FAQs about Veterinary Holistic Medicine and Acupuncture
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the medicine developed in China thousands of years ago. It consists of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-na (Chinese massage), food therapy, and Qi-Gong. The treatment is carried out according to the diagnosis pattern based on the appearance of patient’s tongue and the feel of pulse. The treatment is aimed to balance the patient’s Qi (translates as energy), Yin and Yang to maintain its health, rather than the disease. If the body is in a good balance, one will not get sick, they say.
At Pearl Veterinary Holistic Medicine, we mainly practice acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui-na.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is stimulation of an acupuncture point using needles. It helps to regulate homeostasis by stimulating the individual's own healing power. Scientifically, it is known to help release chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins from the brain. Acupuncture points have increased lymphatic flow/blood circulation as well as dense nerve endings compared to the surrounding tissue, and the precise insertion of a needle into a point improves circulation in the area. Occasionally, fluid can be administered on the acupuncture point (aquapuncture) for a lasting effect . The use of electrostimulation (electroacupuncture) may be necessary in order to control severe pain or advanced neurologic conditions.
Is Acupuncture painful?
Most of the needles are much smaller than regular hypodermic needles, and the patient does not feel much. There may be a sensation called “Da-Qi” (translated as “arrival of energy”), which is a dull sensation or pressure when the needle is inserted. Most patients relax after needles are in place.
What is Chinese Herbal Formula?
Most of the Chinese herbal formulas were developed centuries ago by Chinese herbalists. A formula may contain an average of 4-10 single herbs, and each acts synergistically to improve the action of all. It also helps to prevent side effects by mixing herbs in small quantities. Over 80% of herbs are plant based. Remaining sources are minerals or others, and a few animal ingredients are used. The current herbal proparations are strictly regulated to avoid contamination or adulteration, and the use of endangered spices is prohibited. The formulas used at Pearl Veterinary Holistic Medicine are obtained through well-known, reliable companies that meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard.
Can herbs be given when a patient is taking medications?
Yes. With the guidance of a trained practitioner, it is safe to use Chinese herbal formula with conventional medicines.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine helpful for?
TCM can treat a variety of ailments:
- Acute/chronic pain due to arthritis, hip/elbow dysplasia, or surgery
- Cancer
- Endocrine diseases
- Gastrointestinal disease (e.g. vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Immunologic disorders
- Neurologic disorders (e.g. paralysis, paresis)
- Skin problems (e.g. allergy, recurrent infections)
- Urinary tract infection
- Weakness, lack of stamina
- Weight loss
How long does an acupuncture treatment last? How many visits does it take?
The first appointment will take about 90 minutes. Each follow up appointment will take 30-40 minutes. Once needles are inserted, they are left for 10-15 minutes during the treatment.
At first, acupuncture will be performed once every 1-2 weeks, for 4-6 sessions total. Once the patient’s condition becomes stable, the interval will be gradually extended. Since most of the conditions are chronic in nature, there is a need for maintenance treatment. Depending on the patient, the maintenance treatment can be given every 3-8 weeks.