My ultimate goal is to help your pet stay, or get back to wellness. I believe that alternative therapies and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) can supplement Western medicine and can provide our patients with the utmost health and success.  These therapies can help the body use its innate ability to heal itself. 

Based upon each individual I will use a combo of acupuncture, chiropractic and/or laser therapies.  We will also discuss food and herbal therapies that may help your pet. 

Acupuncture / TCVM

Acupuncture is one modality Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCVM) uses. TCVM is based on the idea that there is life-energy, called Qi, flowing through our bodies. A disturbance in the flow of Qi can lead to disease. Acupuncture is a form of TCVM that keeps the body in balance. 

Acupuncture points are based on meridians throughout the body. Very small, sterile, disposable needles are inserted into very precise points. These needles cause a release of endogenous opioids, endorphins, serotonins, and norepinephrine.  The needles can be painless, or sometimes feel like a small pin prick. Some patients do not react, others may. Some patients will fall asleep during the treatment.  The needles are typically left in for 15-30 minutes depending on the patient.

Types of Acupuncture: 
  • Dry needling: The insertion of sterile, disposable needles into precise points
  • Aqua-acupuncture: The administration of Vitamin B12, or sometimes another liquid, into acupuncture points to create longer lasting effects.
  • Electro-acupuncture: A mild current is applied to certain needles for a longer lasting effect.

Chiropractic

It is based on the idea that disease (dis-ease) results from an imbalance in the nervous system. A chiropractic adjustment corrects the subluxation and restores a proper functioning nervous system so that the body can heal itself and function at its full potential.  

The adjustment comprises of adjusting subluxations in the spine, pelvis, and extremities. These are quick, gentle movements. Some patients might be sore in certain areas, so the adjustment could be slightly uncomfortable for a moment.

Depending on the age and health status of the pet, they may feel immediately better, or they could be tired or sore for a bit. This is similar to soreness that can be experienced after a massage.  

Cold Laser

Low-level light therapy, or cold laser therapy, is most often used for pain control and tissue healing. This photo biostimulation causes a revitalization and reactivation of the body’s healing capacity, or innate intelligence.

This is completely painless and the patient may feel a slight tingle. Treatments typically last 2-6 minutes.  During the treatment we ask that only one owner sit with patient. Dr. Nagel will ask the owner to wear protective eye wear. If you’re not comfortable with this Dr. Nagel can do the treatment by herself as well.

Herbal Medicine

I may recommend herbal medicine after the appointment which can help continue the affects of acupuncture for weeks after the treatment. These ingredients are created into formulas to treat particular disease patterns.

Food Therapy

I may recommend a change or supplementation to your pet’s diet.  Diet is used to treat and prevent imbalance within the body. It utilizes knowledge of the energetics of food ingredients to tailor diets for individual animals.