Alternative Therapies in Veterinary Medicine

acupoints

sensitive spots where there is an abundance of microscopic nerves and blood vessels

meridians

networks of energy channels… Each is tied to a specific organ system defined in Chinese medicine by function, not anatomy. Some meridian names are familiar, such as lung , bladder , heart , and small intestine . Other meridians have distinctly Chinese origins such as governing vessel and triple heater

qi

a life-sustaining vital energy. This energy flows throughout the body and regulates body functions

western description of acupuncture

• Increases blood supply to treated areas

• Stimulates the release of endorphins, which are morphine-like chemicals that act as the body's natural painkillers

• Boosts immunity by stimulating the action of infection-fighting white blood cells

• Encourages the production of anti-inflammatory secretions

• Increases oxygenation to the stimulated area

• Causes contraction or relaxation of muscles

dry needling

acupuncture using just the needle

electroacupuncture

a microcurrent is delivered by tiny wires attached to the needles to intensify the effect

acupuncture needles

made of stainless steel and vary in length and diameter. For pets, the length varies from less than one half inch to two inches long. The depth of fat and the size of the dog or cat determine the length required. For horses, needles can be up to four inches long.

subluxations

bones that are out of alignment

adjustment

a specific force applied in a specific direction to a specific vertebra

static magnets

have permanently aligned molecules that constantly produce a magnetic field. These magnets (that resemble buttons) are often sewn into blankets and pads. Static magnets can be applied to a patient for a few minutes or several days. They can also be placed on acupuncture points as an alternative to needle placement.

electromagnets

generate a magnetic field when current is flowing through the wire coils. By turning the power on and off or rotating the magnet, we can produce a pulsing magnetic field. These magnets are typically applied for 30- or 60-minute treatment sessions.

muscle testing

assessing the sensitivity of a patient's body to the energies of foods, drugs, and supplements (and other things).

western herbs

used to treat conventional diseases as an alternative to or to complement standard drug therapy

chinese herbal formulas

blends of many different plants. They are only prescribed after a a practitioner trained in Chinese medicine makes a diagnosis. Like acupuncture, they have specific actions that correct energetic imbalances. In Chinese medicine, these herbs are used as the first line of treatment and are supported with acupuncture.

nutraceuticals

nutritional substances possessing medicinal affects

homeopathy

based on the principle of similars. This means that symptoms produced by a substance experimentally (at toxic doses) are the same symptoms that will resolve if an exceedingly small dose of the same substance is given.

homeopathic medication preparation

prepared by a process of consecutive dilutions and succussion, which means vigorous shaking. The original solution is diluted one part substance to nine parts water (1:10), or one part to 99 parts water (1:100). It is then succussed. This process is repeated again and again. A substance diluted 1:10 three times is called a 3X . If it is diluted 1:100 three times, it is called 3C (both X and C are Roman numerals for 10 and 100, respectively).This process of progressive dilution and succussion is called potentization . It's generally recognized that the more a substance is potentized, the longer and deeper it acts. The more dilute it is, the "stronger" it is and the fewer doses required for cure