What animals do you treat?
At this time I offer services for small animals and small exotics.
What conditions benefit from acupuncture?
Acupuncture is beneficial for nearly all health conditions, including pain (arthritis, cruciate injuries, hip dysplasia, elbow dyspasia, disc disease, luxating patellas, etc.), neurologic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, endocrine disorders, seizures, cancer, skin and ears problems, urinary disorders, laryngeal paralysis, anxiety, behavior problems, fertility problems, congenital disorders, and much more.
Will acupuncture hurt?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, illness can occur in part as a result as a result of the blockage of the flow of “qi,” or energy, along the acupuncture channels. Stimulation of acupuncture points promotes normal flow of qi, and unblocking it may result in a sensation known as “de qi” or moving of the qi. This sensation can be uncomfortable briefly, and your pet may react to it. The sensation passes quickly, and your pet will feel better once their channels are more balanced.
How many sessions will my pet need?
This will depend on a number of factors. Young animals with acute conditions may only need one or two sessions. Senior pets with chronic disease typically benefit from regular sessions which may be four times a year to balance them with the changing seasons. More severe conditions may benefit from more frequent sessions. It may be beneficial with some conditions to do a few sessions close together initially. After I evaluate your pet and see how they respond to the first session, we will have a better idea of what to expect.
Do you offer services besides acupuncture?
I am an integrative veterinarian and utilize both Eastern and Western methods. In addition to acupuncture, at this time I am able to do skin and ears cytologies. In many cases I will utilize pharmaceuticals in combination with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs. In the event that additional diagnostics or treatments such as labwork, X-rays, ultrasound, IV fluids, surgery, etc. are warranted, I can assist in referral to a clinic where these services are available.
I also offer at-home Blood Pressure monitoring to help assess and manage your pet’s cardiovascular health in a comfortable and stress-free environment.
How long does it take to see results?
Here is an ancient Chinese proverb, “Li Gan Jian Ying.” This translates literally to, “Stand a pole in the sun, how long does it take to see the shadow?” Balance Method acupuncture produces effects that are detectable by fMRI within milliseconds. For most conditions, the benefit will be detectable immediately. However, for some conditions that are more severe and/or chronic, it may take several sessions before the benefit can be appreciated by an observer. Acupuncture is beneficial for 90-95% of my patients, but it does have its limitations like anything else. In most cases, we will see a benefit after the first session, and the benefit will be additive with future sessions. If we do not see a benefit after three sessions, it is unlikely to help, unfortunately. As an integrative veterinarian, I utilize both Eastern and Western methods to see what I can do to help your pet.
How do you get animals to sit still for acupuncture?
Many patients will relax quickly after inserting needles and may even fall asleep. Some patients will not sit still however, but this is not a problem. Movement can actually be beneficial to help stimulate acupuncture points while needles are in place. For patients that will not sit still enough for needles to stay in place at all, we can still get a benefit. Placing needles using Balance Method stimulates a rapid response, within milliseconds, so it is not always necessary to leave them in place. In addition, aquapuncture is a technique that can be especially beneficial for patients that will not sit still. Aquapuncture involves sterile injections at acupuncture sites that will leave a small “bleb” that continues to stimulate the point for about 20 minutes without leaving needles in place.
How do acupuncture and Chinese Medicine actually work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating points at precise locations along meridians or channels that correspond with the internal organs. Modern studies have demonstrated a measurable change in endogenous endorphins, enkephalins, serotonin, and blood flow after stimulating the appropriate points along the meridians. Peer reviewed clinical trials have demonstrated statistically significant benefits for acupuncture and Chinese herbs for a wide variety of conditions. Unlike pharmaceuticals that may only treat and/or mask symptoms, acupuncture and Chinese herbs promote the body’s natural healing abilities
Do you travel to my area, and how much will it cost?
I have clients throughout Park County, Evergreen, and Denver Metro. During your complimentary phone consultation, I can let you know what the house call fee will be.