About us

"It does not matter whether medicine is old or new,
so long as it brings about a cure. "

--Jen Hsou LIn

What do we offer?

 

Perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats the body as an integrated whole. Each structure of the body, along with the mind and emotions are integral parts of the whole. As we age, imbalances occur within the body, resulting in disease. The goal is to rebalance the body, to return the body to a healthy state.
TCM Perspective

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the body at specific points called "acupoints." Similar to prescribing medications for specific medical diagnosis, specific acupuncture points are selected based on the patient's pattern diagnosis.
Acupuncture

Chinese Herbs

I will often prescribe Traditional Chinese Herbal formulations to work with the acupuncture sessions. In the majority of situations, Chinese herbs are safe to use with Western medications. I use products from companies from companies that have been selling safe herbs for many years.
Chinese Herbs

Pain Control

In many patients suffering from chronic pain, modern medicine cannot address the patient's pain. In some patients, the western medications cause unwanted effects. I offer other pain management modalities such as acupuncture, herbs, and laser therapy.
Pain Management

Supplements

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA. The majority that are being sold over the counter have never been evaluated by a third party for the validity of their ingredients, let alone their effects. We offer you supplements that we trust.
Supplements

About Our Doctor

I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary College in 1983. After graduation, I worked in Fulton, a small town just outside of Columbia, Missouri. In 1985, I moved to “The Land of Enchantment”, and commuted between Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX managing Sun Valley Animal Clinic from 1986 to 1988. In June of 1988, I purchased Solano Animal Clinic. After practicing for twenty-one years, I became interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine, specifically the use of acupuncture for pain management. After researching and a positive personal experience with acupuncture, I enrolled in the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Acupuncture (IVAS) course in 2004 and completed the requirements for certification as a veterinary acupuncturist in 2006. I elected to further my education in Traditional Chinese Medicine in the field of Chinese Herbs, enrolled in the Chi Institute Herbal course, and fulfilled the requirements for certification as a veterinary Chinese herbalist in 2008.

In 2006, I started DVMNeedles in nearby El Paso, TX. Unlike Solano Animal Clinic, DVMNeedles is dedicated to alternative treatment modalities, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs.

In 2008, I elected to give back to the IVAS community, volunteered, and was accepted as one of the teaching assistants for the IVAS Basic Acupuncture course in San Diego. That was only the beginning. I assumed the position of the IVAS Basic Acupuncture Course Teaching Assistant Coordinator from 2011 to 2015 and served as the  IVAS Small Animal Course Coordinator from 2013 to 2105. Since 2012, I am one of the instructors for the course, currently lecturing on Bi Syndrome and Five Element Theory. I  presented at the IVAS Introductory Acupuncture Technician Course in 2014 and lectured in the Introductory Acupuncture Course at the Oquendo Center in 2015.

In September 2018, I  became President-Elect of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Based on the by-laws of the organization, my involvement in this position will involve for six years. In September 2018, I closed Solano Animal Clinic, officially retiring from Western veterinary medicine. This allows me to focus on practicing Eastern Veterinary Medicine.

In April of 2019, I sat for the FAAVA examination and earned the FAAVA standing. At this time there are only 27 veterinarians who hold this advanced certification status in the United States. I am very proud of this accomplishment.

My professional memberships include the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, IVAS Education Committee, IVAS Point Committee, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, American Veterinary Medical Association, and the El Paso Veterinary Medical Association.

My interests and hobbies include photography, scuba diving, underwater photography, hiking, class five whitewater rafting, and playing duplicate bridge. With my new found free time, my husband, Russell, and I plan to visit and hike all 59 national parks in the US.