Four Paws Acupuncture » Canine Herbs & Nutrition

Needling the dog

jeanie — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:41:54 +0000

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

15% Off Veterinary TCM Book:The Woof & Warp of Canine Pain!

jeanie — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:57:48 +0000

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

Ask Quan Yin: Pawsitive Beauty Tips

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:57:29 +0000

Dear Quan Yin,
How do you stay so beautiful? Any beauty tips for summer? What’s your recommendation for curing bad breath? (not that we have it!)
Thanks,
Ella and Sally (Angel and Devil-dog)

Dear Ella and Sally,
You are so kind to compliment me! It is i who should ask you for beauty tips!

I think a healthy lifestyle is the key to beauty. My pet humans feed me good dog food, a brand that does not have wheat, corn, soy or by-products. Lately they have been cooking turkey, rice and veggies for me- as i have been such a delicate creature with the move, heat and the scary truck sounds of Salem.

I drink only filtered water- never tap! Several downward facing dog yoga poses each day help me to stay flexible and i insist on at least 3 to 4 walks per day. I recommend meditating on squirrels for at least a half hour each day. And my mantra is Om Take Me For A Walk Om…..

I cannot imagine either of you suffer from bad breath. My pet humans add parsley to my food and also give me the Dragon Teeth bones by Solid Gold. I did an entire blog post on those the other day so scroll down to read about them! I think they will be using the Leba dental spray soon on my pearly whites.

Let’s have lunch one day, a walk on the beach or a squirrel meditation. Perhaps we can have our pet humans contact one another. Would love to meet you both since you are so famous in Marblehead! (Of course my feline roomies are still talking about the day Sally came to visit… and they have never stopped playing with Ella’s red ribbon of peace!)
Kiss kiss
Quan Yin

CEU Class Treating Painful Canine Disorders with TCM in Stock!

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 13:07:09 +0000

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

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

Announcing New Book & Class! The Woof & Warp of Canine Pain

jeanie — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:15:02 +0000

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 the Pit Bull on Pins and Needles!

jeanie — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:13:31 +0000

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

They put WHAT in my dog’s food?

jeanie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:39:55 +0000

It is shocking that the FDA still allows the pet food industry to add harmful and disgusting ingredients in their products after all the recalls in the industry. These are the same brands that have the wonderful commercials on TV, sponsor ACK Dog Shows, and have full page ads in most dog magazines. Advertising at its best.

These are just a few of the ingredients found in some well known brands of pet foods. A warning to those with weak stomachs please read with caution!

*Animal meat meal and animal by-products: this is what is left of the slaughtered animal after the meat is removed. It can include things like beaks, feet, blood, intestines, bones, and tissue.

*Beef and bone meal: another by product of beef which can include hair, hooves,horn,manure, entrails and blood.

*Chicken Byproduct Meal: Consists of the dry, ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines — exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

*Corn bran: which is the outer layer of the corn kernel. It has no nutritional value.

*Corn Gluten: is the residue from corn which can be used as a protein but can cause allergies in many dogs just like wheat gluten.

*Wheat Gluten: The tough, viscid nitrogenous substance remaining when wheat is washed to remove the starch. An inexpensive byproduct of human food processing with almost no nutritional value left, serves mostly as a binder.

Wheat also exacerbates pain in dogs and humans.

Take the time to research your pet’s food before buying a pretty package. Most of the smaller pet supply shops carry the healthy brands. It is difficult to find those in most grocery chains unless it is a natural health food store.

If you would like to learn more about the best commercial dog foods on the market please visit the link below. Your dog will thank you!
www.dogaware.com

But she loves pizza crust….

jeanie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:02:37 +0000

If you or your dog suffers from arthritis, auto-immune disorders or allergies you may want to put that slice of pizza down and read on!

Research has shown that wheat and gluten aggravates the symptoms of auto-immune diseases, arthritis and most pain. It also is the cause of allergies and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in many dogs and humans. Unfortunately wheat gluten is used in several name brand pet foods. Read the labels carefully before buying a brand who has the best commercials on TV!

Wheat also is a major factor in weight. Once you eliminate the wheat in a dog’s diet you may notice that he is in less pain, may lose weight and if he has allergies they may be eliminated. This fact also applies to people!
Foods that contain wheat:

Bread
Pretzels
Pizza Crust
Bread crumbs
Milkbones
Pancakes & Waffles
Cake & Pastries
Cookies
Some Cereals
Flour

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