In October 2021, I began intensive study of Animal Acupuncture, through the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture (PIHMA). This was a small class, focused on licensed acupuncturists learning the skills needed to offer acupuncture services to horses, dogs and cats.
Like most who get into working with animals, it is first, truly about the love and care for animals. To discover that Animal Acupuncture was initially taught and brought to the United States by acupuncturists, I knew I would eventually learn this skill. It only took 14 + years of having a human practice, to be included in a training course that would fantastically advance my love of acupuncture and animals towards a focused service. Animal Acupuncture.
“Animal Acupuncture has been around for over 3,000 years and was used during the Zhou dynasty to treat horses since they were imperative to their military efforts. It was not until 1972, when Dr. Gene Bruno and others brought the modality to the United States. Dr. Bruno was approved by the Veterinary Board to treat small animals and horses. He later worked to create the National Acupuncture Veterinary Association (NAVA) which was for Veterinarians who wanted to practice Animal Acupuncture. The members of NAVA later joined the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) when it was formed.
Animal Acupuncture has always been the domain of Licensed Acupuncturists, which is why Dr. Bruno works with the PIHMA Center for Education and Development (CPED) to develop a course for Licensed Acupuncturists to add animals as their patients.” Animal Acupuncture
Treatment modalities for animals may include:
- Acupuncture
- Red-light therapy (LLLT)
- Gentle/manual massage
- Nutritional recommendations
- Supplement/Chinese herbal recommendations
Treatment for Horses:
- Laminitis – founders
- Colic
- Heaves
- Bleeders
- Tying-up
- Musculoskeletal pain (spine/joint)
- Injuries
- Stress/Anxiety/Fear
Treatment for Dogs (cats):
- IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) – spine pain/tenderness
- DLSS (degenerative lumbosacral stenosis) – weakness in hind limb/limbs
- Allergies (skin, sinuses, digestion)
- Acute injuries – musculoskeletal, lacerations, post-surgery
- Chronic ailments – arthritis, hip-dysplasia
- Stress/Anxiety/Fear
Important Consent for Treatment
Prior to treatment – Ondria Holub L.Ac requests that potential animal clients/owners contact their veterinarian and get a referral – stating…
Please have Veterinarian date and sign the form. I will soon have a ‘Request for Referral’ document that can be printed and filled out.
Please call or email Balance Point Acupuncture LLC for more information and see how I can best care for you and your animals.
