In addition to traditional wellness visits, the Animal Hospital of Nashua also offers holistic wellness appointments with Dr. Vindhya Cianelli.
Yearly or bi-yearly examinations are an essential part of early detection of disease or imbalances. Certain simple therapies and lifestyle changes can be implemented to either aid in the treatment or in the prevention of disease.
Appointments include a holistic evaluation, customized vaccinations or vaccination titers, dietary consultation, and screening tests as indicated.
Dr. Cianelli evaluates young puppies and kittens to senior pets.
Other Holistic Services
More Holistic Medicine Services are available to your pet though the Animal Medical Center of New England. The Holistic Medicine Service at the Animal Medical Center of New England is a referral based practice that offers a wide range of alternative and complementary therapies for pets including:
- Acupuncture
- Herbals
- Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
- Massage (Tui Na)
- Nutrition and Food Therapy
- Reiki
Consultation can be arranged by your AHN veterinarian who will remain fully informed about the progress of your pet’s health. Patients are encouraged to maintain a good relationship with their primary veterinarian.
Consultation
Our holistic doctor is trained in conventional veterinary medicine and surgery and has pursued further education in acupuncture, herbals, food therapy, massage, and other modalities.
The initial consultation is about 2 hours and includes a thorough evaluation of your pet’s history including all diagnostics and medications. A holistic physical examination and the first acupuncture treatment or massage (if applicable) are then performed. Additional or alternative treatment options for your pet will be discussed and a treatment regimen planned. Follow up acupuncture treatments are about 1 hour in duration.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced in China for over 4,000 years. It is based on the concept of vital life energy, or Qi (pronounced chee). Modern research has proven that Qi circulates through the body along defined pathways called meridians. These meridians are connected to the surface of the skin at specific points called acupuncture points. A great number of scientific studies indicate that stimulation of these points induces a release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. This in turn stimulates the flow of Qi and blood, enabling the body to heal itself.
During an acupuncture treatment, needles smaller than a human hair are gently inserted into specific points chosen for specific illnesses. Over 95% of patients are comfortable with the needles. Some even fall asleep during the treatment due to extreme relaxation. Sedation is not needed nor recommended during an acupuncture treatment.
Herbals
Sometimes the application of Chinese or Western Herbal Medicine is chosen by the knowledgeable veterinarian as an adjunct for (or sometimes in lieu of) acupuncture. Herbs are frequently used in cases that have not responded to conventional western veterinary medical practices.
Massage
The veterinarian may choose to use Tui-Na, an ancient Chinese method of massage, to enhance other therapies. It can help move energy past blocked points, can ease muscle tension, offer comfort, and even provide an energy lift to the animal. These techniques can be taught to the pet owner to be done at home.
Nutrition and Food Therapy
Food is medicine. A balanced and appropriate diet is the foundation of health and is the most important aspect of wellness for your pet. Food therapy is the practice of healing using natural foods and supplements.
A specific diet or certain foods may be recommended to aid in your pet’s therapy. Choices are made based on the theory of food energetics. This means the effects on the body after a certain food is eaten, like temperature, flavor, and action. Food therapy is especially helpful with digestive, respiratory, or skin problems. Supplements and home-made diets may also be discussed.
Reiki
Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique used to relieve pain, encourage relaxation, and promote self-healing. It is a gentle, hands-on method based on the idea of unseen “vital life energy” that flows through all living beings. Reiki treats the mind, body and spirit and has been effective in helping virtually every known illness. Reiki works in conjunction with all medical treatments to improve results and relieve side-effects.
