Integrative Medicine
At Love Always Veterinary Care, we believe in a holistic, integrative approach to pain management and end-of-life care. We integrate modern Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM*), and other integrative medicine practices.
Our TCVM practices include acupuncture/acupressure, Chinese herbal therapy, some food therapy, and massage therapy (Tui Na). Other integrative medicine practices include cold laser therapy as well as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF).
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice with records dating back thousands of years. Treatments involve inserting extremely fine needles into specific “points” all over the body. This achieves homeostasis, or balance, in the body’s energy flow. Fortunately, the needles typically don't cause pain for your pet when placed.
Treatments generally leave your pet feeling relaxed and comfortable. The practice stems from the concept that energy has a natural and predictable flow through the body. The body experiences pain and/or illness as the energy flow is disrupted. On the other hand, the energy flow improves once needles are placed into key points. This results in decreased pain and improved overall wellness.
From a more western/scientific viewpoint, we know that needles at and around around acupuncture points stimulate certain nerve fibers. These fibers tell the brain to increase the chemicals that make us feel better, such as endorphins and norepinephrine. These serve to reduce pain and help us move (“flow”) better. Treatments, or “point prescriptions”, depend on the pattern diagnosis we make at the appointment. In this way, TCVM works to treat the whole body and not just one particular area.
To read more about acupucture, please visit the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society's page.
Laser Therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Somewhat different than acupuncture, laser treatments and PEMF therapy focus energy on specific body parts. Additionally, the pain-reducing mechanisms for these methods differ from those of acupuncture.
Laser Therapy increases cell mitochondrial activity (the powerhouse of each cell where our energy is made). This uptick in cellular metabolism improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. PEMF works on another place in the pain pathway called Nitrous Oxide (NO). NO is one of the body's anti-inflammatory compounds. Once the body upregulates NO production, pain reduces and healing improves.
Elderly pets who receive integrative treatment may wag their tail more or bring you a toy for the first time in a long time. Many clients notice that their pets just have more bounce in their step, which is no small thing in an aging animal.
Integrative medicine can be used to treat acute and temporary pain, or manage conditions related to chronic injuries or illness.
Integrative Medicine with Chinese Herbal Therapy
Chinese herbal therapy involves the use of Chinese herbal formulas. We believe that Chinese herbal therapy is most effective when combined with acupuncture treatments as the two methods are synergistic.
On one hand, Western medicine can be effective in treating specific disease conditions like infection. Chinese Herbs, on the other hand, can help restore overall balance and wellness, hopefully preventing future recurrences. Especially when combined with acupuncture and massage, Chinese Herbal therapy can help improve your pet’s overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Herbs come in a variety of forms. We only work with companies that have reliably sourced and independently tested raw materials. Herbalists associated these companies are credentialed experts, having improved their formulas through much education and experience.
If interested in acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, laser therapy or PEMF for your pet, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to see how integrative medicine can improve your pet's quality of life.
To learn more more about our Integrative Medicine treatments, please see our Pet Hospice services page.
* We advise that only certified veterinary acupuncturists should practice veterinary acupuncture. To learn about Dr. Chandler’s education and certifications, please visit our About us page.
