Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institiute

Acupressure & Conventional Veterinary Medicine
Create a Continuum of Care
By Laura Minor, Tallgrass Equine & Small Animal Practitioner, Introduction Instructor

I have been studying with Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute since 1998. I am a Tallgrass certified practitioner for Equine and Small Animal. I have had an acupressure practice for 5 years.

I am responsible for the health and well being of all our 8 animals. We have 4 horses, 2 cats and 2 dogs. I still use my holistic vet, Dr. Cindy Lankenau, on a regular basis. My acupressure work helps maintain the work that Dr. Lankenau does in between visits. She lives almost 2 hours away and comes every 8-12 weeks.

Dr. Lankenau is a Cornell University graduate and had practiced conventional veterinary medicine for many years before she began her study of alternative medicines, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Chinese Herbology, Tui Na, Homeopathy, and many others (she is constantly continuing her own education). The first time I met her, a friend had told me about her and I called because I had just purchased a Hanoverian cross dressage pony from Europe. When he arrived at our farm, his back was so sore, he could hardly move.

Dr. Lankenau came and we went over what I knew about him. Then she examined my new pony. In order to be flown over from Germany, we knew that he had to have all vaccinations in order to enter the U.S. Dr. Lankenau explained that when she first began vet school, she and other students were given a vaccine. This left her with a heart murmur and chronic low back pain. She, as well as my pony, had toxic livers and the same symptoms - a heart murmur and chronic low back pain.

For many years I had had acupuncture treatments and I had studied about health, diet and exercise, learning how to balance my own body because of my many allergies. This was my entry into learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine and alternative therapies for animals. When I found Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute and began to take the courses and study TCM and acupressure, Dr Lankenau could not have been more supportive. She answered many of my questions and we would go over point location and purpose during her treatment visits to my animals. Over the years she has seen my practice and use of TCM and acupressure grow.

In the past year, Dr. Lankenau has begun referring clients to me when she cannot come immediately. My acupressure work with animals does help maintain balance. I have sometimes seen issues dissolve in just one treatment. Chronic issues are generally resolved over a period of time. I have helped keep several horses alive and comfortable for several years longer after it has been recommended that the animal be euthanized. I have always understood and appreciated the necessity of veterinarians, but I also know there is a place for acupressure practitioners. Dr. Lankenau continues to be supportive of my acupressure work, and we have a wonderful and supportive relationship with one another. She has not only become my holistic vet, but a great friend as well.