Getting the needles perfect for sick pets
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s congress in Cairns
IT turns out you can perform acupuncture on pretty much anything with a pulse – except maybe an echidna.
More than 140 needlewielding animal physicians from 21 countries may test that theory at the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s congress in Cairns this week.
The niche-sounding annual event has been running for 43 years with Australia finally playing host for the first time.
Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group president Dr Clare Ellis, from South Australia, said the practice was about more than just using pins and needles to cure pins and needles in hens and poodles.
“All the theories behind it, and the conditions, are basically the same for humans and animals,” she said.
“For most of us, the main thing we treat is musculoskeletal – things like back pain, arthritis, muscle spasms and disc disease.
“But acupuncture is part of Chinese medicine, so it is a whole system of medicine.
“Technically you can also treat liver disease, behavioural problems, skin disease and a whole host of problems.”
The group will spend three days in lectures at the Hilton Cairns hotel starting tomorrow followed by hands-on workshops involving horses and dogs on Saturday.
A three-day post congress tour has been organised with group visits to the Daintree, the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda.
Gordonvale-based veterinarian Lai Chu Chan, also president of the Cairns and District Chinese Association, said the Far North was fortunate to secure the event.
“I’m very pleased that we’re able to have such a prestigious event happening in Cairns,” she said.
“Acupuncture is a popular alternative medicine but not many people are aware that animals can benefit a lot from it just like humans.”
The Australian College of Veterinary Acupuncture has educated hundreds of students since it was established 26 years ago.
World-renowned US-based holistic veterinary specialist Dr Allen Schoen, who taught the first course in Australia in 1991, is among the expert lecturers in Cairns this week.
“It’s fitting that we have him at the first international congress ever held in Australia,” Dr Ellis said. Come down to the Cairns Esplanade for this year’s Cairns Festival Grand Parade, starting at 5.30pm on Saturday, 26th August. Be a part of the fun and vote for your favourite float. Simply log on to cairnspost.com.au/competitions and fill in your entry form to vote. Voting will open at 5.30pm on 26th August 2017 & will close at 10.00am on 31st August, 2017. Please see cairnspost.com.au/competitions for full terms and conditions.