WHY USE ACUPUNCTURE FOR CANCER?
Cancer in our animal companions increases in frequency as they age. In many cases it is a manageable chronic disease or completely curative by surgery. In other cases owners may elect to use the latest advances available in specialty practices or teaching hospitals including chemotherapy and radiation therapy to extend lives of their pets. Ultimately the goal of both the veterinarian and the owner is to support a good quality of life for our animal friends.
Acupuncture can be an integral part of achieving that goal by controlling the growth of the cancer, its symptoms and the side effects of treatment. Cancer in Chinese metaphor is often considered an accumulation of Dampness, which creates an imbalance in the Spleen, and congeals into Phlegm. Treatment involves breaking up the Phlegm and draining the Dampness from the body. Herbs and acupuncture, as well as diet, can be used to accomplish this.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP MY PET?
Cancer can diminish energy level and appetite in our pets as well as cause chronic conditions like diarrhea, immune suppression and pain. Acupuncture can increase T-cell production to fight the cancer cells, increase white cell production (often diminished in cancer or as result of chemotherapy), and regulate the immune system. Increasing serotonin and endorphin levels, which diminish pain and increase a sense of well being, stimulating appetite, increasing energy, and controlling GI signs that accompany cancer and its treatment are all established benefits of acupuncture.
Herbal mixtures can stimulate immunity also, and diminish blood supply to the cancer, helping the body to slow the cancer. In many cases acupuncture, herbs and dietary therapy are alternatives when standard chemotherapy or surgery is not an option.
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?
The number and frequency of sessions depend on the type of cancer and the symptoms of the pet.
WHAT ABOUT HERBS AND ANTIOXIDANTS?
Herbs may be started after chemotherapy or, if the owner elects not to use chemotherapy, after the first acupuncture session. Herbal formulas may consist of mixtures designed to maintain body weight or control physical symptoms of the cancer or its treatment, slow the progression of the disease or complement the anti-tumor effects of any western therapy currently in progress. Western herbs, Chinese formulas and antioxidants may be used.
CAN I USE CHINESE FOOD THERAPY?
After the first acupuncture session and a discussion of your pet's current diet, a dietary plan will be formulated that will complement your animal's acupuncture and herbal therapies. This may include fresh foods to augment the current diet, prescription Chinese diets formulated for dogs, or commercially made diets that are indicated for your animal friend based upon the deficiencies or excesses noted during the exam. At each visit I will reassess your pet and update dietary recommendations as necessary.