

Ca-fa (rubbing): Ca-fa is performed by applying rapid, linear and moderately forceful movements of the palms, while firmly touching the skin. This technique produces softly warming stimulation to the skin and underlying tissues. It warms the Channels and Collaterals. It is extremely useful for Yang Deficient geriatric animals that feel cold to the touch and for Qi
Stagnation and Cold Patterns with abdominal and lumbar pain. It is extremely useful to treat chronic renal failure with Yang Deficiency and in animals with poor peripheral circulation it can be combined with Cuo-fa discussed below.

Tui-fa (pushing): Tui-fa is performed in a forceful one-directional movement using the finger, thumb, palm or elbow that follow the lines of major muscles, tendons and ligaments. It can be performed using the index fingers and/or thumb bilaterally along the epaxial muscle groups of the spine from T10-L7 in a smooth gliding motion along these tissues especially useful in animals with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). Initially light pushing should be used with progressively deeper pressure as the tissues and the animal allow. Tui-fa can be alternated with An-fa described below. This technique is used to relax the tendons and invigorate Blood and Qi flow. It is one of the more common techniques to treat the vertebral 3 column and limbs for Bi syndrome, IVDD and spondylosis and is one of the most important techniques to soften the connective tissues. It can also be used to dissipate nodules and masses. Tui-fa is like myofascial release techniques practiced in other conventional body-work techniques.

An-fa (pressing): An-fa is applying light pressure to an area using the thumb and or index finger with deeper pressure gradually applied. This technique is often performed with or following Rou-fa (discussed above). This single finger pressing technique is used to relieve Qi and Blood Stagnation and unblock obstruction.

Ba-sheng-fa (stretching): The caretaker is asked to pull and apply gentle traction to the muscles and joints of the limbs. Traction on the tail can also be applied as part of this treatment for 10 repetitions each time. The owner should strive to perform this technique rhythmically for best results. Ba-Sheng-Fa is used to regulate the Channels, mobilize and restore the normal anatomic position of the joints, tendons and ligaments of the pelvic limbs.

Dou-fa (shaking): During Dou-fa each limb is continuously shaken or vibrated gently with an up-down motion using both hands, while fully supporting the limb. This technique is used to regulate the Qi and Blood and smooths the joints.

Cuo-fa (kneading): Cuo-fa is usually performed on each limb using rapid kneading movements with the palms of both hands, moving back and forth and up and down the limb. The force should be equal in both hands and kneading should be rapid, but the movement up and down the limb should be slow. This technique can also be used on the neck, chest, hypochondriac region, abdomen and waist. This technique regulates the Channels and moves Qi and Blood. Cuo-fa is typically used at the end of a Tui-na treatment.

Nie-fa (pinching): Nie-fa is performed by pinching and squeezing the skin and epaxial muscles of the vertebral column with the fingers. This technique is useful to invigorate the Blood and Qi and regulate the Spleen and Stomach and is especially important to help stimulate appetite. Nie-fa is commonly used to regulate the vertebral column.

Tui-na Tips

Emphasize that all treatments are to begin softly and slowly. Too much force is to be avoided and treatments should be done with even pressure.
Caution should be used in performing Tui-na on geriatric, weak and debilitated animals that could become further weakened by treatments that are too vigorous or lengthy in duration. Tui-na treatments can last 10 minutes to 1 hour.
Do not give owners too many techniques to do at one time; in the author’s experience; prescribing only 3-4 different Tui-na techniques (no more than 30-45 minutes) are met with the best compliance by the average caretaker.
Give caretakers a Tui-na work sheet and write down all techniques to be performed and the duration of each; have the owner keep a log of treatments and review it during recheck examinations.
Demonstrate to caretakers each Tui-na technique to be done; then have them show you how they will do it at home.

It is recommended that treatment be performed every day to ensure that treatments are done at least 3-5 times per week. ul-na once daily is ideal.
It is beneficial to have the caretaker return in 1 week and demonstrate to the veterinarian the assianed Tui-na techniques on their pet.
Tui-na treatments should be performed before acupuncture needles are placed; it is more effective to massage the area before and after acupuncture for best results.
Tui-na techniques may also be supplemented with oral Chinese herbal medicine and herbal liniments, salves, sprays and patches as needed.
It is best to wait 30 minutes following a meal before performing a Tui-na treatment to allow normal blood flow to the bowel for proper digestion.

REFERENCES 1.www.acupuncture.com/qigong_tuina/tuinahistory.htm 2. Ni MS. The Yellow Emperors Classic of Medicine. Boston, Massachusetts: Shambala Publications 1995:42-223. 3. Xie H, Ferguson B, Deng X Annlication of Tui-na in Veterinar Medicine Reddick FI Chi Institute. 2008 1-206 *Renrinted with Dermission from Xie H Ferauson B Dena X Annlication of Tui-na in Veterinarv Medicine 2nd Reddick FI-Ch Institute 2008:7. Signe Beebe DM Integrative Veterinary Center, Sacramento CA 4. Google images

About Veterinary Herbal Medicine

Cats, Dogs, Herbal Medicine

Information

About Veterinary Herbal Medicine

Since prehistoric times, humans have been using plants, animals and other products found in nature to cure and alleviate disease. It was only in the 19th century that chemicals were gaining in popularity and subsequently used in what we now call the “Modern Medicine Era”. In the last decade the development of new druks has now begun to reach its limit.

We see this in the increase in “incurable chronic diseases” and most recently in the development of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms. For this and many other reasons, including ecological health, there is a major demand for Sustainable Medicine. Traditional Oriental Medicine is one of the main components in this drive in Sustainable Veterinary Medicine.

Traditional Oriental Veterinary Medicine has four main components; Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy and Tui-na. Over the last 50 years the popularity of complimentary medicine has grown exponentially in the Veterinary community and in the past owners society. Of the four oriental modalities, Herbal medicine is the easiest to integrate into a Veterinary practice.

purple flower field under white sky during daytime

We Recommend Ying Tang herbal formulas.

The Source

Where to find safe effective herbal formulas?

In TCVM the liver is in charge of tendons and ligaments and bosses the other organs around. The wood element opens the eyes. Wood animals are good at the competition and have great musculature, self-confidence, and an air of purpose. The negative side comes when they are prevented from doing what they want and they can become angry, frustrated, or even aggressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Answers

Is herbal medicine safe for animals?

Generally herbal medicine is deemed safe for animal use.
Not all natural remedies are completely safe and effective. Herbal medicine is no exception. Some of the ingredients in herbal formulas can cause severe side effects and drug interactions.
Make sure you use herbal formulas prescribed by a trained veterinary herbalist.

Who can prescribe herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is not regulated by the MCC or the SAVC for the use in animals. It is however important that you consult a veterinarian before giving any natural medicine to your pet.

Where can I find herbal medicine for my pets?

Be very careful of the source you use for herbal medicine. Natural over the counter medicine is not regulated or tested and some may be deadly toxic when given incorrectly.
Do not buy and give human herbal formulas to your animals. Our physiology differ significantly from our pets. Cats are especially sensitive to plant intoxications.
Only use herbal formulas prescribed by your veterinarian. AnimalQi supplies only the best JingTang formulas to veterinarians.
Ask you Veterinarian to find out how to source there herbs to you.

Is herbal medicine expensive?

Some of the veterinary herbal formulas are imported and this may be a bit expensive. To ensure you are using safe and effective herbal remedies please only use reputable safe brands. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Will herbal medicine replace my pets regular prescription meds?

Never change your pets medication without consulting your veterinarian!
Herbal remedies have been very successful in reducing the dosages of prescribed medicine and in most cases your veterinarian can wean off some of the chronic medications with the help of herbal medicine.

How long do I need to give the herbal medicine?

This will depend on the response seen by the patient and the disease being treated.

About Food Therapy

Cats, Dogs, Nutritional Services

Information

What is Food Therapy?

Food has been used as medicine in China in both humans and animals for thousands of years. Food as medicine was initially recorded in Zhou-Li written during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 BC to 256 BC). Food therapy is the art and science of using selected food ingredients and/or superior herbs to feed each individual based upon their inborn tendencies, age, species, geographical location, personality, and current disharmony or disease process. The goal is to treat or prevent illness and maintain health by using the foods according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCVM) fundamental principles. The main fundamental principles of TCVM food therapy are Xing/Thermal Energetics, Wei/Tastes, Brain Zheng/Pattern Differentiation and cook pot analogy.

Xing or Thermal Energetics of foods

An Ancient Oriental Healing Art.

Pathogenically, Xing refers to the nature or basis of a disease, which consists of two major categories: Hot and Cold conditions.

Hot conditions include: Heat, Heat toxin, Damp-heat, Summer Heat, Yang excess pattern or False heat due to Yin deficiency. These hot conditions are often called Yang disease.

Cold conditions refer to Cold, Damp, Yin excess pattern or False cold due to Yang deficiency. These cold conditions are also called Yin disease.

Therapeutically, Xing is the thermal nature or energetics of each herb or food. Huang di nei jing defines the most important TCVM treatment principle: hot conditions are treated with cold, while cold conditions are treated with heat. The Xing of foods simply refers to the primary post-indigestion effect of food on an individual’s body.

The various methods of food preparation can alter the energetics of foods. The initial Xing or thermal property of a food changes from most cool to most warm in the following order:

Raw, chilled-most cool.
Steamed or poached-cooling.
Boiled-neutral.
Stir-fried-mildly warming.
Casserole/baked-most heating.

Foods have both Xing and Wei. Xing is the Qi (energy) of foods. The Qi is the light, aromaic part of the food derived from its property, nature and aroma. The Wei, meaning taste, is the substantial, nourishing aspect. Food that is not fresh rapidly loses its Qi.

Wei / 5 Flavours of foods

An Ancient Oriental Healing Art.

Sour (Wood) – has astringent or holding/gathering quality.
Bitter (Fire) – has draining and counteracting dampness quality.
Sweet (Earth) – has tonifying and moistening quality.
Pungent (Metal) – has dispersing quality that promotes Qi and blood flow.
Salty (Water) – has softening and detoxifying quality.
Bland (Water) – drains dampness from the body.

Xing or Thermal Energetics of foods

Horses and companion animals have relative different TCVM patterns, even when in good health, depending upon their various life stages, including pregnancy, parturition and nursing.

Example: Nursing mothers and growing puppies consume Qi; thus, Qi-building foods should be used daily. Nursing consumes massive amounts of blood to form its modified ultrafiltrate called milk, therfore, blood tonifying foods should be fed every day to nursing mothers.

Foods by Category

Principles and Elements (Phases)

Pet Personalities

Cats, Dogs

Information

What’s your Pet Personality?

Wood: The General

Organs: Liver and Gallbladder

Personality Traits:

Dominant
Speedy
Impatient
Bossy
Competitive
Quick to anger
Adapts to change quickly

Prone to:

Hypertension
Stroke
Allergy
Depression
Hysteria
Neurosis and eye problems

Fire: The Emperor

Organs: Heart

In TCVM the heart is considered to be the ruler of general mental state. Fire animals are usually very eye catching and tend to be finer and more delicate. They love attention and are friendly to people. They are playful and love to be with others. Fire animals like to show off and have and audience.

Personality Traits:

High energy
Easily excited
Extroverted
Enjoys physical contact
Social butterfly
Difficult to calm down

Prone to:

Heart disease
Restlessness
Heat stroke
Sudden death
General and separation anxiety

Earth: Feeds Others

Organs: Spleen and Stomach

In TCVM the spleen is in charge of the overall digestive proses, muscle formation, general strength and holding muscles and organs in place. Earth animals tend to be the easiest to train and are sweet natured and very food motivated. Earth animals are safe, grounded, reliable and dependable. They like to be comfortable and working hard is not appreciated.

Personality Traits:

Nurturing
Supportive
Loyal
Easy going
Kind

Prone to:

Worry
Gastrointestinal upset
Edema
Cholic
Diarhea
Obesity

Metal: The Prime Minister

Organs: Lungs and Large Intestine

In TCVM the lungs function is to move water throughout the body and to acquire and distribute cosmic Qi (oxygen). Metal animals like a regime and order. Training should be regular, routine and scheduled. Metal animals associated with strength and accuracy, they are also polite and see extreme behaviors as breaking the rules.

Personality Traits:

Aloof
Dignified
Confident
Leader
Neat
Excellent self control

Prone to:

Nasal congestion
Frequent colds
Cough
Skin issues
Constipation

Water: Water Manager

Organs: Kidney and Bladder

In TCVM the kidneys govern water, flight or fight, bones, sex organs, hormones and the essence of life. It is important to start training at an early age to help them overcome stressful situations and to introduce them to as many people and environments as possible. Increasing water pets self confidence will help their personality bloom. They respond best to positive reinforcement, as punishment can worsen bad behavior. Water pets take a long time to gain trust, and if they are rushed, they will run, both mentally and physically.

Personality Traits:

Loving with Family
Suspicious of strange smells, people, places and sounds
Cautious
Introverted
Quiet

Prone to:

Lower back and hip pain
Infertility
Edema
Depression
Urinary infection
Deafness
Panic attacks

About Animal Acupuncture

Animal Acupuncture, Cats, Dogs, Health Care

Information

What is Acupuncture?

When pet parents start looking into acupuncture for their pets, it is usually due to the exhaustion of all other medical options that have failed to help their animal. In a desperate last attempt to help they google “alternative veterinary therapies” and is sure to find acupuncture at the top of the list.

The list of ailments that are treated successfully with acupuncture is extremely long and today we have the scientific literature to back-up the clinical claims. Acupuncture is no-longer an “alternative” medicine in many countries. It is an integrative therapy and can be easily used as a stand-alone treatment for many diseases and disorders.

To truly understand acupuncture we must study its history. Developed in the ancient orient about 5000 year ago, acupuncture grew from a crude acupressure into a surgical procedure. The Chinese was extremely good at documenting discoveries, numerous books on acupuncture were published hundreds of years ago.

Logic tells us that if the patients did not see and feel results after acupuncture treatments, this modality would have seized to exist a long time ago.

Today prestigious scientific databases like Pubmed and ScienceDirect house thousands of peer reviewed publications on the effects and use of acupuncture in humans and animals. Acupuncture is no-longer classified as a pseudoscience and holds its own within the medical science community.

Thousands of veterenarians practice acupuncture all around the world, and it is growing in popularity among the western nations including Europe and the USA. To find an acupuncturist near you go to www.tcvm.com or email [email protected].

How does Acupuncture work?

An Ancient Oriental Healing Art.

Incerting fine acupuncture needles into specific acupoints to stimulate and facilitate self-healing.

The body is designed to be resilient and survive. It is equipped with all the necessary healing factors and cellular pathways to heal itself and to regenerate new tissues for healing and to grow.

Sometimes, in dis-ease or trauma situations the body needs some external help to stimulate appropriate and effective healing. In western or coventional medicine the aim of any treatment is to lessen the symptons and remove any inciting causes of disease. This works fantastically for emergency medicine and diseases where surgery is required to remove foreign objects, diseased organs or repair broken bones.

For more chronic diseases or “uncurable” disorders Western medicine fails when using a symptomatic treatment approach.

Acupuncture forms part of the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine systems. (TCVM). TCVM include Herbal medicine, Food therapy and Tui Na (Massage/Chiropractics). The philosophy of treatment when using TCVM differs quite remarkably from western medicine. In TCVM the practitioner aims to identify the root cause of the disease or disorder and treat the disease pattern not just the symptoms. TCVM restores the body to its own healthy homeostasis, thus resolving any illness. This is why TCVM is so successful in treating chronic illness such as chronic pain, arthritis, allergies, skin problems, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

The effects of acupuncture has been studied and documented in thousands of clinical trails and scientific research.

The five main areas that are influenced in the body are:

Neurological System

Endocrine System

Vacular System

Inflammatory System

Stem Cells

Acupuncture stimulates and appropriately activate all of the above mentioned systems in the body, allowing self healing and a terurn to healthy homeostasis.

How Small are Acupuncture Needles?

Basically a Non-Intrusive Procedure.

ACUPUNCTURE!

Promotes Blood Flow.
Stimulates the release of Oxytocin.
Activates the release of the body’s own painkillers.
Relaxes and releases muscle tension.
Activates the body’s ability to heal.

What does Acupuncture Stimulate?

Neurological System

Acupuncture acts locally and centrally to stimulate the peripheral and central nervous system. This is extremely effective in pain control.

Endocrine System

Acupuncture in specific points has been shown to up-regulate and down-regulate specific hormones and restore balance to the endocrine system.

Vacular System

Acupuncture immediately increases blood flow to injured areas transporting healing cells and proteins to where it is needed. It is also very effective in controlling blood pressure.

Inflamatory Complex

An appropriate inflammatory response is required for the body to heal. Acupuncture sedated excess inflammation, and fever and also aids in the migration of inflammatory cells to the area of disease.

Stem Cell Activation

Stem cells are the body’s building blocks and are needed to repair injured or dead tissues. Acupuncture stimulates the release of stem cells into circulation to aid in tissue regeneration.

Restores Balance

Although we still know very little about the way acupuncture heals the body, we do understand that it is the most effective modality in restoring balance to the body in all physiological structures. Thus allowing the body to heal itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Answers

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an oriental healing modality involving the insertion of special acupuncture needles into specific acupuncture points. It is done to relieve pain and promote healing.

Are there any specific evidence on how it works?

Modern scientific research shows that acupoints are in areas of the body where there is a high density of free nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymphatics usually within the fascia. When stimulated it causes the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters locally and centrally (in the brain).

Electroacupuncture causes the mobilization and release of stem cells in the body.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes! Acupuncture is a safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner.

How long does the treatment take?

Each session may take between 20 to 45 minutes. The first session usually takes longer than the follow-up treatments.

How soon can we expect to see results?

Depending on the condition and how long it has been present, results may be immediate while others will require several treatments. A minimum of or at least three to five treatments is usually recommended. (1 to 2 weeks apart)

Does acupuncture hurt?

Rarely! Acupuncture is generally not painful because the needles used are as thin as hair. Over 95% are comfortable with acupuncture. Due to the relaxation effects, some animals will fall asleep during the treatments. 5% of patients may react during the fort treatment, but it is usually a short reaction followed by sedation.

Who is qualified to perform acupuncture?

In South Africa only registered veterinarians that have undergone specialist training may legally perform acupuncture on animals. To find a registered practitioner visit www.tcvm.com.

What physiological effects are included by acupuncture?

Pain relief.
Promotion of tissue healing and regeneration.
Regulation of the GIT.
Anti-inflammatory effects.
Immune modulation (allergy therapies)
Hormone and reproduction regulation.
Antifebrile effects.

When is acupuncture recommended?

Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

Musculoskeletal pain and injury. (Muscle pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, DJD)
Neurological disorders (IVDD, paralysis, seizures, wobblers, radial nerve paralysis)
Gastrointestinal (diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation, and impactions)
Other chronic conditions: Skin problems, COPD (heaves), asthma, cough, uveitis, renal failure, chronic liver disease, behavioral problems, infertility, and endocrine disorders including Cushing’s.
End of life and hospice care.
Performance enhancement and prevention of disease.

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