Blue Heron Acupuncture

Acupuncture for your pet

acupuncture needlesWhat is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe, natural, and non-invasive form of medicine that can treat a wide variety of disorders. The United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) endorse acupuncture as an effective treatment for many common health problems.

Acupuncture originated in China and has been practiced for over 3000 years. It is both ancient and modern, and to this day is practiced all over the world. During a treatment, very thin, sterile, single-use disposable needles (usually 8-12) are inserted into specific points in order to activate an animal’s own natural ability to heal itself.

Based on the practitioner’s examination, each treatment is individually tailored to the pet’s unique healthcare needs with the goal of not just correcting current symptoms, but also preventing greater health problems from occurring in the future. These treatments are comfortable and relaxing.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are solid and extremely thin (up to 50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle). When they are inserted, the most common sensation is either nothing or just a slight pinch. After that, animals may experience sensations of warmth, tingling or dull pressure. Most also feel a deep sense of relaxation and well being. The needles may stay in place for 20 to 30 minutes and many pets actually fall asleep during the treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes! In the hands of a qualified, licensed acupuncturist it is one of the safest treatment options available today.  Acupuncture is a natural therapy with virtually no side effects and does not interfere with any western medical treatment your pet may already be receiving.  In fact, Ms. Hetherington requires that anyone seeking acupuncture for their animal must have them examined by a veterinarian first.  

Click here for a copy of the animal registration form.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture works in conjunction with veterinary care for a wide variety of conditions.  Below is a partial list of conditions for which animal acupuncture is often used: 

  • Arthritis 
  • Acute or chronic pain
  • Musculoskeletal problems
  • Lameness or injuries
  • Allergies
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Age related decline
  • Digestive disorders
  • Cancer treatment side effects and recovery
  • Postoperative care
  • Medication side effects
  • Prevention / wellness

About Ms. Hetherington

Carol HetheringtonCarol Hetherington, LicAc, MAOM, DiplOM is licensed to practice acupuncture by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine and is board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbology through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  She is a graduate of and current instructor at the New England School of Acupuncture where she earned a Master’s Degree with 3,000 hours of didactic and clinical training.  She has extensive experience using acupuncture and herbs to treat dogs, cats, rabbits and horses with a wide variety of conditions. Carol feels the integration of Western and Eastern medicine can offer the best of both worlds and provides care in conjunction with traditional veterinarians.  Before embarking on her training in holistic healthcare, she previously worked in small animal medicine for 10 years as a certified veterinary technician (CVT), and has been a certified Usui Reiki practitioner since 1998.  Currently, Carol treats animals at two locations: Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England located in Walpole, MA and at Destination Dog located in Franklin, MA. 

Ms Hetherington also maintains a practice for humans in Franklin, Massachusetts.  For inquiries, please visit her website: Blue Heron Acupuncture.  

 

Phone: 401-528-9980 · Fax: 508-463-4600 · Blue.Heron.Acup@gmail.com