Holistic Medicine is Going to the Dogs Thanks to Crown Vet in Lebanon, NJ. 

By Sarah Emily Gilbert 

Many of us treat our pets like people, especially when it comes to their health. As integrative medicine becomes a routine practice, it’s beginning to infiltrate veterinary care. This is the case at Crown Veterinary Specialists & Associates, where Dr. Aleda Cheng offers human-grade acupuncture to animals.

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that encourages the flow of energy through out the body to promote self-healing. During the procedure, a licensed acupuncturist inserts extremely thin needles into designated sites on the body, known as acupuncture points, to stimulate the nerves in that area and encourage blood flow. Although acupuncture can help manage everything from digestive issues to behavioral problems, it’s primarily used to reduce chronic pain for both humans and animals.

Dr. Cheng has been interested in acupuncture since she was in grade school, but it wasn’t until she started practicing veterinary medicine that she realized its effectiveness in animals. In keeping with her holistic approach to veterinary care, Dr. Cheng has been treating her patients with acupuncture for close to 20 years with overwhelming success.

No matter your species, the thought of needles can be hair-raising, but Dr. Cheng assures that acupuncture is rarely uncomfortable. In fact, it often leaves patients feeling relaxed and energized. Here, the well-respected veterinarian offers more insight into the ancient Chinese practice.

Can you explain what acupuncture does to an animal’s body?

There are many physiological changes to an animal's body when they undergo acupuncture.  Neurotransmitters, endorphins, hormones and more are secreted and enhanced during an acupuncture treatment.  The body recognizes the needles and needle placement somehow and knows which buttons to press for the necessary outcome. It is really amazing.

Do you only perform acupuncture on dogs?

No, acupuncture can be performed successfully on any species. I have performed acupuncture on dogs, cats, birds, rodents of all kinds, wolves, pigs, sheep, pinnipeds, tigers, penguins, dolphins and others. I also perform acupuncture on horses as a home visit.

Does it hurt the animal at all?

Not usually. If there is a painful lesion, in the spine, for instance the initial prick may hurt for a millisecond, but usually it is pain free.

How much does the procedure cost?

The cost at our clinic is $125.00 for the first exam and treatment.  The subsequent treatments are a bit less.  The treatment cost will vary by area.

Do you perform acupuncture on your own pets?

Yes.  I have an older German Shepherd who is a cancer survivor and has arthritis.  I perform acupuncture on her weekly.  I also have a very old Pit Bull with bad arthritis.  He gets acupuncture twice weekly.  For him, acupuncture is an anti-inflammatory with out taking medicine.