USE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IN DOGS

The therapeutic approach in TCM consists in different methods. The choice of the method depends on the gravity of the imbalance, and we can use one or more of them contemporarily. We start with the therapies where we are not even touching the patient e.g. gymnastics, food therapy and herbs. In more significant imbalances we use methods like manual therapy, moxibustion and acupuncture.

Functional gymnastics or more simply put – therapy with movement is especially helpful in getting the Qi flow smoothly. You have probably heard of Qi gong and Tai chi. Well, we can’t really apply those to animals, but we can do some stretching exercises using treats. Walks with free running and sniffing, swimming, walking on different surfaces or performing tricks can all be beneficial in maintaing balance. The key is not to overwork, but everyday regular movement and having fun is an excellent choice.

A long term positive effect of acupuncture therapies is heavily supported by a good nutrition. In the »West« we are used to talk about the correct balance between proteins, minerals, fats and so on. In TCM we mostly talk about food energetics. It is not about calories, but again, in restoring and keeping balance. Every food item has its own »temperature«, »colour«, »taste« and tendency to support one or more organs. Fresh, local and food which is in season, plus variety are the main guidelines in a healthy nutrition.

When the imbalance gets more pronounced, introducing phytotherapy – herb treatment is beneficial. Herb treatment in TCM is used in line with the diagnostic findings and in a holistic approach. The ancient herbal formulas are composed of more ingredients, and each of them has a specific role, the Chinese call »Ruler«, »Minister«, »Councellor« and »Ambassador«.

Another method very well accepted by our dogs is the manual therapy. Tui-na massage improves activity, health and resistance to the invasion of the pathologic factors by massaging certain meridians and acupuncture points. The local circulation is improved and resulting in its anti­inflammatory and pain­relieving action. The japanese version of the massage is called Shiatsu (Shi – finger, atsu ­ pressure) and can also be performed on animals.

A pleasant stimulation of the acupuncture points with a warm stick made of mugwort (Artemisia sp.) plant is a method which can be performed at home by the owner. The mugwort stick burns slowly and emits warmth which is very beneficial in treating chronic conditions, which get worse with cold or damp weather. Besides point stim­ ulation, the warmth helps with local vasodialatation and consequently with pain relief. Moxibustion is mainly used in winter, although most of the Ridgebacks would probably be happy with this additional warm treatment sessions all year round.

The next method is undoubtly also the most known: acupuncture. Acupuncture consists in gently putting very thin and flexible needles into certain areas of the body, called acupuncture points. The first needles in the b.c. times were made of quartz, jade or bones. With the discovery of the metals, iron and copper needles came in use. Nowdays we use sterilised stainless steel needles for single use.

Each acupuncture point has its Chinese name, which mostly depicts what is it used for or its location. In the west we tend to name the acupuncture points with the abbreviated name of the meridian and a number. There are around 365 acupuncture points. It is very interesting, that a large number of the coincides with trigger points points which are used in physiotherapy.

An acupuncture session lasts around 20­25 minutes. We usually tend to do the first treatments not too far apart (4­5 days and then once a week) and when the effect is reached, the sessions can be gradually spaced apart to monthly sessions or less often.

I often get asked, how do dogs tolerate needles? Does the therapy hurt? Well, I can reassure you, that most of them don`t even react when the needle is placed – why would they? The diameter of the needle is only a quarter of the millime­ ter, this is 10­times thinner than the usual needle used for application of drugs. Some dogs fall even asleep during sessions as acupuncture has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system which lasts for a shorter or longer period even after the session has ended.

MODERN TREATMENT METHODS WERE DEVELOPED IN THE »WEST«

Asia sure is the cradle ob TCM. However, an important development of this ancient medicine happend in Europe and North America. Lots of studies are performed to prove the efficacy of acupuncture and other TCM methods according to our standards. This is a bit of a challenge, since it is very difficult to standardize acupuncture treatments for a certain disease (e.g. arthritis). The choice of the points in acupuncture which gives the best results is always individual and unique.

It changes from session to session according to the response of the patient and general protocols usually tend not to give the best results.

New, non invasive methods are gaining value in present days. Laser acupuncture uses a laser beam to stimulate the acupuncture points. This method is very gentle, painless and quick. I tend to use it with unruly dogs and cats and always give the choice to the owner, whether he prefers me to use needles or laser. Cromoacupuncture uses a light beam of different wavelenghts to stimulate the acupuncture points.

WHAT DOES THE »ACUPUNCTURE VISIT« LOOK LIKE?

Before we start »sticking the needles« in the dog, a treatment plan is made, following a thorough evaluation and examination of the patient. The diagnostic procedure is completely non invasive and gentle. It consists of an extensive chat with the owner for a deep anamnesys. Meanwhile I observe the dog, how he moves, relates to the enviroment and the people, I am attentive at any particular smells or sounds. The observation of the tongue is one of the important parts of the TCM exams. I sometimes ask owners to show me or send me pictures of the tongue in advance in order to minimise stress during the visit. Next phase is the palpation of the diagnostic points and the pulse. By putting all of the observations together, we determine the Chinese diagnosis (usually referred to as syndrome(s) and this is then the base of the treatment plan.

When Can Acupuncture Be Used

We can use acupuncture and other TCM methods with every disease. Remember, that this was the only medicine avilable for millenia in Asia – if it wouldn`t be effective, the Asians wouldn`t have survived till today, right?

Because of the specific and strange terminology based on the Taoist philosophy and holistic approach, TCM is frequently misunderstood or even laughed at. However, TCM is a medical approach, which uses precise clinical algorithms to determine diagnosis and treatment strategy. It has a major advantage in prevention and in chronic diseases and can be used as a stand alone method of treatment or as a supportive care in order to reduce the use of drugs and their side effect. The latter is called the integrative approach and is in my opinion a great option – why wouldn`t we use the best of both worlds in the care of our furry companions?

Written by Lisa Reece, Certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist, Canine Aromatherapy.