Holistic Therapy for Animals
Dr Michaela Schmidt, a veterinary surgeon and certified veterinary acupuncturist (IVAS), specialises in acupuncture and other holistic therapies for horses and small animals. She has been treating animals with acupuncture for more than 14 years. During that time she has treated horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, a ferret and some rescued chicken.
Michaela visits her patients at home. In their own environment the animals feel much more relaxed and happy, and they benefit more from the treatments. They also don’t have to experience a journey or getting in the car, which can be difficult for some of them.
In combination with acupuncture Dr Schmidt uses other holistic therapies like Homotoxicology, Bach Flowers, VOM, laser therapy and reiki.
Holistic Therapies
My philosophy is to use the best combination of holistic therapies to make the patients experience as comfortable as possible and to increase the overall quality of life.
Acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. It can stimulate nerves, relieve pain, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins and cortisol.
Acupuncture is typically carried out with needles. Since 2008 a low energy laser has been available and is proven to be a better experience for the animal as it reduces any discomfort caused from the insertion of the needles. That makes the treatment in sensitive animals much easier.
Laser acupuncture uses low-energy laser beams instead of traditional acupuncture needles to stimulate the acupuncture points. L.A.S.E.R. or light amplification by stimulated emission rays is a means of directing highly concentrated coherent light at a concise wavelength to the muscles, tissues, organs, connective tissue, formed elements of the blood and the living matrix of the body. Laser light then communicates to the cells on a very basic and powerful level. Laser acupuncture is normally used to treat cats and very sensitive dogs or horses.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, uses low-intensity lasers to a whole range of conditions. The laser, which is a concentrated form of light, penetrates the skin, reaching the tissue it is meant to help. Cells absorb the light and turn it into usable energy that can go toward reducing pain and inflammation and speed up wound healing. The therapy has been applied to animals of all shapes, sizes, and species, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, wildlife and other exotic species.
VOM – Veterinary Orthopaedic Manipulation
VOM was developed by William L. Inman BS, DVM. VOM is a healing technique that uses a handheld device to reduce subluxations present in the joints of animals (A subluxation means a joint is not exactly in line as it normally would be).
VMR – Veterinary Myofascial Release
VMR was developed to enhance the healing benefits of the VOM Treatment Technology. Specifically the skeletal muscle tension associated with subluxation was being addressed.
One of the goals of VOM subluxation reduction is to return the muscle to its original tone. VMR can easily accomplish this effect without any trauma to the pet.
In combination with acupuncture Dr Schmidt uses other holistic therapies like
Happy Clients
J. Elliott
Molly is an 8 1/2 year old Northern Inuit. She has had many problems with her health, namely bloat, cruciate ligament operation, slipped disc in her neck and spondylitis.
She has been receiving acupuncture from Micky for a number of years and we have found that this has helped Molly’s mobility. Taking veterinary medication can often upset Molly’s digestive system so we have found that acupuncture treatment is the most practical alternative for her.
P. Handfield
As I work my two Border Collies, Melody and Jazz in obedience shows I was slightly worried when they were diagnosed with hip and back problems respectively, thinking my hobby would be over.
But with Micky’s help and the regular acupuncture they are both fit and well and still working. And Melody at 12 is showing no signs of lameness or stiffness.
J. Wilson
Monty is a 10 year old Golden Retriever who has been having acupuncture regularly for over 4 years following major surgery on his back.
He has also suffered from arthritis for many years. After his sessions, which Monty seems to find very relaxing!
He benefits from being noticeably more flexible and generally more comfortable.