Dr. Lindsay VanBrown grew up in northern MN, and obtained her BA in Biology from St. Olaf College in 2005.  Immediately after school, she worked at the Mayo Clinic, and eventually made her way to a small animal shelter in McCall, ID where she realized veterinary medicine was calling her.  It was there that her interest in integrative medicines began as she realized that just medicating the shelter animals for various diseases wasn't enough to make them wholly healthy.

She attended Washington State University and received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 2012.  While in veterinary school, she traveled to China and completed coursework in Veterinary Chinese Medicine at the Beijing Agricultural University.  Dr. VanBrown furthered her Chinese Medicine training at the Chi Institute and completed acupuncture certification in 2014, and is currently obtaining her certification in veterinary spinal manipulation at the same facility.

Dr. VanBrown splits her time between the local animal shelter and her office where she can focus on Chinese Veterinary Medicine, veterinary spinal manipulation, and hospice care.  She and her husband spend their free time herding their very active human children and dogs, while the three cats quietly judge them.

Book an Appointment

So that we can better focus on our scheduled patients and their needs, we are not currently taking new clients. Looking to open books back up in November 2022, so please check back!

Have a question?  Send a message!

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific point(s) on the body resulting in a therapeutic effect.  The ancient Chinese described the vital energy inside all bodies as Qi (pronounced "chee"), of which there are 2 opposite forms: Yin and Yang.  When animals (or humans) become sick or experience pain, there is a disruption in the normal flow of Qi, and Yin and Yang become out of balance.  Acupuncture is then used to restore this homeostasis, and help the body in healing itself.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Research in recent years has shown that acupoints are located in areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, arterioles, and lymphatic vessels.  They have further shown that the stimulation of acupoints leads to a release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, as well as other neurotransmitters - allowing for pain-relief when treated appropriately.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The vast majority of patients are very comfortable with acupuncture therapy.  Due to the relaxing effect it has, some animals will even fall asleep during treatment.  Sedation is not needed or recommended as it may interfere with the acupuncture effect.  A proper treatment may cause contraction of local muscle which can be temporarily uncomfortable, but most animals tolerate it quite well.  

How many treatments are needed?

The number of treatments needed depends on the nature, severity, and duration of disease.  Acute conditions may be resolved in a single treatment.  Chronic diseases can require a series of 3-10 treatments spaced anywhere from 1-4 weeks apart.  Some degenerative conditions may need monthly treatments over time.  

When is acupuncture indicated?

Clinical trials have indicated that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:

• Musculoskeletal problems:  muscle soreness, back pain, disc problems, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease/dysplasia

• Neurological disorders: seizure, laryngeal hemiplegia, facial and radial nerve paralysis

• Gastrointestinal disorders:  chronic diarrhea, gastric ulcers

• Other chronic conditions: asthma, behavioral problems, Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, infertility, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, geriatric concerns, and skin problems 

• Performance enhancement and disease prevention

Acupuncture is cautiously used or contraindicated in pregnancy, infectious diseases, open wounds and fractures.