By Karla Redditte- bio email
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Acupuncture is known as one of the oldest healing practices in the world.
Treatments involve tiny needles aimed at stimulating certain points of the body, to heal such ailments as allergies or even intestinal problems.
This ancient treatment is gaining new popularity in maintaining the health of four-legged friends.
13-year-old brownie is no stranger to undergoing the needle at Governors Choice Animal Hospital.
He developed arthritis and over the years, he's been on several drugs to ease the pain.
"Basically, he was still having pain. It's like it wasn't helping enough. And I didn't want to do anymore medication because his liver and everything. I didn't want it to get damaged," explained Brownie's owner, SHirley Thaler.
When Western medication didn't seem to do the trick, Thaler looked to the Eastern practice of acupuncture, with the help of veterinarian Dr. Delia Harman.
The needles are inserted into various body points and used to correct what is called Qi.
"It is energy, and it is vitality. And sometimes with pain, this Qi and energy get stagnated, and we can help this Qi to be able to be free flowing," said Dr. Harman.
While animal acupuncture may be fairly new to the Tennessee Valley, it's actually been around for more than 30 years, treating everything from respiratory problems to joint diseases.
Like anything else, it doesn't provide a guaranteed cure, but it's actually a cheaper alternative to getting your friends like Brownie, back in action.
"Sometimes, some animals, even one or two treatments can make a big difference," said Dr. Harman.
Since beginning his treatments about a year ago, these small needles are making a big difference in Brownie.
"When he was younger, he would do a lot of tricks, for treats mostly, and one was crawling on his belly and another was like to sit up and beg. And those had gotten to hard for him. But now, he's doing them again," said Thaler.
Brownie is a good example that there may be a valid point to this medical alternative.
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