Acupuncture for Cats

In the past, (when I had more spare time) I visited a reiki practioner, acupuncturist, chiropractor, and holistic MD. I believe all the results were beneficial. Now it looks like holistic care is growing in popularity for pets. According to the August 2007 issue of the magazine "Cat Fancy", acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy used for centuries on both humans and animals, is gaining popularity as treatment for a variety of feline illnesses. Gary Van Engelburg is a veterinarian and founder of the Iowa Veterinary Acupuncture Clinic in Des Moines. He says, "Acupuncture is a means by which to treat problems, not just provide pain relief." That is, acupuncture seeks to treat the root of the illness, not just the symptoms. A short list of the conditions and illnesses in cats that respond well to acupuncture include kidney failure, liver problems, arthritis, musculoskeletal problems, vomiting, asthma, and a multitude of geriatric problems. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with traditional Western medicine and gives the veterinarian a more well-rounded approach to treatment.