Another heat wave has graced us this week. Temps made it over 100 degrees and it is way too hot for all of us who wear fur coats full time… especially black fur!

After watching several other dogs playing this weekend, i discovered a most delightful way to cool down ….. I just go have a seat in the water over at Derby Wharf. At first i was scared of the waves, but after sitting in the cold water they no longer seemed spooky. I have not tried to swim yet. (Of course Beta-chic is terrified i may swim across the channel to Marblehead if she lets me off the leash. She also has an annoying habit of hosing me down when we come home while mumbling something about stinky water and salt.) Humans do make such a fuss over the funniest things sometimes. I hope that she lets me off the leash soon just so i can try to swim and make her scream “Quan Yin come back!”

News is that Hurricane Earl is heading up the coast soon. I can only hope he passes us by. I am terrified of flooding and fire trucks. Perhaps it has something to do with being abandoned in the floods this year. It will be 3 months this weekend that i was transported up from TN. I do hope that the pet humans throw a surprise party with plenty of organic chicken and apple sausage for me.

Stay cool. Until my next post .. happy tails,
Quan Yin

Who said you can’t travel back in time? During the Salem Heritage Days and Maritime Festival i was so fortunate to come across these kind people having a tea party. The nice woman even gave me a piece of sausage! I cannot tell you how happy that made me! Beta-chic thinks it was magic sausage because i started wagging my tail and held it up for the rest of the day. It’s the simple things that make me happy. More sausage please.

This is the Friendship, Salem’s very own tall ship. I am a very lucky girl to be able to walk over to Derby Wharf every day and see it. On a real good day there are geese hanging out begging to be chased. What more could a girl want… well maybe another slice of that sausage please.
Until next post,
Happy Tails,
Quan Yin

One of my favorite spots to nap is on the balcony among the peppermint. It smells so good. And i think it must keep those pesky bugs away. I simply adore it. Of course i am from the South where this plant is revered by proper old ladies who drink tea and mint juleps!

Peppermint has been used medicinally for ages to treat tummy aches, indigestion, breathing and respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms. It is also great for stinky dog breath. My pet human aka Beta-chic chops up a small leaf of peppermint everyday and adds it to my food…. not that i would ever have stinky breath.

The latin name for Peppermint is Herba Mentae Haplocalycis and in Chinese it is called Bo He. It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine in several herbal formulas. In the Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica by Bensky & Gamble, it is listed in the category of Cool, Acrid Herbs That Release the Exterior. (And for all those herb geeks it’s properties are acrid, aromatic and cooling.) Please note that the Materia Medica is the herbal bible memorized by all acupuncture students preparing for licensing boards.

Bo He has several uses such as:
* Treating Wind Heat with symptoms of fever, headache and cough.

* Clears wind heat in the head, eyes and throat. Vents rashes and can even be used in early stages of measles. This of course is for people with measles!

* And it ….. allows constrained Liver qi to flow freely. Something of course only those trained in TCM would understand. But it does sound powerful. Beta-chic seems to think most of those people living in the state of Massachusetts suffer from some strange ailment called liver qi stagnation. I have no idea what she means. Perhaps it is the way they drive? Or the way they are always in a hurry? Maybe the snappishness – is that a word? This is probably why she treats dogs and not people. Liver qi stagnation seems to be an epidemic here in New England according to her. ( And sometimes after a long day of driving she even seems to suffer from it. But of course i would never say that out loud!) Fortunately most dogs do not suffer from this affliction.

So, i am wondering if everyone took the time to enjoy a nice cup of peppermint tea, might they be nicer during this horridly hot weather? Or perhaps they could just add a sprig of peppermint to their ice tea? I am not sure if it would help their driving but we can only hope it does!

Until next blog ….Be nice. Stay cool. And have some peppermint!
Quan Yin

I love watching the squirrels and chipmunks while roaming through Breakheart. And it is a dog friendly park too. This is a great place to walk your pet humans.

Alpha-guy poses with me. Don’t you love his hat?

This artsy collar was a gift from my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Laura. It was handmade. Beta-chic added a herbal insect repellent on my leash. She is terrified of fleas and ticks.

Oh and my Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Laura just adopted a beagle from Beagle Rescue in MD. Her name is Giulietta. I hope one day i can meet her. Beagles have the best bark!

It has been way too hot for the pet humans to take me back for a long hike this week. Hoping that soon we can go again. Meanwhile there is always walks to the Salem Commons which we now call Squirrelandia.

Stay cool
xooxox
quan yin

For more info on BreakHeart Reservation visit the website at:http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/breakhrt.htm

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/

]]> http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/08/09/the-barking-oracle-makes-the-top-30-blogs-on-acupuncture/feed/ 1 http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/08/05/the-office-staff-of-four-paws-acupuncture/ http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/08/05/the-office-staff-of-four-paws-acupuncture/#comments Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:40:51 +0000 jeanie http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/?p=1254

Quan Yin director of Pawsitive Relations with Nubi wan Kenobi, Office Snoopervisor. (Other staff members Zevo Calamari and Luna miso Poosie were on their lunch break when this picture was taken!)

]]> http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/08/05/the-office-staff-of-four-paws-acupuncture/feed/ 0 http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/30/needling-the-dog/ http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/30/needling-the-dog/#comments Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:41:54 +0000 jeanie http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/?p=1247
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

]]> http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/30/needling-the-dog/feed/ 0 http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/23/hot-dog-days-of-summer/ http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/23/hot-dog-days-of-summer/#comments Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:40:32 +0000 jeanie http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/?p=1243

Whew! We are still having a horrid heat wave in New England. Here are a few tips to keep your dogs cool. Remember.. we are wearing fur so it is way hotter for us than you!
Stay Cool!
Quan Yin

Seven Tips to Cool off a Hot Dog

1. PLEASE! Never, ever leave your pets in a parked car in the summer, even if you crack the windows or park in the shade. A car temperature can rise to 150F or more in just a few minutes. This is the number one cause of canine heat stroke.

2. Always have plenty of fresh water handy for your pets. Carry a bottle of water and a bowl for your dog when walking him or her on a hot day. Add SmartWater to your dog’s bowl which has electrolytes and can help prevent dehydration.

3. Be on the look-out for signs of heatstroke. Symptoms include rapid breathing, a dazed look, very hot skin and twitching muscles. Wrap your pet in a cool, but NOT cold, wet towel. Get them to the vet as soon as possible as heatstroke can be fatal.

4. Be careful not to exercise dogs during the hottest part of the day. Also don’t worry if they are eating less on hot days as it is a normal canine reaction to heat.

5. Put a kiddie pool for dogs to cool off and play in on those hot summer days. They are inexpensive and can be found at most stores like Target.

6. Try to keep your pets indoors during the hottest part of the day, in a room with air conditioning or circulating fans if possible.

7. Short haired dogs or those who have just been shaved are prone to sunburn just like us. Especially early in the summer, try to limit your dog’s exposure to the sun.

]]> http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/23/hot-dog-days-of-summer/feed/ 0 http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/21/15-off-veterinary-tcm-bookthe-woof-warp-of-canine-pain/ http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/2010/07/21/15-off-veterinary-tcm-bookthe-woof-warp-of-canine-pain/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:57:48 +0000 jeanie http://www.fourpawsacupuncture.com/blog/?p=1228 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

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