A few Sundays ago, I saw a magazine article about alternative medical procedures that worked. One mentioned was acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which was developed more than 3,000 years ago through observation of people -- or animals -- and their surroundings and still is used in China. Sometimes, it used in conjunction with Western medicine, and, sometimes, Chinese medicine is used alone when everything else has failed.
Traditional Chinese methods include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Tui-Na, food therapy and Qi-Gong or Tai Chi.
One basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the meridians that run along different parts of the body. Meridians are like highways that run along the body and carry energy or Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi constantly is moving throughout the body.
If Qi is slowed down, stagnation or a blockage is formed. This can be manifested as pain or a growth as in a tumor. Pain is the blockage of Qi, and the greater the blockage the greater the pain. Along the meridians are acupoints, where Qi can be altered or influenced. Some acupoints are connected to major organs in the body, and the Qi or energy of the organs can be affected.
There are several methods to stimulate acupoints. Acupuncture is a way of stimulating the acupoints to influence Qi. Acupuncture uses needles. The pet is not anesthetized and in most cases relaxes with the treatment. Accupuncture can be used on any species of animal. The drawback is whether the acupoints have been plotted.
Another method is Tui-Na, where, through massage, the acupoints are stimulated. Many times, the owners are taught Tui-Na, and they follow up at home. Many pets love Tui-Na, and it can increase the owner-animal bond.
Acupuncture has gained publicity for its benefits in arthritis in humans and animals. Acupuncture has been shown to be useful for treating many ailments, including skin and liver problems, tumors, diabetes and Cushing's disease, kidney, heart and behavioral problems and seizures. A common observation seen with acupuncture is how the pet's quality of life improves.
Chinese herbs commonly are used with acupuncture to treat the pet. In most cases, Chinese herbs and acupuncture can be used at the same time Western or conventional medications are used.
Food therapy also is important. Owners are counseled about what to feed the pet according to a pattern identified on the examination. Counseling is given on how to evaluate commercial dog food and home cooking.
Qi-gong or Tai chi is a form of exercise that helps to balance people and give them energy. Some people have their pets participate. DVDs and books can be found in some bookstores and Internet searches to learn Qi-gong. Most Traditional Chinese Medicine experts practice Qi-Gong in order to replenish their own Qi.
Dr. Connie Clemons-Chevis practices at Alternative Medicine for Pets, which offers Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine services in Bay St. Louis, Escatawpa and Pascagoula, Miss.
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