acupunctureTraditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is a medical system that has been used to treat animals in China for thousands of years. This system was designed by prehistoric people who tried to understand and treat disease in domestic animals. This information has been passed down through generations and thus continues to grow with time. Today, TCVM in the Western world differs from its Eastern roots in two main ways. First, many of the acupoints and meridians used in animals are derived from human literature. Second, veterinary acupuncture in China has been mainly used for agricultural species where here in the west we have adapted it more completely for our companion species. Acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of specific points on the body resulting in a therapeutic effect. Modern research shows that acupuncture points are located at areas with high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, blood vessels, and lymphatics. Stimulation of these points promotes the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters causing pain relief and increased blood flow and drainage of the area.

Types of Acupuncture offered:

Dry Needle, Electro Acupuncture, and Aqua acupuncture- Need is based on individual animal and TCVM pattern diagnosis.

ž70% of treatment is accomplished with the puncture/ insertion of the needle
ž
žThings we do to get closer to that 100% (or most effective treatment we can get)
—Aqua or hemo-acupuncture using either vitamin B12 or the patients’ own blood at the acupuncture point, or the draining of small amounts of blood.
—Electro acupuncture- barely perceivable frequencies to help with pain relief and the release of endogenous opioids
—Contact time- in animals ideally 12-20 minute. More caution is used in the young, old, weak or infirmed.

Acupuncture Effects:

ž1. Pain relief
ž2. Stimulating the nervous system
ž3. Immune regulation
ž4. Reproductive regulation
ž5. Other
—Anti-fever, GI regulation, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure regulation, stress relief, aging prevention, performance enhancement, improving micro-circulation

Herbal Therapy is often used to support acupuncture or in lieu of acupuncture in situations where traditional western veterinary medicine has been unsuccessful.

žMade from plant parts, animal parts, vitamin and mineral complexes. Sometimes herbal therapies are chosen to support acupuncture treatments or in lieu of it. Herbs are used frequently in situations and conditions that have not responded to traditional veterinary medicine. žThink of it as “24 hr/day acupuncture.”

Dr. Chelsey completed Mixed Animal Acupuncture Coursework at The Chi Institute. She  earned her CVA and certifications in Chinese Herbal Therapies in 2016.

Fees:

Dog/Cat TCVM Evaluation + Acupuncture Treatment- $105

Dog/Cat TCVM. Acupuncture + Chiropractic Combination- $135

 

Horse TCVM Evaluation + Acupuncture Treatment- $160

Horse TCVM/ Acupuncture + Chiropractic Combination- $220