Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Dr. Alfred Mar, PhD., LAc and owner of 'Five Element Acupuncture' is a well-known acupuncturist in Las Aralias, Puerto Vallarta. Recently he added a new arm, or shall we say paw, to his practice - Vallarta's first animal acupuncture clinic, open Tuesdays and Fridays.

Dr. Alfred's love for animals started early in life, growing up on a small farm in the mountains of Austria. He found that like his father before him, he had a special affinity for animals and they responded to his care. He studied animal husbandry and has been living with dogs for decades.

Today, Dr. Alfred is a licensed acupuncturist in the US and in Mexico. He donates a half-day per week to treat dogs in need in Vallarta. Nicole Martin, furry friend devotee and volunteer at mexpup.com interviewed him at his offices in Las Aralias.

Nicole Martin (NM): This is something entirely new for Puerto Vallarta. How did the idea come about?

Dr. Alfred (Dr. A): This is Strider's doing. He's the young rescue dog we adopted recently with your help and that of MexPup that cared for him. Thinking about his struggles as a young dog I wanted to help him as much as I could. So of course I thought of acupuncture, because it's great for the spirit as well as the body. I thought if he has been through traumatic experiences, our love and acupuncture would be the best healing. I mentioned it to you and wow! that fast, the idea of Holistic Pet Care was born.

NM: Weren't you afraid the needles would hurt him?

Dr. A: Not at all. Acupuncture needles are very, very fine and generally animals seem completely relaxed with needles. They don't bring the human fear of needles with them. Still it's possible that an animal might feel a twinge at insertion. I monitor that, but it's really rare. By the way, Nicole. While we're on the subject of needles, I'd like to add that as with my human patients I never reuse needles. It's a big no-no in acupuncture practice and is against the principles of Clean Needle Technique a certification every licensed acupuncturist in the US must take before they start practicing.

NM: You say it's good for spirit and body. I think there's a lot of confusion about the way acupuncture works. Can you clarify?

Dr. A: Sure. It took the West longer to get the connection between mind and body, but we now recognize that intangibles such as stress, fear, anxiety, strong emotions, joy, hope and the like all have an effect on our physiology and sense of well-being - or lack of it. The Chinese understood that thousands of years ago and integrated it into their healing arts - including acupuncture. Especially in Five Element Acupuncture, we needle points on the body in combinations that support healing and comfort for the entire being. This helps to bring about emotional and spiritual balance. It's one reason people and animals feel so good after a treatment.

NM: What are some of the conditions you have used this for, and what results you have seen?

Dr. A: Acupuncture is helpful with a laundry list of items for animals, just as it is for humans - digestive issues, chronic diseases, support of veterinary treatment, and pre- and post-op care. It's a long list, but probably the most common uses for animals are pain, stiffness, lameness, skin conditions, nervousness and support while in veterinary treatment. When an animal has to undergo strong medicine, acupuncture saves them from unnecessary side effects and supports healing.

In the States I treated pets of family and friends with wonderful results. I was able to save my elderly dog's life in the last moment with the use of acupuncture. She lived active and healthy for another several years afterward, and I treated her regularly. She was part shepherd, and lived to be over 18 years. I know I can help pets with acupuncture and save them from unnecessary side effects from harsh medications. There's a lot of information online for the great results in animal acupuncture.

NM: Speaking not only for myself, but on behalf of MexPup, we're really proud to have Holistic Pet Care here in Vallarta. How do people get in touch with you?

Dr. A: Thank you, Nicole. I have a website and a facebook page. My email is acupuncture(at)pvpetcare.net, my office phone is 322-205-4627, and my cell phone is 322-225-0890.