Thank you to Amanda McGregor of the Salem News and Gloucester Times!

Canine patients treated with Chinese medicine

By Amanda McGregor Staff Writer
Gloucester Times

Seven-year-old Zack behaved like a model patient, sitting calmly while acupuncture needles were inserted into his back to treat his bad knee.

And while he can’t tell you he is feeling better, the results speak louder than words (or barks), according to Zack’s owner, Katherine McAuliffe.

“This is the only thing that seems to work,” she said.

For nearly two years, Zack — a bearded collie and chocolate Lab mix who goes by the nickname “Wookie” — has received traditional Chinese medicine treatments including acupuncture.

His practitioner, Jeanie Marie Kraft, has been treating dogs around the North Shore for years, and she recently co-authored a book — “The Woof and Warp of Canine Pain” — about treating dog pain with traditional Chinese medicine.

“Most dogs are very receptive,” said Kraft, who lives in Salem and runs Four Paws Acupuncture. “I’ve only had one or two that will stand up and shake the needles out.”

On a recent morning, Kraft drove her blue Volkswagen Beetle detailed with paw prints over to Zach’s house, near Collins Cove in Salem.

She began his treatment by giving him a cookie sprayed with calming flower essences, followed by a massage. Most dogs don’t like to be needled in their paws or into an area with pain, she said, so she uses a laser on some of the acupuncture points.

“You just don’t walk in with a box of needles,” Kraft said. “I sit down with them first. I might give them a cookie or a ball and do a massage. I only do house calls so that I’m in their territory. To them, I’m just the cookie lady.”

To McAuliffe, Kraft is much more than the cookie lady. Several years ago, Zach was diagnosed with arthritis and a possible torn ligament in his rear right knee. The pain was so severe that Zach wasn’t able to stand up after a swim in the ocean or after a round of fetch, McAuliffe said.

“He used to get very expensive injections, but that didn’t do anything — he was still limping,” McAuliffe said. “I tried the vet stuff for a while and dragged him in and he’d hide, but he loves to see Jeanie.”

Since the acupuncture, Zach’s pain seems to have subsided and he is active.

“A dog needs to retrieve — that’s his life,” McAuliffe said.

Following Zach’s acupuncture session, Kraft rubbed him with a strong-smelling Chinese liniment that helps with arthritis and circulation.

She also advises clients on pet nutrition, herbal therapy, Tui Na (a form of massage) and more. She said larger dogs are generally easier to work on, and hyper breeds can be difficult.

“I also changed Zach’s diet because wheat and gluten make any kind of pain worse,” said Kraft, whose husband, Norman, has an acupuncture practice for humans on Front Street in Salem.

Going to the dogs

Kraft didn’t set out to be a dog practitioner, but when she attended acupuncture college in San Diego, she had a change of heart. She said her German shepherd was suffering from hip dysplasia.

Read more of this article at http://www.gloucestertimes.com/lifestyle/x1743688528/Needling-the-dog

The publisher of our new book was recently invaded by evil cyber gremlins and the book was hidden on its search engines….not a good thing! Fortunately they were brave, did battle and eliminated the evil buggers. And now these nice responsible publishers are offering 15% off The Woof & Warp of Canine Pain, Treating Dogs with TCM book to make us all happy. How cool is that? And it is not even my birthday. Thank you Lulu Publishing….my heros!

This book is for acupuncturists, acupuncture students and those with TCM training who want to know more about treating dogs with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is not for the lay person.

Purchase Woof and Warp of Canine Pain with 15% off with coupon code BEACHREAD305 click here to order! Use the code BEACHREAD305 to get your discount!

If you would like to learn more about the NCCAOM approved class: Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM click here

Thank you!
jeanie marie

For Licensed Acupuncturists and Acupuncture students:

Four Paws Acupuncture is very happy (and relieved) to announce that the NCCAOM approved CEU class “Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM” is now available. The recording of the audio portion hit a few technical snags which we would like to blame on Mercury in Retrograde! Thanks to all who have been patiently waiting.

Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM CEU/PDA Course includes:

* INCLUDES the book “Woof & Warp of Canine Pain” ($18.95 value)
* 2 audio CD’s.
* Directions, additional materials and CEU/PDA exam.
* Those completing the course receive 3 hours of CEU/PDA credit (NCCAOM).
* NCCAOM provider and course#: ACHB 905-001
Dog not included.
For more information or to order the class visit www.fourpawsacupuncture.com

For those who do not want to take the class please note that the book THE WOOF & WARP OF CANINE PAIN, Treating Dogs With TCM can be purchased separately at http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/woof-and-warp-of-canine-pain/10905323

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

Treating Dogs with TCM
by jeanie mossa kraft, L.Ac. with Norman Kraft, L. Ac.

We did it! Our book is at the publishers and we are anxiously awaiting the proof copy for final editions. This book should be available to TCM practitioners by the first week of May.

This is a guide for the acupuncturist practitioner on the treatment of arthritis, pain and bi syndromes in dogs.

Includes:
Diagnosis
Western Veterinary Medication
Chinese Herbal Medicinals
Acupuncture
Canine Nutrition
Supplements & Lifestyle Recommendations
Laser Acupuncture
Tips on Working With Dogs and Their Owners

If you are interested in ordering a copy of this book or would like info on the recently approved NCCAOM class “Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM” please email us at woof at fourpawsacupuncture dot com.

The class is 3 CEU/PDA units and will be available to licensed acupuncturists late May. We will have more information on the cost soon.