Acupuncture.
Acupuncture
A physician uses edged needles designed to slice through your skin. But when an Acupuncturist inserts an Acupuncture needle, it pushes tissue out of the way causing very little, if any, discomfort. When a needle reaches the correct depth, it may produce a feeling like a dull ache or pressure. When using a technique known as Aquapuncture (actually injecting Acupuncture points) Dr. Van Cise uses thin, hollow needles which minimize discomfort. Moxibustion, lasers, Reiki therapy and the computerized Acuscope do not physically penetrate the skin so no pain is produced.
How long does it take? Each treatment might last a few seconds or almost an hour. Your pet's condition and response to the treatment determine the number of office visits required. The frequency of visits varies with the treatment method and the patient's response.
Why does Doctor Van Cise practice Acupuncture? He realizes that there are many conditions causing your pets to suffer that seem poorly responsive to the typical Western treatments. Acupuncture offers an alternative therapy. Medical treatments might utilize drugs that produce undesirable side effects. Properly administered Acupuncture has no side effects. For patients that are high surgical risks, Acupuncture might postpone the need for surgery until the patient gains strength.
Why doesn't everyone do Acupuncture? Achieving full Acupuncture certification requires very specialized and intensive training. During this extensive education, the Doctors learn to assess abnormal health conditions differently than Western schools teach. Often it is not possible to specify a Western diagnosis, such as back pain, and be able to choose the appropriate Acupuncture points. Training in non-Oriental medical colleges includes a vast amount of instruction on what to inject for various disease conditions. They place almost no emphasis on where to place the needle.
What training do Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists need? Doctor Van Cise received his training and certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Schooling begins with a lengthy series of technical lectures and demonstrations. Internationally known practicing Acupuncturists give supervised clinical training on a variety of species. Examinations are divided into hands-on testing involving live dogs, an even more extensive test involving horses, plus a grueling written examination. The highly detailed written exam probes the Doctors' understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, diagnostic skills, and various treatment techniques. It also evaluates their ability to apply this knowledge to veterinary patients. Even after successful completion of all these tests, certification is withheld until the Doctor submits case studies acceptable for publication in medical journals.
How do I get started? Contact us to schedule your consultation or request additional information.
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Despite the implication of the name, this form of therapy does not always involve the use of needles. All the variations of acupuncture are designed to stimulate (or suppress) specific points of electrochemical energy. Any disruption to the normal flow of energy leads to disease. Restoring the balance allows the body to heal. Maintaining the normal balance prevents disease. Western medicine concentrates in treating active diseases. Acupuncture is also used to treat existing disease but often its best use is to prevent disease in the first place.
Dr. Van Cise is one of only 367 internationally certified veterinary acupuncturists. Achieving full Acupuncture certification requires very specialized and intensive training. Duration and frequency of treatment sessions varies with each pet's needs. Therapy usually occurs twice a week. Chinese studies show that most patients will have a response within the first ten treatments. The following are the questions most commonly asked by our clients about Acupuncture:
- What is Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture has evolved over the last 5,000 years. It is the science of stimulating points on the body to improve health and promote an enhanced feeling of well-being.
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What can Acupuncture treat?
- Acupuncture is beneficial in all medical, many surgical, and most conditions that don't fit either group. Over one fourth of the world's population depends upon Acupuncturists for their primary course of treatment. Your Doctor can use Acupuncture alone or as a supplemental treatment for a wide range of health conditions including:
Arthritis, Coughs, Digestive Upsets, Ear Problems, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Infections, Mange, Nerve Damage, Pain, Trauma, Reproductive Problems, Slipped Discs, Skin Disorders, Strokes -
How does it work?
- The treatment stimulates precise points on the body. This sets up a chain reaction of responses that affect organ and nervous systems. The body heals using its internal resources. If you are interested in a more precise scientific explanation, please ask us for the handout "Neurophysiology of Acupuncture".
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Will it work for my pet?
- Acupuncture is just one of many treatment options. Doctor Van Cise thoroughly evaluates each pet's condition. His recommendations are based upon choices that will be best for your pet and you. Preference is given to the options with the least chance of causing unwanted or harmful side effects. Your Doctor is always happy to advise you of all your treatment alternatives.
Do the needles hurt?
How long does it take? Why does Doctor Van Cise practice Acupuncture? Why doesn't everyone do Acupuncture? What training do Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists need? How do I get started?