Client of the Week: Holistic Vet Care
Posted on | December 1, 2008 | 1 Comment
When my wife and I decided to move from Connecticut to the Bay Area of California, we looked for the most conscious, open, resource-rich community we could find. Predictably, we ended up in Berkeley, where we’ve enjoyed the benefits of organic foods, Qigong, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Qigong (much like Tai Chi) combines breath work and movement to circulate blood and energy flow throughout the body. The health benefits are outstanding, and the mindful, meditative practice is calming and joyful. Qigong is often called “needless acupuncture” because it stimulates the same TCM points and meridians through the body movements.
I practice my Dayan Qigong set of 64 movements pretty much every morning, and it serves to set the tone for the entire day. Still, some of my most profound healing experiences have come during actual acupuncture sessions. Whenever I see my acupuncturist, I always ask him, “What’s our intention for today?” before he begins the treatment. I want to know how we’re approaching whatever issue I’m experiencing, and I want to bring mindfulness (and sometimes visualizations) to the process. It’s amazing how (with that awareness) I can sense the “progress” of the acupuncture treatment — feeling the energy moving as my nervous system balances or ailing organs find relief.
Almost nothing beats the feeling that follows an acupuncture session … I’ve just learned not to attempt to drive too soon afterward; I’m still a little loopy.
Recently director Lee Richter at Montclair Veterinary Hospital (one of my very favorite clients) said they were opening a dedicated holistic center for pets, including pet acupuncture. I immediately thought, “How cool is that?” MVH is an exceptional vet hospital with an amazing head physician named Dr. Gary Richter. (Their Yelp reviews are off the charts.) I knew he’d bring the same level of love and care and detail to pet acupuncture as he brought to his general veterinary practice. And I think that (much like humans), pets can often experience healing and recovery through holistic or alternative care and avoid the expense and trauma of surgeries or procedures.
There’s no doubt that many people consider their pets to be cherished family. For many, having a sick pet can be as emotionally troubling as having a sick friend or relative. I like the idea that for those who would pay any amount to protect their beloved pet that there will be the same avenues for holistic treatment afforded to their human counterparts. … Just don’t let your pet drive too soon after that acupuncture session.
If you’re one of the aforementioned pet lovers, you can contact Holistic Vet Care at 510-339-2600 or info@holisticvetcare.com.
Tags: acupuncture > alternative care > Berkeley > community > driving > family > holistic medicine > organics > pet lovers > Qigong > TCM > veterinary care > Yelp
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March 9th, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
I found your blog via Google while searching for alternative medicine acupuncture, thank you for posting d Client of the Week: Holistic Veterinary Care!