Vargas: Chinese medical massage has several benefits - The Ledger

[massage]

By Mitsie Vargas Ledger correspondent

Monday

Oct 8, 2018 at 6:00 AM


Most pet owners are always trying to help their pets feel better and live longer by seeking alternative or holistic methods. One of those holistic approaches is Tui Na or Chinese medical massage. Tui means to push and Na means hands, so it is literally a medical massage that helps not just musculoskeletal conditions but nerve paralysis, bad circulation, pain, and even internal conditions.

Any pet can benefit from a Tui Na session but geriatric and pediatric ones would gain the most out of this modality. Tui Na has been in existence since 1600 B.C. during the Ying-Shang period in China. The main difference between Tui Na and Western massage is that knowledge of the traditional Chinese veterinary medicine is needed because this kind of massage is aiming to unblock energy channels known as meridians, not just trying to improve circulation and lymphatic flow.

Tui Na differs from veterinary medical manipulation (aka doggie chiropractic) mainly because Tui Na does not move any bone structures whereas VMM does. In Tui Na, we approximate muscle bellies to relieve spasms, move and assess tendons and ligaments and stimulate the skin without structurally changing the skeleton.

Another way to improve the quality of life and longevity of your pets is by providing the proper nutrition. There has been a lot of confusion regarding taurine and grain-free diets. The studies discussed have been in large breeds, which already have a genetic predisposition to develop dilated cardiomyopathy (boxers, Dobermans, golden retrievers). Although we know that taurine is an essential amino acid in cats, it does not affect dogs in the same way, because dogs are able to synthesize taurine in their bodies. Taurine is seldom added to dog foods but is required to be added to cat foods. I continue to advocate for high-quality diets free of corn and wheat for both dogs and cats. I also recommend using the healing power of whole foods to address certain conditions, including to fight age-related issues like muscle mass loss. Adding just 20 percent of whole foods to your pet's diet will improve their health and in certain cases help stop the progression of disease processes. For example, I recommend to add a half sweet potato daily for any senior, medium-sized dog because it is a great Qi (energy) booster. Raw carrots are also a great addition to your dog's diet and can take the place of junky treats. How about greens? Well, everybody knows greens help fight radicals and cancer-causing toxins so adding some spinach to your pooch's diet will help them, too. For senior cats, raw or steamed shrimp as a treat can help with arthritic pain. Of course, the main message with food is that your pet is a unique creation and thus needs customized nutrition and care.

Thankfully, there are many holistic options for animals and also many veterinarians advocating natural treatments and focusing on wellness and prevention.

Dr. Mitsie Vargas is at Orchid Springs Animal Hospital in Winter Haven. She can be reached at drv@osahvets.


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