ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points of the body to cause healing. It is one of the safest forms of medical treatment when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. It is used mainly for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies) and pain.
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and assist the body to heal disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, it can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones to control pain.
Acupuncture has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years to treat many ailments. This technique is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic and exotic animal.
CHINESE HERBS
Presently, Chinese herbal medicine plays an important role in medical health care in China. Only approximately 20 percent of all Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) patients are treated with acupuncture while the remaining 80 percent are treated with Chinese herbs or a combination of herbs and acupuncture. Tremendous numbers of clinical studies have indicated that Chinese herbal medicines are very effective for treating a variety of medical disorders including gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological and cardiovascular problems. (Taken from the Chinese Veterinary Herbal Handbook by Huisheng Xie.)
CHIROPRACTIC
Indications for the use of chiropractic include neck, back, leg, or tail pain, muscle spasms, nerve problems, injuries, jaw or TMJ problems, post-surgical care, bowel or bladder disorders, and event or sporting injuries. There are many theories as to how chiropractic actually works. What we do know is that the bones of the spine and joints are maintained in a specific alignment. The nerves that surround each joint and travel through the spinal canal and vertebrae are in constant communication with the central nervous system, brain and all organs. When even a subtle change in the alignment of these structures occurs, it can affect the nervous system, local muscles, joints and even distant organs, glands and body functions. We call these changes ?subluxations? which are addressed by a manual correction called an ?adjustment.? A chiropractic adjustment is defined as a short lever, high velocity controlled thrust by hand or instrument that is directed at specific articulation to correct subluxations. In the case of a recent injury or subluxation, one adjustment may be enough to correct the problem. With long standing problems, multiple adjustments and/or ongoing care may be required to help.
INFRARED LIGHT THERAPY
When light is applied to tissue the energy is stored and used to repair tissue, reduce pain, and/or restore normalcy to an otherwise impaired biological process. Indications for the use of light therapy include wound care/healing, inflammatory conditions, pain control, and stimulation of acupuncture points. Light therapy should be avoided in cancerous areas, growth plates, endocrine glands, and areas of active hemorrhage.
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