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.

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

History Form

About Our Doctor

I am a 1983 graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary College. I started my veterinary career 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. In 2003, I became intrigued with the use of Traditional Chinese in veterinary patients. After research 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 continued my education and enrolled in the Chi Institute Chinese Herbal course, fulfilling the requirements for certification as a veterinary Chinese herbalist in 2008. That same year, I opened a dedicated Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical practice, DVMNeedles, in nearby El Paso, TX.

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. Soon after, 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. In 2012, I became an instuctor for the course. I currently lecture on Bi Syndrome and Five Element Theory.

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 after 35 years, allowing me to focus on practicing Eastern Veterinary Medicine.

In 2014, the AVMA admitted the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture (AAVA) into the House of Delegates as a constituent allied veterinary organization.  In April of 2019, I sat for the FAAVA examination and earned the FAAVA standing.  As of 2019, there are only 27 veterinarians who hold this advanced certification status in the United States. I am very proud of this accomplishment.

I believe in the benefits of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion with my colleagues. I have had the honor of speaking at veterinary conference venues, including the Western Veterinary Conference, Oquendo Center, AAVA conference and in 2021 the MidWest Veterinary Conference.

My professional memberships include the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, IVAS Education Committee, IVAS Point Committee, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, American Veterinary Medical Association, El Paso Veterinary Medical Association, and the Texas 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 (hopefully), my husband, Russell, and I plan to visit and hike all 59 national parks in the US,