I’m a research geek, but was really excited about this study. Although this is a human based study the points are still very significant for our canine and feline companions. This is also ties in with the article on Senior Pet Senility. Dogs do get Parkinsons but it usually appears very early in life unlike in humans where it shows up later. Here is a little excerpt from the link ” Scientists at the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine have discovered two acupuncture points that prevent the breakdown of an important brain protecting enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase. This enzyme helps the body to create L-DOPA, an important dopamine precursor and drug used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is now known that acupuncture prevents decreases of the L-DOPA creating enzyme in the thalamic portions of the brain thereby improving the motor function that is destroyed by Parkinson’s disease. The Loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra portion of the brain is a key pathology in Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia”. This is a great find for humans and our pets these points see below are commonly used but with these findings we can expand our intent and purpose when working on our Senior pets. In addition if your pet is having trouble with tremors and or gait these may also be great points to try and see if that provides any relief. I may add these in to my session in middle age pets to try and prevent the levels of L-Dopa from decreasing . If your pet is having issues with gait or tremors check a vet check is strongly recommended to determine what is causing this problem. Gotta Love TCM 🙂
http://www.healthcmi.com/index.php/acupuncturist-news-online/662-acupuncturecslowsparkinsonsdiseasenewdiscoverygb34