Chinese Medicine: "For further reading on TCM, the following books are highly recommended:
Four Paws Five Directions (by: Cheryl Schwartz, DVM)
The Well Connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure (by: Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis)
Canine Acupressure: A treatment workbook (by: Nancy Zidonis and Marie Soderberg)
Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Principles and Practice (edited by Allen M Schoen DVM and Susan G. Wynn DVM)
Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine (edited by Allen Schoen)
Veterinary Acupuncture: (by: Klide and Kung)
Some sites on the Internet you might like to peruse that deal mainly with veterinary acupuncture:
http://users.med.auth.gr/~karanik/english/veter.htm
http://www.altvetmed.com/acupunct.html
http://www.msnbc.com/news/185564.asp
http://users.med.auth.gr/~karanik/english/webjour.htm
Human Acupuncture
http://www.acupuncture.com/"
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine: "The root cause for the occurrence and development of disease in Chinese medicine is imbalance between Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that when balanced, work together. Examples of Yin are water, passive, slow, night, and moon. Examples of Yang are fire, active, fast, day, and sun.
Chinese Medicine acknowledges several causes for disease.
External causes include wind, cold, damp, dryness, and heat. Wind includes things such as air conditioning, and some say it also includes microwaves, and radiation. The source of the external cause does not have to be a natural source. Internal causes are known as the, ÄúSeven Emotions,Äù. The emotions are anger, joy, grief, fear, worry, and anxiety. There is disagreement in various translations on what the exact 'Seven Emotions' are, but these six are pretty constant. Other causes of disease include constitution, diet, exercise, rest, and trauma.
In TCM seizures are often caused by heat generated by the liver, which generates wind, which causes the seizure. (The image of someone caught up in a wind storm might help explain that terminology.) Seizures can also commonly be caused by imbalances in the heart meridian. Deficient Kidney Yin can also play a role. If Kidney Yin is low, Yang is dominant, and heat is Yang. It is important to treat the Liver Heat, (or Heart, depending on the diagnosis), but also to work to bring the Kidney Yin back up, and in balance with Kidney Yang. The Kidneys, in TCM, are Water. Water helps Wood, (Liver), and hinders Fire (Heart), so if the Kidneys are out of balance, that could be a factor in the Liver or Heart imbalances that trigger seizures. By using the various methods of diagnosing imbalances, a practioner will be able to detemine the imbalances that need to be treated in any individual, and the best method for treating those imbalances."
Chinese Medicine acknowledges several causes for disease.
External causes include wind, cold, damp, dryness, and heat. Wind includes things such as air conditioning, and some say it also includes microwaves, and radiation. The source of the external cause does not have to be a natural source. Internal causes are known as the, ÄúSeven Emotions,Äù. The emotions are anger, joy, grief, fear, worry, and anxiety. There is disagreement in various translations on what the exact 'Seven Emotions' are, but these six are pretty constant. Other causes of disease include constitution, diet, exercise, rest, and trauma.
In TCM seizures are often caused by heat generated by the liver, which generates wind, which causes the seizure. (The image of someone caught up in a wind storm might help explain that terminology.) Seizures can also commonly be caused by imbalances in the heart meridian. Deficient Kidney Yin can also play a role. If Kidney Yin is low, Yang is dominant, and heat is Yang. It is important to treat the Liver Heat, (or Heart, depending on the diagnosis), but also to work to bring the Kidney Yin back up, and in balance with Kidney Yang. The Kidneys, in TCM, are Water. Water helps Wood, (Liver), and hinders Fire (Heart), so if the Kidneys are out of balance, that could be a factor in the Liver or Heart imbalances that trigger seizures. By using the various methods of diagnosing imbalances, a practioner will be able to detemine the imbalances that need to be treated in any individual, and the best method for treating those imbalances."
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine: "The basic principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to restore balance.
If a disease is due to an excess, that excess must be drained.
If it is due to a deficiency, that deficiency should be tonified.
If the problem is due to heat, that heat should be cooled.
If the problem is due to cold, that cold should be warmed.
If it is due to dryness, that dryness should be moistened.
And, if it is due to dampness, that dampness should be dried.
The root cause for the occurrence and development of disease in Chinese medicine is imbalance between Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that when balanced, work together. Examples of Yin are water, passive, slow, night, and moon. Examples of Yang are fire, active, fast, day, and sun."
If a disease is due to an excess, that excess must be drained.
If it is due to a deficiency, that deficiency should be tonified.
If the problem is due to heat, that heat should be cooled.
If the problem is due to cold, that cold should be warmed.
If it is due to dryness, that dryness should be moistened.
And, if it is due to dampness, that dampness should be dried.
The root cause for the occurrence and development of disease in Chinese medicine is imbalance between Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that when balanced, work together. Examples of Yin are water, passive, slow, night, and moon. Examples of Yang are fire, active, fast, day, and sun."
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine: "Traditionally, in Chinese medicine, a variety of techniques are used to diagnosis the imbalances for an individual. The diagnostic process uses symptoms, and appearance, (including dry skin, weight, and odors). Also used are tongue diagnosis, (the tongue is looked at), and pulse diagnosis, which differs quite a bit from Western pulse taking. When checking the tongue, practioners look at color, shape, tongue coating, and cracks in the tongue. There are certain spots on the tongue that relate to the organs, (such as the liver and spleen), and they'll note how those certain areas look also.
When doing pulse diagnosis, the pulse is felt in 3 positions and 2 layers, each corresponding to an organ and meridian. There are 6 pulses on the right front paw: Large Intestine, Lungs, Stomach, Spleen/Pancreas, Kidney Yang, Pericardium. There are 6 pulses on the left front paw: Small Intestine, Heart, Gall bladder, Liver, Urinary Bladder, and Kidney Yin.
(NOTE: description of Kidney Yang and Kidney Yin follows)
Using all this information will help practioners determine where the energy blockages are, and how they should be treated. Some practioners have developed their own ways of reading the energy, and might have something that they do instead of, or in addition to, the traditional diagnostic techniques."
When doing pulse diagnosis, the pulse is felt in 3 positions and 2 layers, each corresponding to an organ and meridian. There are 6 pulses on the right front paw: Large Intestine, Lungs, Stomach, Spleen/Pancreas, Kidney Yang, Pericardium. There are 6 pulses on the left front paw: Small Intestine, Heart, Gall bladder, Liver, Urinary Bladder, and Kidney Yin.
(NOTE: description of Kidney Yang and Kidney Yin follows)
Using all this information will help practioners determine where the energy blockages are, and how they should be treated. Some practioners have developed their own ways of reading the energy, and might have something that they do instead of, or in addition to, the traditional diagnostic techniques."
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine: "Here is how that works:
Qi is energy circulating in the body. Qi, (also spelled Chi, and pronounced, ÄúChee,Äù), is the life force energy. There are 12 major meridians and 8 extra meridians through which the Qi circulates. Meridians are like rivers which distribute Qi throughout the body. If any of these meridians have a blockage that causes the energy to not flow properly, problems develop, such as illness, swelling, and pain.There are several factors that can affect the flow of Qi through the meridians. For example, weather, your mood, foods eaten, and much more affect the flow of Qi. Acupuncture is used to stimulate the flow of Qi through some meridians, and to inhibit the flow of Qi in other channels (meridians) to restore balance. When the Qi is balanced, you're healthy. Too much Qi in one area, and not enough in others creates an imbalance which causes health problems.
The meridians follow aspects of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, and nervous systems. Qi flows through the meridians directing the blood and other body fluids that keep us alive. This quote might help explain: 'The meridians are like major power lines running through the body, and the acupuncture points are the relay switches to access the energy.' The acupuncture needles and herbs are being used to access the energy on the acupuncture points. Chinese herbs work in the same sort of way as acupuncture. Herbs also have the function of balancing the body by treating energy blockages, by treating conditions like heat, excess, cold, deficiency, and other imbalances.
There are 37 actions or functions for herbs, (such as warming, clearing, reducing*, and tonifying**). *Reducing means that it will help get rid of an excess of energy for a specific meridian. **Tonifying means that it will strengthen the meridian it works on."
Qi is energy circulating in the body. Qi, (also spelled Chi, and pronounced, ÄúChee,Äù), is the life force energy. There are 12 major meridians and 8 extra meridians through which the Qi circulates. Meridians are like rivers which distribute Qi throughout the body. If any of these meridians have a blockage that causes the energy to not flow properly, problems develop, such as illness, swelling, and pain.There are several factors that can affect the flow of Qi through the meridians. For example, weather, your mood, foods eaten, and much more affect the flow of Qi. Acupuncture is used to stimulate the flow of Qi through some meridians, and to inhibit the flow of Qi in other channels (meridians) to restore balance. When the Qi is balanced, you're healthy. Too much Qi in one area, and not enough in others creates an imbalance which causes health problems.
The meridians follow aspects of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, and nervous systems. Qi flows through the meridians directing the blood and other body fluids that keep us alive. This quote might help explain: 'The meridians are like major power lines running through the body, and the acupuncture points are the relay switches to access the energy.' The acupuncture needles and herbs are being used to access the energy on the acupuncture points. Chinese herbs work in the same sort of way as acupuncture. Herbs also have the function of balancing the body by treating energy blockages, by treating conditions like heat, excess, cold, deficiency, and other imbalances.
There are 37 actions or functions for herbs, (such as warming, clearing, reducing*, and tonifying**). *Reducing means that it will help get rid of an excess of energy for a specific meridian. **Tonifying means that it will strengthen the meridian it works on."
Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine: "Many sources say that the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine can be traced back to approximately three thousand years ago. 'Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine' states: 'Legend has it that veterinary acupuncture was discovered when lame horses used in battle were found to become sound after being hit by arrows at distinct points.'
The first veterinary acupuncture report in Europe was published in 1828, but many US citizens were not aware of Chinese Medicine until the Nixon era. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) was founded in 1974 by a group of veterinarians, and has steadily grown since. In 1988, the American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledged that veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy are valid modalities.
As you will see, Chinese Medicine is quite unlike Western Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupressure, food therapies, medication and exercises. It is a very different, yet logical, way of thinking and dealing with problems to assit your four-legged friend. The goal of acupuncture and Chinese herbs is to rebalance the body by treating the meridians, which are located beneath the skin's surface."
The first veterinary acupuncture report in Europe was published in 1828, but many US citizens were not aware of Chinese Medicine until the Nixon era. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) was founded in 1974 by a group of veterinarians, and has steadily grown since. In 1988, the American Veterinary Medical Association acknowledged that veterinary acupuncture and acutherapy are valid modalities.
As you will see, Chinese Medicine is quite unlike Western Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupressure, food therapies, medication and exercises. It is a very different, yet logical, way of thinking and dealing with problems to assit your four-legged friend. The goal of acupuncture and Chinese herbs is to rebalance the body by treating the meridians, which are located beneath the skin's surface."
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Second Aqua Acupuncture Visit with Dr. Peace
On Monday, May 10th, Brady had his second aqua acupuncture visit with Dr. Peace. This time she injected a multi B vitamin. The session went well. She also put him on 2 Chinese herbal supplements, Di Tan Tang and Bu Xue Xi Feng. Both of the herbals are indicated for epilepsy.
We are tremendously thankful that things are going so well for Brady and we pray that he continues to do well and to feel well.
God is good and shows us mercy everyday.
We are tremendously thankful that things are going so well for Brady and we pray that he continues to do well and to feel well.
God is good and shows us mercy everyday.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day (written through the eyes of an epi-dog)
The following is taken from the Epil-K9 List that I belong to. It is contributed by Sandy Pratt.
...."I post this yearly because they want you to
hear them. They wrote this for you."
I wanted to take this time to let you know I know it is not easy being the
mom of a dog with epilepsy. I know you could have taken a million trips
around the world by now with all the money you have spent on meds and docs
and running me to ER. And also cause you are afraid to leave me with someone
else... Thank you...please know, when I look in your eyes and feel your
hand on me *nothing* you would have seen or done on a trip is as beautiful
as what you give to me. I wish you could go to fancy places but the places
in your heart are much more beautiful and I see them every day in you.
Your voice softly speaking to me when that monster comes..though you may not
know I heard you..I did. Some of the bridge kids say it's a better sound
than that of an angel.. Thank you, it helps to calm me ...I didn't forget
the times you have not yelled at me when I cannot see and run and pace in a
panic...and break things you like...I am sorry but what a blessing you are
to not scold me I didn't mean to do it and you did not shame me..Thank you.
I am sorry for the times I have went potty on the floor or bed and you had
to clean it...please know if I could I would clean it myself. You are
always so sweet about it ...thank you. ...Thank you also for staying up all
night when the S comes and laying on the floor by me..or staying up while
I pace it out of me. I know you would rather be doing something else or
sleeping. I notice all you do...even when you try to hide your fear and
tears...I know, that's why sometimes I put my paw on you or lay my head on
you.....I saw and felt how you felt inside and didn't know how else to comfort
you....And for those moms who say.."Oh he or she is not my dog they are just
a foster dogs". You are not kidding US we know regular people do not
spend the time and more so worry and fear, and tears for us ....and though
someday we may find another home....YOU will be Mom ...and for some of us...we
know, you know....we will not get another home because many do not want
dogs like us...but you took us in.....you're not kidding us....we know you
love us AND are our mom
Thank you for the ice cream...I see you eat less to afford it.....and for
all the time you spend online learning how to help me on foods and
treatment options so much study to help me.....I know, and cannot thank you enough.
I know, I can act rather odd, thank you for overlooking that. It is easier
to love a healthy dog. It takes a special mom to love an epi dog. In my
eyes you're a saint.
I know sometimes you take me with you when you fear the monster will
come...and I know sometimes you can't cause you have to fetch the food and keep
the cave over our heads thank you mommy
Thank you for helping me to the bridge when I could not go on. I KNOW it
was hard and how you have cried after.Know I am well now and that monster
did not follow me Though in your arms is the best place..I will be there
again when you come.. I did not go far from you I am right here by your side
and in your heart..I cannot cover all that you do and are that I am so
grateful for....but know I see it all. A special thank you for helping one
another on this list ...I know you have learned a lot that helps me. You have
shared in joys and sorrows all of that makes you a better person and ME
a blessed dog. Mom , I want you to have a great day. I wish you a day that
feels like the moment I hear your voice...or see your face......Simply put,
I love you too!!!
(Please keep in mind a mom is one who nurtures so you can be male or
female ...it is not gender specific)
...."I post this yearly because they want you to
hear them. They wrote this for you."
I wanted to take this time to let you know I know it is not easy being the
mom of a dog with epilepsy. I know you could have taken a million trips
around the world by now with all the money you have spent on meds and docs
and running me to ER. And also cause you are afraid to leave me with someone
else... Thank you...please know, when I look in your eyes and feel your
hand on me *nothing* you would have seen or done on a trip is as beautiful
as what you give to me. I wish you could go to fancy places but the places
in your heart are much more beautiful and I see them every day in you.
Your voice softly speaking to me when that monster comes..though you may not
know I heard you..I did. Some of the bridge kids say it's a better sound
than that of an angel.. Thank you, it helps to calm me ...I didn't forget
the times you have not yelled at me when I cannot see and run and pace in a
panic...and break things you like...I am sorry but what a blessing you are
to not scold me I didn't mean to do it and you did not shame me..Thank you.
I am sorry for the times I have went potty on the floor or bed and you had
to clean it...please know if I could I would clean it myself. You are
always so sweet about it ...thank you. ...Thank you also for staying up all
night when the S comes and laying on the floor by me..or staying up while
I pace it out of me. I know you would rather be doing something else or
sleeping. I notice all you do...even when you try to hide your fear and
tears...I know, that's why sometimes I put my paw on you or lay my head on
you.....I saw and felt how you felt inside and didn't know how else to comfort
you....And for those moms who say.."Oh he or she is not my dog they are just
a foster dogs". You are not kidding US we know regular people do not
spend the time and more so worry and fear, and tears for us ....and though
someday we may find another home....YOU will be Mom ...and for some of us...we
know, you know....we will not get another home because many do not want
dogs like us...but you took us in.....you're not kidding us....we know you
love us AND are our mom
Thank you for the ice cream...I see you eat less to afford it.....and for
all the time you spend online learning how to help me on foods and
treatment options so much study to help me.....I know, and cannot thank you enough.
I know, I can act rather odd, thank you for overlooking that. It is easier
to love a healthy dog. It takes a special mom to love an epi dog. In my
eyes you're a saint.
I know sometimes you take me with you when you fear the monster will
come...and I know sometimes you can't cause you have to fetch the food and keep
the cave over our heads thank you mommy
Thank you for helping me to the bridge when I could not go on. I KNOW it
was hard and how you have cried after.Know I am well now and that monster
did not follow me Though in your arms is the best place..I will be there
again when you come.. I did not go far from you I am right here by your side
and in your heart..I cannot cover all that you do and are that I am so
grateful for....but know I see it all. A special thank you for helping one
another on this list ...I know you have learned a lot that helps me. You have
shared in joys and sorrows all of that makes you a better person and ME
a blessed dog. Mom , I want you to have a great day. I wish you a day that
feels like the moment I hear your voice...or see your face......Simply put,
I love you too!!!
(Please keep in mind a mom is one who nurtures so you can be male or
female ...it is not gender specific)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Aqua Acupuncture Visit with Dr. Peace
On Monday May 3rd, Brady went for an Aqua Acupuncture Session with Dr. Peace. Vitamin B-12, which is very calming, was injected into various acupuncture points and fortunately she was able to get many points done. He was a very good boy and the session went extremely well. We look forward to our session next week.
Aqua-acupuncture or aquapuncture is the injection of a liquid, typically
Vitamin B-12, Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG), normal
saline or homeopathic remedies, into acupuncture points. The purpose of the
liquid is to put pressure on the acupuncture point, similar to the way an
acupuncture needle is used. One of the main benefits to aquapuncture is the
continuous stimulation or sedation of the point for several days. In
general, practitioners will use aqua-acupuncture in conjunction with
acupuncture on one to a few specific points that require prolonged
stimulation.
Aqua-acupuncture or aquapuncture is the injection of a liquid, typically
Vitamin B-12, Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan or PSGAG), normal
saline or homeopathic remedies, into acupuncture points. The purpose of the
liquid is to put pressure on the acupuncture point, similar to the way an
acupuncture needle is used. One of the main benefits to aquapuncture is the
continuous stimulation or sedation of the point for several days. In
general, practitioners will use aqua-acupuncture in conjunction with
acupuncture on one to a few specific points that require prolonged
stimulation.
April 26, 2010 visit with Dr. Katherman
On April 26th, Brady went to see Dr. Katherman for a peak and trough blood draw to check levels of Levetiracetam (generic for Keppra).
On Monday, May 3rd, his lab results were in. Brady's Levetiracetam levels are about where we would like them to be. What we need to do at this point is to monitor Brady's seizure control over a longer period of time and if it looks like we have significant improvement and satisfactory control then we can talk about reducing his other medication.
Brady is doing very well and we pray that this will continue for him. Thank you Dear God for being with us and watching over us.
On Monday, May 3rd, his lab results were in. Brady's Levetiracetam levels are about where we would like them to be. What we need to do at this point is to monitor Brady's seizure control over a longer period of time and if it looks like we have significant improvement and satisfactory control then we can talk about reducing his other medication.
Brady is doing very well and we pray that this will continue for him. Thank you Dear God for being with us and watching over us.
Ear Acupuncture Tacks in Place
On Friday, April 23rd, I took Brady to see Dr. Peace for his ear acupuncture. She implanted a tiny stainless steel staple in each ear at a strong acupuncture point. He will keep these in forever and if they happen to become dislodged, we will simply put them back in.
Acupuncture is another helpful option which has helped to control seizures in many pets. Sometimes just placing an ear acupuncture tack in a dog's ear will stop seizures and this only requires one acupuncture visit.
If the ear tack doesn't work, gold implants can be placed in different locations under a pet's head. Or your pet can be treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Acupuncture is another helpful option which has helped to control seizures in many pets. Sometimes just placing an ear acupuncture tack in a dog's ear will stop seizures and this only requires one acupuncture visit.
If the ear tack doesn't work, gold implants can be placed in different locations under a pet's head. Or your pet can be treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture.
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