What is ? “Holistic and conventional medicine complement each other very Acupuncture is part of an ancient Chinese method of well. It’s the best of both worlds.” – Kirsten Williams, DVM diagnosis and treatment called Traditional Chinese Certi ed Veterinary Acupuncturist Medicine (TCM). TCM is a comprehensive approach to health which views the patient as an organism with Your Pet. Our Priority. Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care interrelated energetic parts, rather than the individual down into separate systems and symptoms.

What is ? Hospital Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY Homeopathy is based on the that the body can 7:00am – 10:00pm heal itself if only it is gently nudged in the right direc- SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8:00am – 8:00pm tion by gentle substances (remedies), which stimulate OFFICE PHONE 925.866.8387 the in the direction of self-cure. ONLINE www.webvets.com ** Services for Homeopathy are o ered by Dr. Cynthia Easton only.

Holistic Medicine involves the use of acupuncture and homeopathy, as well as eastern and western Holistic Veterinary Care , to correct Bishop Ranch Veterinary ACUPUNCTURE • HOMEOPATHY • TRADITIONAL CHINESE imbalances in the body and Center & Urgent Care MEDICINE allow a patient to heal. 2000 Bishop Drive San Ramon, CA 94583

Photo Credits: Lisa Hermes and Karen Henrich What is Holistic Medicine? How do Acupuncture and Holistic medicine considers each patient to be the sum Homeopathy work? Meet Our Holistic Team Acupuncture works by correcting imbalances in the ow of (sometimes of its parts and treats the whole animal, rather than translated as “vital ”) within the body. The Qi moves throughout the body conceptually breaking down the body into component via a system of channels called meridians, which are connected to internal organs. The Qi can be accessed by points along the meridians into which needles are systems. Acupuncture and Homeopathy are the most widely inserted. Sometimes these points are stimulated by the use of mild electric practiced methods of Holistic Medicine. current, warmed with herbs (moxa) or stimulated by application of a low intensity laser. Homeopathic remedies are high dilutions of plant, mineral or animal substances. One benet of homeopathic remedies is that the substances are so highly diluted that they are entirely non-toxic. With the correctly chosen remedy, a trigger e ect will ensue, whereby the body is able to return to balance and heal itself. When is Holistic Medicine an appropriate treatment? Both acupuncture and homeopathy can have e ects on all major physiological systems. While not appropriate for major emergencies like broken bones or overwhelming infections, holistic medicine can be a wonderful alternative to western medicine for certain diseases and conditions for which the conventional Dr. Kirsten Williams Dr. Cynthia Easton treatments have unwanted side e ects or for cases which are not responding as DVM DVM expected to conventional medicine. Conditions addressed using homeopathy or acupuncture include: Dr. Williams graduated from the Dr. Easton graduated from the

n n Arthritis n Spinal disease Veterinary School at the University of Veterinary School at the California, Davis in 1992. In 1998, Dr. University of California, Davis in n Muscle spasms n n Williams became certied in 1989. Dr. Easton then did a n Autoimmune disorders n Incontinence n Chronic infections veterinary acupuncture by the one-year rotating internship in n n n Diabetes Hyperthyroidism Behavioral disorders International Veterinary Acupuncture medicine and at the n Kidney failure n Chronic gastrointestinal disturbances Society, and completed the IVAS Veterinary Hospital of the herbal course in 2003. With training in University of Pennsylvania. She both conventional western medicine practiced for 15 years in San What can I expect from the and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Francisco while gradually treatment sessions? Williams is able to integrate multiple pursuing an interest in holistic treatment modalities for her patients. medicine, including homeopathy, Acupuncture needles are inserted into specic points and left in for 10-20 minutes. Most animals react very acupuncture and herbs. little to the placement of the needles and many get Qualifications relaxed or even fall asleep during the treatments. If Both Dr. Kirsten Williams and Dr. Cynthia Easton have been certi ed acupuncture is going to help a patient, it can take by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and are up to eight treatments before results are seen. Most patients respond within the rst four visits, members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. so pet owners should commit to at least four treatments initially. It is normal for some patients to be sleepy for several hours after a treatment. With most patients, herbs, supplements, or To schedule an appointment for your pet, call dietary changes are discussed. (925) 866-8387. For more information, visit us For Homeopathy, a detailed history and analysis of past and present problems will on-line at www.webvets.com. be done on the initial visit. A homeopathic remedy will then be prescribed to be given at home. For chronic conditions, there will be only 1-3 doses of medicine required.