Acupuncture for Animals: Expert Takes on Sceptics

While more and more people are turning to complementary wellness techniques, there are certainly still a few sceptics out there. That said, there are even more sceptics about using such techniques for animal wellbeing. Wellness writer PF Louis admits, ‘Yes, people are getting acupuncture treatments for the pets, and some veterinarians have been trained to perform acupuncture. It not only works, it works when conventional approaches fail.’ So, can acupuncture really help pet wellness?

 

Louis details, ‘Evidently, veterinarian acupuncture started as a branch of TCM during the Zhou dynasty (1122-770 BC). The focus was on farm animals and war horses. Veterinarian acupuncture emerged in the US along with TCM for humans in the 1970s. Despite being considered alternative or complementary, the procedure for diagnosing exactly what meridian map and acupoints to use is very thorough. The vet may smell the animal’s mouth or nose, perform some simple movement tests, and ask the pet’s owner lots of questions. TCM looks at the whole health picture to determine the underlying causes of symptoms instead of grabbing prescriptions dedicated to one size fits all with potential side effects. When those small, thin needles are used on animals, they show no signs of discomfort, and it’s okay if they move around the room. Unlike humans, dogs and cats aren’t required to remain still for 20 minutes per session.’

 

According to Louis, ‘Some serious MD blowhards claim all benefits derived from acupuncture are from a placebo effect because they don’t have a Western medical explanation for it’s efficacy. They don’t attempt to understand Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, which are very different than the molecular-biochemical Western point of view. They would be hard-pressed to come up with the placebo effect explanation for animals. Maybe the dog knows his master is hauling him off to a vet to fix his lower back so he can walk properly. And when that vet starts sticking needles into his back, the dog is thinking, “I know this is gonna fix me so I can walk better and run. I believe in this stuff, I’ve read about it.” Right, of course. It’s that ole’ placebo effect again.’

 

For Louis, if you can’t ask the animals about acupuncture, the next best thing is to ask their owner. ‘It’s more convincing to see or read about actual case cures that are not curable or made worse by conventional treatments than all of Big Pharma’s claims based on “scientific evidence,”’ says Louis. ‘An interesting story involves a veterinarian who was considering dropping out of acupuncture training after the first session of classes had ended. The whole acupuncture thing was too weird for him. Upon arriving at his home, he discovered his pet Dachshund was paralysed, and his clinical associate couldn’t improve his condition. So the vet, William Martin, became desperate enough to call one of the acupuncture teachers.’ Martin recalls, ‘Over the telephone we did some hands-on diagnostics. He told me where and how to insert regular hypodermic needles in acupuncture points.’ The Dachshund was standing within four hours, and Martin continued with course from then on in.

 

Louis goes on, ‘Marlene Cimmons, a science writer and former health policy writer for the Washington Post, shared her Labrador’s urinary incontinence acupuncture cure in that paper’s “Health and Science” section recently. After medications for her 11-year-old Lab caused more harm then good, her vet suggested Marlene look into acupuncture. Marlene knew it worked for humans because it had worked for her. After a few treatments, her Lab no longer woke up in her doggie bed soaked with urine. She was cured.’

Categories: acupuncture, animals, louis, nbsp, nbsp louis, needles, placebo effect, veterinarian acupuncture

Do Animals Need More Help in Escaping Wildfires?

The California Rim fire is still raging around Yosemite National Park in California, and everyone who has heard about it shares health and environmental wellness concerns for those in the area. However, anthropologist and Care2.com writer Cherise Udell not only heard about it last week, she came into contact with the devastating beast.

 

According to Udell, ‘My family was on our way to the Berkeley Tuolumne Family Camp…when we were stopped by park rangers: “No traffic is going through the West Gate due to a fire that suddenly exploded from 50 acres to 800 and jumped the highway.” At that point, we had no doubt the fire was not only quickly growing, but also dangerously close, as the darkened smokey afternoon sky was now raining ash upon our car. Turning around was obviously the only option…After a 12-hour drive, I was lamenting the fact that we were only 20 minutes away from Tuolumne Family Camp and yet so far, now that a blazing fire stood between us and a week of fun, when my youngest daughter exclaimed in a very worried voice, “But Mama, where will all of the forest animals go?”

 

For Udell, the answer came easily, but did not sit well with her for long. ‘I told her that animals have much better eyes, ears and noses than we do and when they sensed the danger they quickly fled to safety,’ she says. ‘That is what I guessed to be true anyhow, and it seemed like the best thing to say to a now very anxious 7-year old child watching ash and smoke swirl around us. But silently again, I wondered, where DO all of the animals go? Are they able to escape or do fire-fighters find gruesome carcass after carcass as they themselves chase the fire “mopping” up any hot spots that could flare up again?’

 

This led Udell on a journey to find the answer to her daughter’s question, thankfully finding that her original summation had been pretty accurate; in the aftermath of a forest fire surprisingly few animals are found dead. ‘Animals, whether feathered, furred or scaled have memory of fire embedded in their limbic brains,’ Udell explains. ‘The first hint of smoke, the first whoosh of dry grass going up in flames or the popping of wood are easily registered by wild animals at great distances, so rarely are they completely caught off guard and thus they have plenty of time to flee. The most vulnerable, of course, are the old, the very young and the sick or injured. Those that can flee by wing, foot, hooves or slither, do so, while others not so fast or just too small, burrow underground and wait for the impending disaster to pass overhead.’

 

Udell concludes, ‘Animals, forests and forest fires are all part of a natural healthy cycle – and in fact many plants and animals depend on naturally occurring wildfire to flourish. For example, many pine tree require the intense heat of a forest fire to open their cones and release their seeds. No fire, no new trees. The Red Cockaded Woodpecker, the Swainson’s Warbler, many types of quail, foxes, bears, squirrels and other animals depend on fire to keep undergrowth in check. Consequently, all forest-dwelling plants and animals have co-evolved with the inevitable fires and have found ways to adapt.’ Mike McMillan with the US Fish and Wildlife Service confirms that it’s ‘not really’ necessary for us to help animals escape from wildfires, although he does add that ‘it is up to all of us to take care of our precious public lands, and the amazing creatures that live there.’

Categories: animals, animals depend, California, Family, family camp, forest, nbsp, tuolumne family, udell, wildfires

Aphrodisiacs: Well-Known Foods to Get You in the Mood

A night of passion with that special someone is just what the doctor ordered for your emotional health and wellbeing, so it’s important to set the stage for success. You look amazing, the stars are out, you’ve got your go-to make out song ready on the stereo, so what’s on the menu? This is no time for takeaway curry or a ready meal my friend, you want to hit him with a taste sensation to awaken and arouse his senses – and this is where aphrodisiacs come in. Tempt him with these tasty treats and you’ll have sexual wellness sorted.

 

1. Oysters: Well-known red-hot lover Casanova was said to eat oysters by the dozens, which is perhaps why they’re the most famous aphrodisiac on this list. As well as the fact they visually represent a woman’s, ahem, womanhood, they’re associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. We get the word aphrodisiac from Aphrodite herself, who even sprang from an oyster shell! Aside from these subconscious associations, oysters possess massive amounts of zinc which aids in a man’s sperm count and fertility. Plus, oysters pack a real iron punch which is great for preventing fatigue – the enemy to any couple’s night of passionate love-making.

 

2. Chocolate: You see it practically jumping off the shelves when Valentine’s Day rolls around and with good reason; chocolate is another well-known aphrodisiac. While originally people went loco for cocoa simply because it was so rare and luxurious (potatoes were considered mood-boosters for the same reason), studies have linked chocolate lovers with higher libidos. This is because chocolate contains serotonin, which is a chemical that makes you happier and thus more likely to show your partner some affection. Plus, the caffeine and sugar content in chocolate gives you the energy you need to take care of business. However, the real secret weapon in chocolate is phenylethylamine. This is the natural neurotransmitter version of amphetamine, high levels of which are associated with love.

 

3. Carrots: There’s a reason why Bugs Bunny is so good with the ladies (come on, Lola Bunny was far too hot for him); he’s always munching on a carrot. Much like oysters get you thinking of lady parts, carrots are phallic symbols (in case you were wondering, the female equivalent of “phallic” is “yonic” – who knew?!) Phallic symbols hold power over the mind as a way to get your partner’s parts moving into action. In fact, the power of many aphrodisiacs relies upon a medieval philosophy known as the “Doctrine of Signatures.” The belief goes that the Good Lord created things to resemble their purpose; herbs meant to treat the liver look like the liver etc. This is why carrots and other phallic foods supposedly get you going; it’s practically divine intervention.

 

4. Real Phalluses: While many aphrodisiacs look like male genitalia, some cultures take the idea one step further: consuming the actual penis of other animals. If you want to emulate the masculine prowess of a tiger, you might want to take a bite of the king of the jungle’s crown jewels. Meanwhile, animals with a particularly randy lifestyle, like dogs, are thought to hold this libido secret in their reproductive organs. The idea is that eating these animals’ organs enables you to take on some of the animals’ powers. However, if you can’t stomach the idea of eating an animal’s penis (after all, you’re not trying to kick-start your career on I’m a Celebrity) there’s always animals that look like human penises; snakes. Snake blood has been used as an aphrodisiac in the past, simple because a human male’s penis is often likened to a snake. Still, I think I’d rather stick with chocolate and oysters.

Categories: animals, Aphrodisiac, chocolate, nbsp, Oysters, phallic symbols, Phallus

The Joy of Diwali May Not Be Experienced By Animals

No matter how lovable, gentle and friendly your pets are, celebrations can make animals irritable and unpredictable. You may notice that they become scared more easily or do things that are out of character. They may not eat as well, or want to stay indoors all of the time. It’s often because of the fireworks or loud noises which make them fearful and worried. It’s difficult for any pet owner to see their beloved animals in a scared and anxious disposition, but it can be hard knowing what to do for the best. After all, how can you put a stop to lively and fun events purely for the sake of a few pets? Besides trying to shield them from the noise, how can you help animals to feel less worried during such times. Altered behaviour, changed eating patterns and irritability are all common patterns in animals around Diwali, according to pet owners and vets. Because dogs have such an acute sense of hearing – a range of 20-40,000 Hz compared to 20-20,000 Hz in humans – they are the worst affected during this festival, which is celebrated on a Friday. The noise is so much louder for animals and this leads to them becoming anxious and scared so much more easily.

Veterinary admissions rise by up to 10 percent a few days before and after the festival, due to the commotion everywhere and the need for animals to be comforted. It’s vital that during the festivities, pet owners are near their animals to ensure that they are comforted and reassured. In bigger animals, such as dogs, you can always sedate them if really necessary but this isn’t an option for smaller pets, such as birds. In this case, you simply need to try and keep them away from the noise wherever possible. Doctors also suggest giving birds their food early and their cages covered with a dark cloth by afternoon so that they will fall asleep before the fireworks of the evening begin. However, it’s not just the noise that affects them. The smoke in the air, just as it does with humans as well as animals, can be irritating. It can aggravate respiratory tract diseases, cause allergies in the eyes, and bring on skin rashes. This affects flat-nosed dogs like pugs more where air pollution is concerned.

Not all animals are loved pets such as those living in warm and comfortable homes. For the thousands of stray animals roaming the streets at Diwali time, there is no comfort or care. These helpless animals have no-one to rescue them, a problem that is a concern for animal welfare organisations. It’s not unusual for animals to suffer cardiac arrests during festivals and celebrations, due to the fear and anxiety that they face by dealing with breathing problems, fear and incredibly loud noises – particularly if they are roaming the streets where the noise and ruckus is worse. Welfare spokespeople claim that the use of firecrackers should be limited, not just because of the risk of animal health, but also because they are a danger for humans. Safety during large-scale celebrations is important for everyone involved, not just humans. It’s important to spare a thought for the animals during the celebrations, who are helpless and can’t avoid the noise and fear during this time. If you’re unsure about how to console your pets during this time, consult your vet who can offer advice and therapies to help keep animals as safe as possible.

Categories: animals, anxiety, Diwali, humans, loud noises, noise, pet owners, pets, time

Doctor Doglittle: Could You Benefit from Animal Therapy?

While guide dogs are so commonly used that you wouldn’t even think anything of it, you may be less sure about animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Otherwise known as pet therapy, this complementary wellness practice sees animals being trained to help you achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional wellness goals.

 

Though it sounds fairly unusual, people have been using animals to boost their wellbeing ever since the ninth century. In Gheel, Belgium, an assisted living programme designed for people with disabilities revolves around learning to care for farm animals, while animal-assisted healing has been more commonly used in the US for mental health problems. However, AAT has gained more of a formal presence in the last few decades, even being implemented in schools, prisons, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, and outpatient care programmes.

 

So what are the benefits of owning a pet, or visiting a therapeutically-trained animal?

 

Heart Health – According to various studies, physical contact with a pet can reduce your high blood pressure, and improve your survival rate after a heart attack.

 

Happy Hormones – Evidence also shows that petting an animal can cause your body to release endorphins, which are the chemicals in your body that improve your mood and suppress the pain response.

 

Special Skills – With the assistance of a therapy animal, you can learn or improve in many different skills. If you need physical therapy after an accident or operation, walking, running or playing fetch with a dog can encourage your rehabilitation. Petting, grooming and feeding an animal can improve your motor skills, while giving verbal and physical commands, or writing and talking about therapy animals and pets, can enhance your communication.

 

However, you can’t just interact with any animal for it to qualify as AAT; practitioners and their animals are required to undergo a high standard of training to ensure you have a safe and positive experience. Although the pets are trained by volunteers, these volunteers will work with other medical professionals, and be fully trained to set you specific goals and track your progress. Plus, the animals themselves should be well trained to be around people, medical equipment and other animals, and should not get distracted by food and odours, chew inappropriate objects or mark territory.

Categories: animal, Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), animals, heart health, hormones, nbsp, therapy, trained

Queensland Battles The Environmental Impact of Cattle

A recent drought has left a third of Queensland’s environment seriously damage, with farmers left declaring that they’re struggling to feed their cattle due to the inadequate feed on their own land. With feed being difficult to source in nearby grazing sites, farmers are at a loss as to how to sustain their business. A possible solution currently being supported by Northern Queensland graziers is to allow 25,000 of these animals to graze in the national parks of Queensland. The proposal has so far been rejected by the Minister Tony Burke, instead suggesting that feed from elsewhere could be shipped into Northern Queensland, with the cost being subsidised by the Government.

Animal protection advocates and the farmers have agreed that the final decision needs to be that which most benefits the livestock – neither group has any problem in letting the animals graze on the national park ground. However, the environmental lobby is arguing the point that this anti-grazing campaign should be made a priority, with previous similar campaigns having been carried out. Flora, unlike fauna, doesn’t suffer from such situations, as they have no moral status whereas animals do. It is for this reason that most animal advocates are putting the interests of the cattle first over the land. Additionally, it can be argued that as humans, we’ve brought these animals into the world, so we have a duty to protect them to the best of our ability.

Environmentalist’s favour the holistic approach which values the impact on the ecosystem as a whole. In other words, each individual plays a part in the environment, so we have a responsibility to cater to each creature, whether human or not. While having cattle graze on public land isn’t ideal, starving the cattle due to this environmental crisis isn’t humane either – it could perhaps be the answer for an immediate solution, while a long-term answer is sought.

Categories: animals, drought, Environmental Wellness

How is Climate Change Affecting The Animals Worldwide?

The media has made climate change a key topic in recent years, and we are all aware of what global warming means for our futures. But rarely do we stop to think about how it is affecting other species residing on this planet – recent studies show that as many as a third of common land animals could see drastic changes to their habitats due to climate change. That’s not all, because more than half of our plants are also in danger. This is due to a collapse of the ecosystems as global warming affects air quality, access to clean water and agriculture. If the predictions are accurate, global temperatures are set to rise 4 degrees above pre-industrial levels by 2100, if nothing is done to reduce our carbon footprint.

Researchers believe that this will have a dramatically destructive effect on thousands of species, including rare and endangered flora and fauna, with an estimated 57 percent of plants and 34 percent of animals likely to lose more than half of their habitat range. However, these losses could be cut by a huge amount if we work to lower our greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists think that we could reduce the effects of global warming by as much as 60 percent if our emissions are cut to 2 percent above pre-industrial levels.

Lead scientists at the University of East Anglia’s School of Environmental Science have claimed that while much research has been carried out to study the effects of climate change on rare species, not much has been carried out to look at more common species. There is a broader issue attached to this which is that even small losses in these species can have a huge impact on the ecosystems. This could lead to an impoverished biosphere and the ecosystem services it provides would be affected. Of course, this has a knock-on effect for humans, too, as these species are vital for things such as flood control, nutrient cycling, eco-tourism, and water and air purification.

How is Climate Change Affecting The Animals Worldwide?

Categories: animals, Environmental Wellness, Global Warming