Holistic Medicine

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, the stimulation of specific points on the body using needles, has long been one of the most common types of holistic medicine for pets and humans alike. Used for millennia, the treatment is thought to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions and help the body heal itself.

Acupuncture points contain nerve bundles, clusters of blood vessels and a concentration of mast cells that release histamine and other chemicals when stimulated, including endorphins and enkephalins, the body's natural pain killers. We also offer electroacupuncture, a form of acupuncture that uses a low-voltage electric current to stimulate the needles. These can increase the treatment's benefits in specific cases. Aquapuncture, the injection of solution (typically vitamin B12) into acupuncture points, may also be performed.

Conditions That Can Be Treated With Acupuncture

• pain and stiffness due to arthritis, disc problems, hip dysplasia or joint injuries and muscle pain or spasms and ligament damage such as partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament
• intestinal diseases, such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and inflammatory bowel disease
• neurologic conditions, such as seizures, vestibular syndromes and facial nerve paralysis, and in some cases degenerative nerve conditions
• general care of elderly pets, to keep them feeling as well and as energetic as possible
• respiratory problems such as sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma
• chronic urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or kidney disease

Before treatment starts, Dr. Delijani will conduct a thorough Chinese medical examination. This examination often involves an in-depth history of environmental and emotional situations that may be affecting your pet's condition, as well as palpation of certain acupuncture points. Acupuncture complements the use of traditional treatments. Therefore, some pets undergoing acupuncture may need to be treated medically or surgically as appropriate prior to acupuncture.

Treatments last anywhere from 10 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the method used. Dr. Delijani recommends beginning with three to five treatments, which are typically once or twice a week. Once the patient begins to improve, treatments can be spaced farther apart or discontinued.

Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available and side effects, if any, are usually minimal. All acupuncture treatments are performed by Dr. Delijani.

Herbal Medicine

Herbs are plants that contain ingredients with active therapeutic properties. Herbal approaches have been developed for the management of almost all conditions that challenge conventional veterinary medicine, including epilepsy, chronic kidney failure, chronic lameness, hormonal disorders, behavioral disorders, allergic skin disease, liver failure and inflammatory bowel disease.

The doctors at Green Forest Veterinary Hospital believe that in some cases using herbal remedies produces improved outcomes and fewer side effects than many pharmaceutical products. Clinical and laboratory research has shown that certain herbs can support normal function of the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system; reduce inflammation and improve blood flow through damaged tissues; promote the differentiation, aging and death of tumor cells; and reduce pain. In many cases, herbal medicine can eliminate the need for chronic conventional medications.

The success of herbal treatment varies according to the age of the pet, prior treatment history and diagnosis.

Therapeutic Nutrition

The medical team at Green Forest Veterinary Hospital uses diet along with vitamin and mineral supplementation as a form of therapy not only to maintain health, but to treat disease. Although therapeutic nutrition may take longer than traditional medications to achieve a desired outcome, ultimately it provides the body with a better support system to fight disease by supporting the immune system and enhancing the healing process.

The benefits of therapeutic nutrition for your pet include:

• Enhances cellular regeneration
• Boosts the immune system
• Improves enzymatic activity
• Promotes natural self-healing

Therapeutic nutrition is a key aspect of treatment in all our patients from musculoskeletal conditions to chronic or terminal illnesses, such as cancer.