Acupuncture has become a well known complimentary treatment for humans, and has become more widely welcomed into the western world. It is not only useful in humans, but in animals as well. It is just one form of Traditional Chinese Medicine we can provide our fur family.
Acupuncture for dogs and acupuncture for cats is something we at Pet Society Vet are pleased to be able to bring to our patients.
What is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)?
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is the study of body’s continual flow of energy, the Qi. The Qi travels through each Meridian, or energy channels, throughout the body. When the distribution of Qi is equally distributed, the body has achieved harmonious balance of Yin and Yang. Some organ systems relate to Yin (parts lower than the head, dark, cool) and the others relate to Yang (high on the animal’s body, hot, energised). The Meridians are named after the organ system it follows and are paired in a corresponding Yin -Yang relationship for balance.
When there is pathway interference to the flow of Qi, Yin and Yang are thrown out of balance, resulting in either an accumulation or deficiency which in turn causes illness.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice involving the precise placement of acupuncture needles into acupoints along the body’s meridians, which circulates the animal’s Qi to stimulate the animal’s own body to heal from their imbalances. In more scientific terms, it changes the physiology within the animal to promote healing.
Acupuncture and TCVM are ancient practices dating back millions of years. Current science and medical researchers continue to gather data that supports and explains the benefits of acupuncture for humans and other animals.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is useful for conditions of pain, paralysis and inflammation originating from non-infectious causes. Some of the common problems treated in our pets include:
- Acupuncture for dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVVD)
- Acupuncture for dogs with spinal problems
- Acupuncture for dogs with hip dysplasia and arthritis
- Acupuncture for chronic pain, or complicated pain.
- Musculoskeletal conditions (osteoarthritis, nerve trauma, intervertebral disc disease)
- Acupuncture for dogs and cats with pancreatitis
- Acupuncture for dogs and cats with IBD, or other gastrointestinal conditions.
- Acupuncture for cats with bronchitis….
…. and so much more.
Meet Dr Ericka Sullivan
We a excited to announce Dr Erika Sullivan, and highly experience vet, will be consulting the first Tuesday of each month at Pet Society Vet. You do not have to be an active member of the Pet Society Vet community to book a consult with Dr Erika, and we support you coming for Dr Sullivan’s services, without any pressure for other general veterinary services.
Dr. Erika Sullivan is a veterinarian from Toronto, Canada. After spending eight years in small animal practice (including ophthalmology and emergency) in Canada, Erika moved to Thailand where she spent nine months working at an elephant and dog shelter. From Thailand, Erika moved down under in Australia, where she expanded her work portfolio through working in emergency medicine, teaching veterinary nursing, and casually as a scuba diving instructor and shark conservation enthusiast! Dr. Erika is certified in Traditional Chinese Herbal therapy, Food therapy, and Acupuncture. She has spent over 10 years expanding her alternative modality portfolio and feels all of her patients benefit from a more holistic approach to treatment and care. Erika is passionate about traveling abroad, promoting wildlife conservation and using the need to help street animals abroad as a means to also educate those seeking a profession in the veterinary industry, whilst help the animal in need. Erika lives with a naughty rescued pet conure named El Chapo and her beautiful daughter.
We invite you to get in touch to discuss your pet’s needs.
