Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions does my pet need?
One or two treatments may sort the issue, especially if the problem is recent in onset, eg trauma. In other more chronic cases, such as degenerative joint disease, 4 to 6 treatments may be required. Consultation and reassessment of progress is discussed at each visit, to ensure each treatment is of value in the animal’s recovery or return to a pattern of harmony.
Older dogs and horses may respond better to on going (monthly to bimonthly) treatments to help keep them in optimium condition. This is because their life force /Qi is not as strong (or plentiful at their stage of life).
Are there any side effects?
Some animals are quieter for a few days, (processing toxins released from the stagnant areas starting to re-flow in the body). Others have a energy burst for a day or so then symptoms may return. Each body responds differently in its healing process.
Does it hurt?
Most animals tolerate acupuncture needles very well. The needles are rotated to cause the winding of the underlying connective tissue, creating the De-Qi sensation of a brief electrical impulse or awareness of the area. This starts the body’s feed-back mechanism, causing nerve stimulation of the brain to change electrical impulses and chemical production of certain mood enhancing drugs such as endorphin, dynorphin, seratonin and dopamine to name a few. Many animals enter a changed state of awareness, (due to changes in brainwave frequency). Some relax to the point of sleep. In a lower frequency, (like that of meditation), healing can occur.
Does my pet have to stay inside after treatment?
This does depend on the problem being treated, your pet’s age and stage in life and how unwell they are. In the case of horses, unless they need boxing for specific purposes, being in a paddock after treatment is fine. You may find leaving horses that have gone into processing mode for 30-60 minutes after the treatment is beneficial to results.
Do you travel to other regions of the country?
Currently Dr Fi isn’t travelling, but please call her to discuss options if you live outside the Auckland area.
Can I travel my horse to Kumeu or will you come to my property?
Do you do agistment while treating?
Each Saturday Dr Mead is available for consultation in Kumeu where liberty and/or inhand work is offered to assess your horse’s natural way of moving. Dogs and cats are routinely treated from Dr Fi’s premises in Kumeu.
Consultation is by appointment only.
These can be made via email or phone. Contact Us
If you do travel a horse to me you may find leaving them to stand quietly, if they have gone into processing mode for 20-60 minutes after the treatment is beneficial to results. After this time, travelling is generally ok for most horses, depending on their condition or aliment. Walk your horse around for 5-10 minutes after you get home to help relax and stretch the muscles and integrate the treatment in the body. There are options (depending on time of year/feed) also to have your horse agist on the premises in Kumeu should they need regular treatments and rehabilitation. Contact Us to discuss options.
