Healing Hands

By Sandra Bolan

Advances in modern veterinary medicine have made what used to be debilitating and untreatable injuries and diseases treatable, and in some cases curable. However, it is not always modern medicine that provides the treatment. Eastern practices such as Reiki and acupuncture are being widely used as complimentary canine treatments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been used on people to help restore the mind, body and spiritual balance. It has also long been used on animals, horses in particular, for centuries. Now, acupuncture is regularly being used on dogs and some pet insurance companies even cover it.

“Acupuncture and other alternative therapies in North America have evolved in animals alongside the increased awareness and interest in humans,” says Cindy Kneebone, from the East York Animal Clinic. “People are more concerned about the environment, their own well-being and apply this desire of wellness to their pets.”

Acupuncture is based on the body’s Chi or Qi, which is the body’s energy flow. When the body’s Chi flow is blocked, either through trauma to the area or exposure to environmental factors (wind, cold etc.), blockages can occur, which enables disease to flourish.

“It works by moving energy, unblocking energy flow or restoring energetic balance to a physical body,” says Kneebone. “This energy flows within the body around the organs and can connect to the surface, which is how placing needles on the skin can affect the inner organs.”

Canine conditions acupuncture is often used to treat include hip displaysia, arthritis, chronic bronchitis, ovarian dysfunction and epilepsy.

When deciding if acupuncture is for your dog, consult your veterinarian who can then refer you to a certified canine acupuncturist. The Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists of Canada certifies canine acupuncturists.

Reiki

Like acupuncture, Reiki helps to balance the dog (or person’s) body, mind and spirit.

“Reiki is an ancient, sacred healing energy that can help your canine stay balanced while giving healing energy to the areas of the body where needed,” reports the Center for Energy Medicine in Columbus, Ohio.

The Reiki practitioner places his or her hands lightly on or near the dog’s body, which enables the “universal flow of energy to pass through the practitioner to the recipient, enabling them to utilize the energy as required,” says Janice Miller, a Toronto-area Reiki practitioner.

Since Reiki is non-invasive and does not interfere with traditional medical treatment or drugs, it can be used as a complimentary treatment, especially for dogs undergoing chemotherapy. Along with helping to reduce the side effects of chemo, Reiki can also reduce pain or stress from injury or disease, as well as help accelerate healing.

“Reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that allows everyone [dogs included] to tap into an unlimited supply of “life force energy to improve health and enhance the quality of life,” according to Connecticut-based Reiki practitioner Kimberly Bainbridge.

Chiropracty

Another treatment often associated with humans, and now regularly being used on dogs, is chiropracty.

Chiropractic medicine focuses on the body’s relationship between the spinal column and nervous system and “the crucial role of this relationship to the maintenance of overall health,” according to Jeff Feinman, VMD, DVM.

The nerves between the brain and spinal cord control all of the body’s tissues and organs; therefore, when the flow is interrupted malfunctions can occur in other parts of the body, i.e. constipation or diarrhea.

Chiropractic care is particularly helpful to dogs that suffer from back, neck, leg or tail pain; mobility issues; uneven muscle development; head tilt; degenerative arthritis and sport-related injuries.

“Any time there is a loss of flexibility in any part of the skeleton, the remaining body components are subjected to compensatory stress as the animal shifts its balance to compensate,” reports Feinman.

If at any time you decide to use an alterative therapy to help promote healing in your dog, ensure the practitioner is certified and willing to work in conjunction with your traditional veterinarian.

Sandra Bolan is a Dog Writers Association of America nominated freelance writer and professional photographer. Her critically acclaimed first book Dogs and Dads is currently available at www.fetchitup.ca