Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture is best known as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the first written record found in The Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine dated 4,700 years ago. Acupuncture is a technique which involves the insertion of needles through the skin at specific points on the body in order to produce a desired healing effect.
TCM is based on observation and experimentation over many years. Ancient Chinese medical practitioners formulated explanations based on these observations and their understanding of physiology and anatomy. They theorized that the body has an energy force called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) running through it.
The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical aspects of life. A person’s health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body. If the flow of Qi is ineffective, unbalanced, or interrupted, illness may occur. Qi was theorized to travel through the body along specific pathways or “meridians.” Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians and stimulation of specific points is thought to restore balance of the flow of Qi.
Modern scientific methods continue to produce more insight into the validity and efficacy of acupuncture. New knowledge of the complex interactions of the nervous system with all the organ systems and immune responses continue to provide better explanations of how acupuncture works. While the Chinese explanation of moving Qi may match our current understanding of neurophysiology and biochemistry, their observations of the effect of small needles at specific points affecting physiology, neurology, and health are being proven valid.
Many people recognize that acupuncture can be used for pain relief and musculoskeletal problems. However, stimulation of certain points may impact aspects of organ function, hormone regulation, and immune system actions making acupuncture an excellent option for maintaining your pet’s health and wellness.
Introducing A New Treatment Option For Pets: Homotoxicology
From the Veterinary Wellness Center
Harrison, Ohio – Phone: 513-367-4111
www.vetwellness.com
Dr. Rauf recently attended an in-depth seminar on homotoxicology. She learned a great deal of new information and is excited about incorporating this technique for the care of our patients. Homotoxicology is a modern form of homeopathy. Homeopathy began with
the theories of Samuel Hahnemann in Germany in the early 1800's. The fundamental theory was that "like cures like". For example, if a certain substance such as Nux vomica causes vomiting and diarrhea when taken in a large amount, then a minute dilution of that substance would stimulate an energetic response in the body to alleviate vomiting and diarrhea. These very small dilutions in distilled water,
known as remedies, are thought to act on a subtle energetic level within the body with the most potent forms being the most dilute. This energetic and healing response is still not well understood based on our current knowledge of biochemistry and physiology. However, homeopathy, like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is based on many years of observation and refinement. Homeopathy is widely used by holistic human and animal practitioners in the United States and Europe. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (Friday March 10, 2006 p. B1) summarized new information about the energetic and structural
properties of water which may lead to new and better understandings of this
healing modality.
Classical homeopathy relies on the single correct choice of the specific remedy to stimulate the correct healing response. Unfortunately, many of the prescribing guidelines utilize emotional symptoms which makes this technique extremely difficult to apply effectively inanimals. In comparison, homotoxicology
utilizes combinations of remedies to affect healing responses and the
selection of remedies is based on the clinical picture of the animal and not on presumed, or ill-defined, emotional
symptoms. In homotoxicology, diseases are considered to be ultimately caused by the failure to effectively eliminate toxins. Toxin exposure can result from bacterial or viral infections, chemical exposure, tissue trauma and damage, or merely by-products of normal cellular metabolism. (For example,
cells throughout the body continually produce a toxin, carbon dioxide, that must be eliminated with every breath.) Disease results from
the body's failed attempts to rid itself of toxins and allow healing. In this way, homotoxicology incorporates
some of the concepts of TCM relating to stagnation and blockage of energy
(detoxification) associated with disease. Specific remedies are prescribed based on the history and the doctor's physical examination and evaluation of th.ecpatient. Homotoxicology can be
used in conjunction with other modalities such as diet and supplemental nutritional support, spinal adjustments, acupuncture, and possibly conventional medicines.
Should I have my pet's blood pressure taken?
Just like people, animals can have high blood pressure (hypertension) and low blood pressure (hypotension). High blood pressure is often associated with hyperthyroidism in cats, and both kidney and heart disease in dog and cats. In early stages, some animals will not show any symptoms except an elevated blood pressure. Low blood pressure is rarely a problem except in cases of trauma, shock, or anesthesia and surgery.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure (BP) measurements consist of two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure occurs when the heart contracts and forces the blood out into the body. Diastolic pressure occurs during the resting period as the heart refills. The systolic pressure is always higher and recorded first. The diastolic is the second number and is always lower. This is the same in humans.
How is blood pressure measured?
A cuff is placed on the front or rear leg, or on the base of the tail. The BP monitor will automatically inflate the cuff, then release the pressure slowly in order to measure the systolic and diastolic pressures. This is similar in principle to automatic BP devices used by many people to monitor their BP at home. However, the BP in animals is much harder to detect because of the small artery sizes and requires a much more sensitive electronic measuring device to obtain accurate measurements.
What is normal blood pressure for my pet?
Normal BP varies between dog breeds and between dogs and cats. The average for dogs approximately 112 (systolic)/75 (diastolic) and for cats is approximately 125/80. It is important that we establish the normal BP value for each individual animal at a young age, while in good health. Then we can monitor changes in pressure that occur with age. Changes in BP can be an important early indicator of dysfunction or disease.
Annual BP monitoring is an important tool in maintaining the health of your pet. Consider adding this diagnostic test to your pet's next exam or ask the doctor for more information about this basic health care assessment.
Posted with permission of Dr. Gaston of the Veterinary Wellness Center