Dr Jodie Low ChoyBVMS IVAS certified is a long

time Darwin resident and a

practicing veterinarian since

1991 with 13 years of wildlife

experience. Jodie has developed

a keen interest in acupuncture

and has attained certification

with the International Veterinary

Acupuncture Society (IVAS) with

the aim to provide a comple-

mentary and effective alternative

approach to drug therapy.

VeterinaryAcupuncture

Bookings:Please call to make an appointment.Referrals are accepted and written reports of

treatments, responses and future plans are then

forwarded to the referring Veterinarian

University Avenue Veterinary Hospital66 University Avenue

Durack 0830

NT

Telephone 08 8931 0455Facsimile 08 8931 0466Email univets@bigpond.net.au

What is Acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is the insertion and manipu-lation of fine, sterile, needles into specific

points on the body for therapeutic effect.

It is a Chinese medical technique based on the principles of Yin and Yang, which has been practiced and developed for over 3000 years in humans and animals.

Acupuncture aims to restore health by maintaining harmony between Yin and

Yang. This is achieved by stimulation of

acupuncture points to influence the flow of Qi (life force) through the body along meridians (channels) which communicate with internal organs and tissues. Acupunc-ture works well when used alone or in com-

bination with other treatments.

Scientific research has demonstrated that

it can provide great relief from pain and clinical disease. Veterinary Acupuncture is drug-free, very safe and manifests no risk of liver or kidney damage as can often

occur with conventional medicines such as

anti-inflammatories.

What conditions can be treated with Acupuncture?

Virtually any injury or illness will benefit from Acupuncture. Musculoskeletal prob-lems such as arthritis, lameness, spinal disease and muscular pain are especially responsive.

Other commonly treated conditions include

diseases of the gastrointestinal, cardiac, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, nervous, skin and immune systems as well as be-havioral concerns.

What does Acupuncture treatment involve?

Sessions are typically in the consult room with the owner present. In general, animals tolerate needling and once the needles are

inserted most will relax and some even go to sleep. Needles usually stay in for 10-20 minutes. The first treatment session can take up to 40 minutes long. It includes detailed history taking, tongue and pulse

diagnosis as well as physical examination.

Subsequent sessions last 20-30 minutes and usually occur at weekly intervals.

Some animals will improve rapidly after a treatment, others may get a little worse for a day or so before improving and others

will need a number of treatments before

any improvement is noticed. As the patient

responds, treatments may not be as fre-

quent. Many conditions can resolve com-pletely and even chronic conditions may only require one or two treatments a year. The number of treatments required varies with the patient and the issues of concern.