Dr. Brijesh Raj is a Mumbai-based practicing Companion Animal Veterinarian, an Integrated Medicine Expert, a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine, Florida) and a Tai Chi coach. He is known for his pioneering work in Animal Acupuncture and Integrated Medicine Therapy for Animals. He commands over two decades of expertise in healing animals and provides some of the most effective and dynamic scientific techniques for the holistic healing and overall wellbeing of all pets.
One lazy summer afternoon, a tall, white-whiskered gentleman knocked softly on the clinic door. In his arms, he carried a brown domestic short-haired cat that was continuously meowing. Apparently, it had fallen off a height whilst warding off another streety. His wry neck was twisted at an angle that made walking in a straight line an impossibility, leave alone eating or surviving on the streets of Mumbai. Laser acupuncture and tuina massage were dispensed and fluids, antibiotic and steroid shots given. The next day the gentleman walked in with a smile and a straight back. The cat was 80% better, the neck was almost normal and he was eating. Over the next few days, the tom cat staged a remarkable recovery, an outcome I hadn’t dared to hope for.
A client whose Golden Retriever I have been seeing since puppyhood, for 15 years now, reminded me that I have been administering dry needles to her pet since the past three years. Her urinary incontinence had reduced drastically although occasional nocturnal accidents still happen. Also, she still has a zest for life despite severe hip dysplasia, spondylitis and now, chronic renal failure. All this was achieved without the use of potentially damaging, pain-killers. Her diet is tweaked as per the seasons and as per her health status, and she is brought in regularly for needling, massage and treats! Her guardian had been made aware of her kidney system weakness years before it actually reflected in the laboratory tests and feels more prepared for the inevitable, whenever it might happen.
Caring for patients and helping prevent or mitigate their health challenges gives us veterinarians a tremendous sense of happiness. Knowing you can make that difference in theirs’ and their guardians’ lives is genuinely fulfilling. After years of studying some of the best allopathic practices, I felt the need for a more (w)holistic approach to treating pets – systems which could explain from whence specific health challenges arose and helped prevent or manage them, with minimal side effects.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) allows for personality classification as per the five elements, which in turn can tell you which organ system could be weak, moving forward. It offers a pulse diagnostic system that provides valuable information instantly, reducing the need for expensive tests, except to confirm and/or pinpoint the diagnosis. TCVM, when integrated with Western modern diagnostics and treatment options, has helped provide lasting solutions with greater depth and fewer side effects.
Traditional Chinese Medicine typically comprises 5 subsections, including Taichi and Qigong (modalities which I continue to study and teach); Acupuncture and Tuina-anmo massage (which I mastered via certification from Chi University, Florida, USA); and Food therapy, which have greatly benefitted several patients. While Chinese herbs for alternate therapy are hard to get in India, and since pets will certainly not do Tai chi exercises, it is Food Therapy, Tuina-anmo massage and Acupuncture (be it Dry-Needling i.e. using fine filiform needles to direct and redirect the energy, or the more modern Laser Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture and Aqua-puncture) which have yielded amazing results.
All acupuncture pet-patients are given a little pre and post session massages to relax and heal them. Some of the more anxious patients benefit from Tuina massage, as a stand-alone treatment modality. Pet guardians are also taught a few simple techniques they can do at home that amplifies the results. Of course, pet guardians must be strongly invested in the wellbeing of their pets, in terms of time, energy and attention.
I must tell you of an anxiety-stricken rescued Beagle that presented recently with severe back and neck spondylitis. He was restless through the session, but eventually calmed down. He even slept soundly on the car ride back home! He is less anxious on his follow ups and we have much reason to be optimistic about reducing his reliance on painkillers. Such is the power of integrated medicine!
Dr. Brijesh Raj’s Pet Clinic focuses on integrated medicine with emphasis on Acupuncture, Tuina anmo massage and Food Therapy. The Clinic (Address: Ground floor, Dadyseth Wadi, Chowpatty Band Stand, 3 Siri Road, Mumbai 400006), is open Mondays to Saturdays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Consultations, ideally by Appointments – Call: +91 9322289370
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