Integrative medicine is the idea of using complementary therapies alongside traditional diagnostics and treatments. While this idea was first used in human medicine, it has also become a valuable tool when caring for our pets. At Magnolia Springs Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to have an integrative medicine approach and offer a variety of unique therapies.
In this article, we’ll discuss how integrative medicine can help your pet and the many benefits our services can offer.
The Benefits of an Integrative Medicine Approach
A major benefit of an integrative medicine approach is that it considers all aspects of your pet’s health and lifestyle. This includes their medical history, environment, and nutrition. Not only can this give us a better understanding of your pet’s health, but an integrative medicine approach can also provide more options for your pet’s long-term care. When traditional treatments are used alongside integrative therapies, it can result in improved healing and overall health.
Services We Provide
At Magnolia Springs Veterinary Hospital, we offer various services to care for your pet’s unique needs. This includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, and Tui Na, also known as the four branches of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. We also offer additional complementary therapies such as veterinary spinal manipulation and laser therapy.
Below is more information about our integrative therapy options and how these services can benefit your pet.
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture focuses on the life force and energy that flows throughout the body, also known as Qi. When the body experiences pain or disease, it disrupts the natural flow of Qi. Acupuncture works to restore Qi and bring balance back to the body.
Acupuncture is commonly used to provide relief from musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis. However, we can also use it to treat gastrointestinal issues, neurologic conditions, and even behavioral problems.
- Tui Na
Tui Na is a massage technique that uses acupoints and meridians to restore Qi in the body. It is commonly used with acupuncture or other TCVM treatments to improve overall health and well-being. This technique can also be used in between acupuncture appointments to provide ongoing relief and balance.
- Herbals
Herbals are typically used alongside other treatments such as acupuncture or Tui Na. When used in combination with these therapies, herbs can help enhance the effectiveness of other treatments and provide longer-lasting results.
- Food Therapy
Food can significantly impact your pet’s health and can even be used to treat disease. Food therapy is the idea of tailoring your pet’s diet to meet their specific needs. Food therapy is often used to promote overall health and prevent disease. However, we can also use it to treat specific medical conditions.
- Veterinary Spinal Manipulation
Despite its name, veterinary spinal manipulation looks at more than just the alignment of your pet’s spine. Spinal manipulation is used to treat and evaluate the entire skeletal system. When the body is out of alignment, it can cause pain and inflammation. Restoring alignment helps the body regain proper function, prevent further injury, and improve overall well-being.
- Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment commonly used to for conditions such as arthritis or wounds. Our Class IV MLS Laser uses light to create a photochemical reaction in your pet’s cells. This reaction stimulates healing and reduces inflammation. The treatments are pain-free, and many pets even find their sessions relaxing.
Final Thoughts
An integrative medicine approach can provide numerous benefits for your pet’s long-term health. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of our integrative approach and how it can help your pet.
If you have additional questions about integrative medicine or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 262-770-3106. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can care for your pet’s unique needs.
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