To The Point PDX Practitioner Spotlight: Christina Lambert, L.Ac. - Acupuncture for Pets and Their Humans
Christina with her Chihuahua mix, Susie.
Tell us about your path to becoming an animal acupuncturist.
I used to work in marketing; I got laid off and was in between careers for a while. During that time, I heard a program on NPR about canine acupuncture and it really caught my attention. I thought—if it works on dogs there must be something to it. Soon after that I started researching acupuncture as a possible career.
I graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in 2005 and began working as a licensed acupuncturist. In Arizona you’re not allowed to perform acupuncture on animals, but I knew I wanted to work with dogs some day. My husband and I moved to Oregon in 2012 and in 2015 I completed an additional certification in animal acupuncture from the American Board of Animal Acupuncture.
Before the pandemic, I used to volunteer for Multnomah County Animal Shelter in Troutdale, OR. I got to treat some animals during my time there and gained experience with lots of different dogs.
In 2016 I started Lambert Animal Acupuncture where I provide in-home treatments for dogs and cats.
Who was your first patient?
I rescued my dog Murphy in 2011. One day he was chasing a rabbit on our property and he hit his head into a metal horse fence. His neck was strained and he was in a lot of pain. He couldn’t tolerate massage.
I had been an acupuncturist for years by then so I decided to try a few points in his neck and upper back. After that, he never had a neck issue again. Murphy was my guinea pig through the years and he always responded really well to his treatments.
What’s something surprising that happened in your time treating animals?
While I was volunteering at the animal shelter there was a kitty whose milk hadn’t come in yet. I treated her and her milk came in that day.
How do animal patients compare to humans?
Dogs typically respond to acupuncture treatment much faster than humans—usually 5-10 minutes after the needles are in. Dogs can’t sit still as long, but once you get some needles in they often relax and settle very quickly.
The placebo effect, which can be a factor for humans, doesn’t exist in animals. So you usually know pretty quickly whether or not the treatment is going to work on then—usually within a few sessions.
And dogs complain less. :)
Do you treat your own pets?
Yes. I have 2 dogs (pictured below) who get occasional treatments. Bruce, my Puggle, was recently limping around protecting his shoulder and acupuncture helped him.
Susie and Bruce
What’s a success story that stands out for you?
A friend’s golden retriever was nearing the end of his life. He couldn’t go up the stairs any more and was going to be put down in about a week. After providing him with some acupuncture treatments, he was able to go up the stairs again. His mobility and quality of life improved enough that he was able to live another 5 months after that.