Atlantic Veterinary Hospital (AVH) of Marblehead MA is now offering acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for dogs and cats by Jeanie Mossa Kraft L.Ac of Four Paws Acupuncture Combining the best of western veterinary medicine with oriental medicine at Atlantic’s new state of the art facility.

Oriental Medicine Services for Animals include:
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese Herbal therapy
Nutritional Therapy
Laser Treatment
Tui Na
Bach Flower Remedies

For more information on rates, services or to schedule an acupuncture session at AVH click here

For the best of Western Veterinary Medicine:
Atlantic Veterinary Hospital provides a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures at their in-house lab and the use of external laboratories. They work closely with all referral hospitals when special diagnostic procedures are required.

The AVH facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, state-of-the-art digital imaging x-ray equipment, in-house ultrasound equipment and ultrasound expertise.

The fully trained staff at AVH closely supervises the hospitalization area for optimal care and attention to your beloved pet. Their commitment is to keep your best friend happy and healthy.

Atlantic Veterinary Hospital is located at
10 Ocean Avenue
Marblehead MA 01945
781.631.8881
For directions click here

Plenty of parking! Handicap ramp for your convenience.

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.

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

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/

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.

Taya American Pit Bull Terrier gets Acupuncture

This picture was taken during Taya’s treatment with a blackberry- thus making it difficult to see the needles. During the session, Taya also received a laser treatment, warming infrared heat on her back, knees and elbows and a Tui Na massage with Zheng Gu Shui. (aka stinky herbs which she does not like the smell of!) After her treatment Taya took a nice nap and it was reported that there was snoring too! This is a pit bull with a sense of humor.

Approximately, 4-5 months ago, my 10 year old, American Pit Bull Terrier, Taya injured her back. Since her injury, most days her tail hung down off her back, lifeless. This being the biggest sign of her discomfort and pain but also she would injure herself again and again, simply playing. After many Vet visits and medication our Vet recommended acupuncture.

It’s been 3 weeks and 3 visits since Jeanie Marie began working on my baby. She recommended a change in diet and some Chinese stinky herbs, and I adopted them. For the past two hours, Taya and I have been playing with her toy. Her tail is curled up pointing to the sky and she is peppy and happy like she was before her injury. I’m simply amazed and thankful.”
Michelle M