We are happy to announce that our very own Dr. Laura Golden has completed her training at the Chi Institute in veterinary acupuncture! Congratulations on all your hard work, Dr. Laura! We are very proud of you!
Dr. Laura’s achievement means that Just Cats Clinic can now offer acupuncture as a full-time service and a more regular component of your cat’s healthcare. Acupuncture is an important part of Just Cat’s mission to help cats live beyond 9 lives and extend their quality years with you.
Here’s a review on what acupuncture is and how it can benefit your feline friend.
What is acupuncture?
Most folks are familiar with how acupuncture is done (i.e. by inserting needles into the patient’s skin), but are perhaps less sure about how it works. The needles are gently placed into the appropriate pressure points on the patient’s body that are believed to normalize nerve functions and circulation, thereby stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
What ailments can acupuncture help alleviate?
The benefits of acupuncture are perhaps the most apparent when treating pain, discomfort, and inflammation, which is often the results of an underlying disease like arthritis, asthma, allergies, gastrointestinal disease or kidney disease. Felines struggling with the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer can also get relief from the regular administration of acupuncture.
Acupuncture can also help improve the quality of life of our older kitties by helping to relieve the increased joint stiffness and inflammation that can occur with old age.
Don’t the needles hurt?
The process of inserting needles into your kitty’s skin may look painful, but it’s not. A properly trained acupuncturist like Dr. Laura places the needles gently and in such a way that your cat’s pain nerve cells are not triggered. Once the needles are in many of our patients relax and sit comfortably either on their owner’s lap or on the heating pad we place on the examination table.
Will acupuncture be used instead of conventional treatments?
It depends on what your cat’s medical condition is and what you and your veterinarian decide together. Acupuncture is arguably the most effective when part of a broader and more comprehensive treatment plan designed to address all aspects of your kitty’s health. We view it as simply one of many tools that our staff can use to give your feline friend the happiest and healthiest life possible.
Is acupuncture right for your cat?
If you think acupuncture is right for your kitty or you’d like to get more information, please call or email us to set up a consultation with Dr. Laura. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you make the right decision for your furry family member! For more information, please also visit our Acupuncture page under Services.
