Holistic Pet Care in South Calgary: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture

When regular treatments fall short in helping your pet feel better, Silverado Veterinary Hospital in South Calgary offers holistic solutions like acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Our team is skilled in veterinary acupuncture to provide your pet with safe and natural therapies. These methods can be used alone or alongside conventional treatments to enhance healing and promote overall well-being. Acupuncture primarily addresses pain but extends its benefits to various issues such as anxiety, skin problems, immune disorders, neurological issues, and musculoskeletal conditions. If your pet is struggling with health concerns, reach out to us for an appointment. We're dedicated to ensuring your pet's health with effective and gentle holistic approaches at our clinic.

  

What Is TCM?

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is an alternative medicine that can treat almost any imbalance in health except those requiring surgery. It utilizes a combination of Chinese herbs and other natural substances, acupuncture, food therapy, meditation and exercises to treat the issue. From inflammations, bowel disease, hormonal disorders, epilepsy, allergies, cancer, kidney and liver failure, behavioural problems and chronic pain, it can safely alleviate various health issues. TCM emphasizes improving the body’s resilience to disease to preserve general health while treating pain and illness.

 

How Does Acupuncture Work For Pets?

 

Acupuncture refers to treating conditions or symptoms by inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to produce a response. The therapy was conceptualized by ancient Chinese scholars hundreds, if not thousands of years ago, to connect various internal organs via meridians or channels. Acupuncture works by freeing blocked meridians, which are pathways that transmit Qi energy throughout the body. These meridians have been identified in both humans and animals. 

 

When Qi energy is slow or inadequate, it can affect your blood flow. This can cause discomfort and inflammation. Through improved Qi and blood flow, acupuncture lessens pain and inflammation all over the body.

 

Each acupuncture point is meant to have specific effects when stimulated. Combinations of points are often stimulated to activate synergistic reactions between them. Our team of experts knows exactly which acupuncture points are to be stimulated, the depth of needle insertion, the type of stimulation applied to the needles and the duration of each treatment session depending on your pet’s tolerance and the condition that needs to be treated.

 

Most animals can tolerate acupuncture treatments very well. It is most commonly used to help companion animals like horses, dogs and cats and has been proven effective on other species, including elephants, cattle, monkeys, and rabbits! Though your pet may need to be restrained gently during the first treatment to minimize discomfort, as a rule, animals should ideally relax and sit or lie quietly for subsequent treatments.

Please call us if you have any questions or concerns about acupuncture therapy. We are always happy to help your pet live a happy and healthy life.