Four Paws Acupuncture » acupuncture

Dogs…do your pet humans need acupuncture too?

jeanie — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:54:38 +0000

The Acupuncture Center of Salem welcomes Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac., to the practice. Jeanie will be treating female patients on Wednesdays from 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM.   Jeanie specializes in pain disorders, stress, and female issues using traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na, nutritional counseling, moxibustion, cupping, Bach Flower and Aromatherapy. To learn more about these TCM modalities please click here

Jeanie Marie is the proprietor of Four Paws Acupuncture a housecall-based business treating dogs with Traditional Chinese Medicine. After 10 years of treating animals, she has developed a special gentle touch as she pampers her patients. It’s your turn to be pampered, too.   (Jeanie Marie will continue making K9 acupuncture house calls during the week as well.)

Norman Kraft, L.Ac is available full time at ACS Mondays through Fridays. He treats men, women and children. If you would like more information on acupuncture or services please visit the Acupuncture Center of Salem website.   www.myacudoc.com

But You Are Not Chinese!

admin — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:39:19 +0000

Here is the best youtube we have seen in a long time showing what licensed acupuncturists who are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (with degrees) encounter most of the time!
Please take a moment to watch this hilarious spoof.

Click on the link to watch the But You’re Not Chinese Youtube

Getting Pawsitive Acupuncture Results

jeanie — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:07:36 +0000

Expecting one acupuncture session to cure a chronic ailment is like joining the gym, using it once and expecting to wake up thin and fit!

Every once in awhile i come across a client who believes that one or two acupuncture sessions for their dog will cure his ailments. Unfortunately they are not magic needles. It takes a combination of acupuncture, change of diet and perhaps the addition of supplements and/or herbs for more positive results. In most cases it always takes more than one acupuncture session to ease symptoms of a chronic ailment or pain.

Here are a few tips to help speed up results:

* Have patience. A chronic ailment that took years to develop will not magically disappear overnight. There are no instant miracle cures. As one of my favorite professors said “The only thing that is cured, is ham.”

* Follow your practitioner’s advice. There is a reason for the recommendations given for your dog. If you only do one third of the things recommended then expect only one third of the results!

* Make sure your dog’s food or treats does NOT contain wheat, corn or any gluten. These substances exacerbate pain. It takes about 2 weeks for the body to rid of all wheat in the system.

* Continue to give your dog any medication prescribed by the vet. If you have any questions about your dog’s pain medication contact your veterinarian.

* If your dog is taking Chinese herbs please use them as directed every day. Herbs take about a week or so to “kick in”. Being consistent is very important to see positive results.

* Massaging your dog every day helps to relieve pain. If your acupuncturist recommends using a Chinese liniment with the massage it is for the benefit of the dog. Using the liniment every day will ease pain and stiffness.

* Lifestyle changes to help an older dog who may have difficulty walking or standing can be things such as adding carpet runners on hardwood floors or slippery stairs. Using a ramp to get in and out of the car or house may help your dog and your lower back!

* If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s progress or treatments contact your practitioner. Communication is a vital part of your dog’s recovery process.

Getting to the point…

jeanie — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:58:24 +0000

acupuncture dog chart copyright jmk 2010

Our PR dog Quan Yin asked that i explain acupuncture a bit for all those folks out there who have heard about it but are just not sure what it really is. This is a very condensed description of acupuncture and the points.

Please note: Acupuncture is most effective when combined with proper nutrition, exercise, perhaps an addition of supplements and/or Chinese herbs and lifestyle changes. If you only do one third of the recommendations given to you by your practitioner – expect only one third of the results! If your dog is on medication prescribed by a veterinarian, please continue using it and consult with your vet first before stopping it or changing the dosage.

Acupuncture is the technique of inserting thin, metal needles into specific points on the body for therapeutic effect. It has a long lineage of use in China, with references to its practice dating back over 2500 years.

More than 365 points can be located on the body. (This includes animals as well as people.) Every acupuncture point has a Chinese name, a translated name and may also be referred to its organ point number. For instance, one of the most common points used is ZUSANLI. Translated it means Leg Three Mile and is also referred to as Stomach 36. Each point has a specific location and may have several functions. Since this is a condensed article we will talk about that another time.

These acu-points are arranged in lines and patterns on the surface of the body, following energetic pathways of Qi (pronouced Chee and also rendered as Chi or Ki). These pathways are called Meridians or Channels (Mai in Chinese). Acupuncture points, though located on the surface of the body, connect to deep patterns of Qi within the body. Through insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles, an art form in itself, disharmonies in the flow of Qi may be influenced and changed.

Just like exercise, acupuncture is has a cumulative effect. It takes more than one session to see noticeable results. I recommend a series of 3-6 sessions in a row, one per week, depending on the patient.

Depending on what your dog is being treated for will determine how many needles will be inserted and how long they will be left in. We only use disposable needles in our practice, so that your dog can be assured of getting brand new, prepackaged and sterile needles each time.

To achieve the most effective results with acupuncture it may take a change of diet, and/or the addition of herbs, supplements and a few lifestyle changes. Please note they are not magic needles!

For more info on acupuncture for your dog visit www.fourpawsacupuncture.com

The Barking Oracle Makes the Top 30 Blogs on Acupuncture!

jeanie — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:56:04 +0000

Wow! Thanks so much for noticing our blog. We try to think of it as a prayer flag for promoting acupuncture and TCM for both humans and animals. Below are the top 30 blogs. Enjoy!

30 Best Blogs to Learn More About Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, and millions of people around the world believe it has helped them overcome everything from allergies to back pain. If you’re interested in learning more about the ancient practice of acupuncture, whether for an additional lesson in alternative medicine outside of medical training school or just for your own personal education, then check out these blogs. You’ll find general information on Chinese medicine, news about the benefits of acupuncture and a whole lot more that can lead to a happier, healthier, more well-informed you.” To read more of this article please visit : http://www.medicalcodingcertification.com/blog/2010/30-best-blogs-to-learn-more-about-acupuncture/

May is National Arthritis Month.

jeanie — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:32:34 +0000

Just like humans, many dogs suffer from arthritis pain and inflammation as they age. Joints and bones naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can often be managed with the help of acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, supplements and nutrition. Natural and alternative therapies are generally safe, effective and can be used in conjunction with western medicine.

This Squidoo lens provides tips for those who have dogs suffering from arthritis. Ancient Solutions for Canine Arthritis.

If you are an acupuncturist interested in learning more about treating arthritis in dogs with TCM please read about our new book and NCCAOM approved class

Greeting Cards for Acupuncturists & Pet Lovers

jeanie — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:54:16 +0000

Swami Dogananda
Patron of flea ridden homeless dogs who has vowed to stay in embodiment until all dogs are adopted into good homes.

To see more unusual greeting cards visit:
http://www.zazzle.com/planetcalamari

What’s All the Stink About Moxabustion?

jeanie — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:44:37 +0000

Oriental medicine is a very broad and complete system of holistic healthcare. Acupuncture is the most famous technique, but it also includes other modalities such as herbal medicine, tui na massage, cupping and moxabustion.

Moxibustion is the process of burning the herb Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris), over specific acupuncture points and channels. When treating dogs I use a moxa stick, which resembles a large cigar. It is lit and held about an inch or more away from the dog’s fur above the point or area to be treated.

Moxa is used to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and chi. It is especially effective relieving pain made worse by cold damp weather.

Dogs usually respond in a positive way to a moxa session. There are a few who do not like the smell or the smoke. … and sometimes their owners do not either!

The one unfortunate side effect of burning moxa during a house call is that it also smells very similar to an illegal substance once very popular in the sixties! The smell does not last a long time and can be eliminated quickly if there is an air filter in the home or if a few scented candles are lit during or after the session.

The smell of moxa may give this therapy a stinky reputation but the positive results are worth it!
If you would like to learn more about Traditional Chinese therapies used for people visit www.MyAcuDoc.com

This Holiday Give the Gift of Health!

jeanie — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:15:38 +0000

If you or your dog are experiencing movement problems or pain, or you are just interested in preventative health, try acupuncture!

Acupuncture is a time-tested clinically effective solution to the stresses and health problems of you and your pets in our modern times. The effects of acupuncture and herbal therapy are gentle yet very effective for a wide range of health problems, and it is a cost-effective method to regain and maintain the health of your pet.

Jeanie Marie Kraft, L.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. Gift certificates are available for house calls or nutritional/herbal consultations for your dog. For more information please visit
FourPawsAcupuncture.com

Dogs…does your pet human need an acupuncture treatment? Gift Certificates are now available at The Acupuncture Center of Salem for acupuncture and/or herbal therapy. Visit the website at www.MyAcuDoc.com for more information.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season,

Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Awareness Day

jeanie — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:45:48 +0000

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is observed annually on October 24. It is designed to increase public awareness of the progress, promise, and benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine

To learn more about the theories and history of oriental medicine visit www.www.aaaomonline.org

For more information on how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help humans stay healthy visit www.myacudoc.com. Visit the Four Paws Acupuncture website to see how Traditional Chinese Medicine is used for dogs.

Four Paws Acupuncture Clients receive 30% off your first acupuncture visit with Norm Kraft at the Acupuncture Center of Salem. Offer expires November 20, 2009