Acupuncture

Acupuncture began almost 4000 years ago in China and has survived to this day. In Chinese acupuncture, specific points through out the body are stimulated or sedated to produce a local or generalized effect. These points are treated with needles, massage, heat and even lasers. The choice of points depends on the meridians that need calmed or stimulated to balance the body’s energy and promote healing. Modern scientists have studied acupuncture and feel that it causes the release of hormones, cortisone, natural painkillers, endorphins and many other substances that account for its incredible effects. Acupuncture also stimulates the local tissues to respond and the blood supply to increase. It is nice to have a “conventional” explanation to help understand how acupuncture may work but it is important to remember that traditional acupuncture deals with energy and balance.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is the treatment of disease with minute quantities of substances to trigger the body’s intelligence to fight that disease on its own. Homeopathic physicians have discovered over the centuries that the body can recognize microscopic amounts of different materials. These materials or “remedies” are matched to the symptoms and can have remarkable effects. True homeopathy is a very pure science and is practiced on animals by veterinarians trained in the classical approach. It is one of the most powerful of the alternative therapies and has successfully treated everything from fears to cancer. It also effects the body’s vital force and help balance and adjust it. . The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (www.theAVH.org) is the organization that certifies and monitors classically trained veterinary homeopaths. It is important to have a consultation with someone trained in this discipline to realize the full benefit of homeopathic treatment

Please look at our Homeopathic Primer for a more in depth overview and explanation of homeopathy or visit our website at www.naturalholistic.com for an interactive introduction to homeopathy.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic offers the working dog increased flexibility and performance. It can enhance the quality of life, the level of performance and can help treat a variety of conditions now commonly treated with drugs and surgery.

Chiropractic medicine deals with the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system and the crucial role of this relationship to the maintenance of overall health. Vertebrae of the spinal
column assist in supporting the head and provide attachment points for the muscles responsible for
locomotion. Nerve impulses travel from the brain down the spinal cord and out the spinal nerves to all parts of the body. Similarly, nerve impulses from various body components travel to the brain via the peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. The nervous system is responsible for initiating and coordinating movement and for integrating all the physiologic activities of the body. There are more than 100 joints in the canine spine between the base of the skull and the tail. Each of these joints has a normal range of motion. (see figure below) Maintenance of this range of motion is essential for balanced biomechanical functioning of the body. When a joint can no longer move through its full range of motion, spinal flexibility and mobility, as well as performance, are adversely affected.

Regular Chiropractic adjustments before and after a trial or exhibition can greatly enhance the dog’s sense of well being and increase the agility and performance.

Herbal

Herbal therapy is probably one of our better known alternative therapies. We all are familiar with the benefits or reputation of some herbs. Chamomile in tea is calming, garlic can help fight colds, eucalyptus for a stuffy nose or in our vaporizers. These are just some of the thousands of herbal treatments that have been passed down from the ancient healers. Herbs can affect the body in many ways and should be used cautiously and with the advice of someone familiar with both their good and bad effects.

LASER THERAPY and APPLICATIONS

Acupuncture-Our feline friends (and some of our Canines too) can be a challenge to use acupuncture with needles.  With our laser sytems. we can painlessly stimulate acupuncture points.  Laser acupuncture takes only 2-8 seconds per point, depending upon the size of the animal and the depth of the point.  We often find it effective to use needles and apply laser the area around the needles while the needles are in place. Sometimes we do one procedur, then the other. It depends on each animal’s needs, and comfort zone.

Chronic Joint Disease-Many animals with arthritis of the lumbar spine, stifles hips and knees benefit from laser therapy. After the initial work-up, we often schedule laser only appointments with Karen. This makes it possible for us to offer this therapy at an affordable price. Laser therapy, on a regular basis, can reduce the pain and inflammation, making it easier for our critters to walk, run and play.  We often start at 2 times per week for the first 1-3 weeks and then follow up as needed to maintain improved function. We offer “packages” that reduce the cost even more, so ask about thisMany practitioners utilize a 4 – 6 week follow-up schedule for maintenance.   This is a wonderful way to improve the patient’s quality of life with no adverse side effects.

Neurological– Laser has been shown to be efficient in assisting neurological rehabilitation when there are frequently few other available treatments.  Our clients have reported improvement in cases of IVDD, and FCE, as well as cases of neurological trauma.  Treatments are based upon diagnostic imaging, the severity of the condition and quality of life issues.

Post Operative – Many surgical facilities use laser immediately after surgery at very low doses to accelerate the inflammatory phase of wound healing.  This enhances the speed of the overall wound repair, and reduces pain.  Post operative laser treatments can be done in less than 30 seconds.

Wound Healing- Laser irradiation can be used in all types of wounds, including non-healing wounds.  Lick granulomas benefit from twice weekly lasing.  A single treatment will often promote an improved appearance and reduced licking.  Laser can also promote improved tensile strength of the wounds.  Wound healing with the laser is quick and painless.

Pain Relief – the laser is a reliable method to reduce acute and chronic pain.  Treat with the laser as soon as possible after trauma.  Immediate treatments will alter the levels of prostaglandins that accelerate the inflammatory phase, reducing edema and silencing pain. You will quickly notice relief in your patients that lasts longer each time you treat them.

There are more foods, diets and regimens than one can count out there in the pet world. Everyone has their plan and many are good. We feel that an excellent level of nutrition is paramount. You need to prepare or select foods that are balanced, preservative free and are made from the highest quality ingredients rather than the discards so common in pet foods.  As you improve the quality of  nutrition in your animals, you will see an improvement in every other aspect of the health. Their coats are shinier and more lustrous, the joints are more flexible, there is a glint in the eyes and even their concentration seems to improve.

Please look at our Nutritional Primer for more details on this important modality.

Flower Essences

The flower essences can have profound effects on an animal. Calming Essence is a must for everyone’s travel and show kit. It can steady a dog’s (or owner’s) nerves and increase the sense of well being. I suggest you test it BEFORE a show so you have a good idea of how the pet reacts so you know what to expect. Clcik Here for further readingt on the Flower Remedies

Sound Therapy

Reiki, Quantum Healing, Matrix Energetic Therapy