Dr Alan Clark in Guildford, Victoria, Australia | Acupuncturist

Dr Alan Clark

Locality: Guildford, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 408 509 405

Address: 9 Stevens Lane 3451 Guildford, VIC, Australia

Website: http://acupuncturevet.com.au

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• Pet service
• Acupuncturist
• Veterinary surgeon

25.01.2022 Getting Archery Strong A common question ask me is how they move up to a higher draw weight. This is a reasonable question but my students are not often reasona...ble. I always respond with Why do you want to move up in draw weight? And often the response is something along the lines of XYZ told me I needed to shoot 40#. I struggle to not respond sarcastically to that common justification and instead ask Why 40 pounds? I never get a good answer. There are good reasons for wanting to change your or your student’s draw weight, both up and down. Let’s look at this. Good Reasons for Draw Weight Changes I have previously written about what you can do without changing your draw weight to solve the issues prompting the change (See Making Distance in Archery Focus magazine (Issue 14-3) or in More on Coaching Archery, Chapter 15). At some point, however, stop gap measures no longer suffice and you have to actually make the change. But why is this needed? The answer is simple. Consider trying to hit a target at, say, 70 m (77 yards) with a 10# bow. Try as you might you might not be able to get an arrow anywhere near that target. If you then try bows at 20#, 30#, then 40#, your arrows are more likely not only to hit the target but also more likely to score well. The reason for this is simple. To even reach the target with a 10# bow, the arrow must be angled up near 45 from level. At this angle, even if you have a bow sight attached, it is useless as there are no aim points to use. As the draw weight goes up, the angle of launch comes down and probably somewhere between 20# and 30# of draw, the bow sight’s aperture finds something useful to line up with, if not a spot on the target face, maybe the wind flag or a handy tree limb behind the target. At effective draw weights, we end up with a bow sight aperture on the target, usually target center. Perhaps more important, when we are getting arrow trajectories that allow us to keep our shooting form close to what it would be at close-in targets, we do not suffer the form distortions that extreme shooting angles create. Field archers have learned adaptions to their form for these situations but they are, after all, adaptions and hence are not practiced as much and are therefore less reliable. Well, if all of these benefits accrue from having higher draw weights, why not just keep going up? Well, compound archers are restricted by rule in some organizations, but even if they were not, there are diminishing returns involved. Higher and higher draw weights required greater and greater strength, technique, and stamina, and the benefits fall off as you go up. There is a sweet spot or a happy spot for each archer, depending upon their goals and their physical abilities. Signs your archer needs to go up in draw weight are: arrows don’t make it to longer targets (usually the case for youths moving up in class) arrows hit low enough on the target face to require aiming off high (archers who use sights) archers cannot find aim points near the target (archers who do not use sights) scores drop off precipitously at longer distances archer is overpowering his/her bow (torquing the string, using poor form because the bow doesn’t restrict the bad form elements, etc.) Signs your archer needs to go down in draw weight are: archer shakes while shooting (but didn’t before an increase) archer gets very tired during longer shoots archer cannot draw the bow using good form archer’s form deteriorates during shooting sessions All of these happen when you get old, for example. (I can attest to this.) How Much to Change Your Draw Weight Okay, so you and your student have decided that making a draw weight change is desired. The next question is: how much? This question is harder to answer. Changing draw weight, even just a small amount, has consequences. The first thing you lose is your tune and your sight marks. Even if a decent tune is maintained, a change will require sighting in (new crawls, new gaps, new sight marks, etc.). A change of more than a few pounds of draw weight will likely require substantially modified arrows or new arrows altogether. If you look at any available spine chart, you will find the draw weight ranges are in five pound increments. Each increment in draw weight usually corresponds to a differently spined arrow shaft. (This is because of history and economics: the first charts were set up with five pound increments, so when new manufacturers set up their charts, they didn’t want to confuse people, so they set up their charts the way people were used to reading them, which means they made their shafts to fit those same specifications. Economically, it sold more shafts if each five pound spine group corresponded to a different shaft.) Realistically, though, if you need a one spine group increase in arrow spine after making a draw weight increase, if you have any extra length available in your arrow, you can get that one spine group increase by cutting one inch off of your arrows. (Careful! As spine goes up, the shaft gets weaker. To get a stiffer arrow shaft, you need a lower spine rating.) There are consequences to such arrow changes! If you don’t have the tools and skills to make those changes for your student (or they for themselves) a technician has to be paid to do the job (which equals time, money, effort). Many are reduced to having to by new arrows at their new specifications. Realize, also, that a really good tune places your arrow, in effect, in the middle of a spine group which means that a change of just three pounds gets you into the next group (the center being only 2 pounds from each edge). Of course, if your tune is not so good, you may be closer to the lighter edge and you may go up 3-4 pounds and still be in the same spine group. Conversely, your slightly off tune may put you only one pound from the next spine group. And, if you are making a large change, you may end up two spine groups away in arrow specifications. If this is the case, I usually recommend the archer shoot his old arrows until he has made all of the draw weight change necessary and then fit himself for new arrows. Making these arrow changes as you go could get rather expensive The other big change one can encounter is in the bow. Compound bow’s draw weights can often be changed as easily as screwing in the limb bolts a couple of turns, leaving just the arrows to deal with. But if a compound bow is maxxed out in draw weight or gets to that point in the process, the only recourse is new limbs (and cables and string and possibly eccentrics) or a new bow, which is expensive. Recurve archers will often need new limbs, that can be easily installed by just clipping them in, but with high end limbs costing between US$500 and $US1000, I usually suggest my archers use lower cost limbs (or better, borrowed limbs) until they settle on a new draw weight before buying new high-end limbs. So, the big question is still: how much? The only answer is between too little and too much. Your student (or you) will have to make these changes and then test out whether their needs have been met or more change is necessary. There is no magic formula to figure this out for you. I also do not like the approach common in Olympic Recurve circles, which is to do what everyone else does. Coaches of highly competitive archers have a vested interest in getting an archer up and competing and successful, so they often recommend archers do what the current crop of winners are doing. But I wonder where the information as to what those folks are doing comes from. And the question of whether those specifications are necessary is clouded by the suspicion that those other archers are drawing those weights because of the same recommendation (what other archers were doing at the time), which means we are all chasing our own tails. How to Change Your Draw Weight (Without Ruining Your Form) There is an axiom in sports fitness training: the best exercise for your sport is ... your sport. While weight training can be incorporated in making this change, it should only be considered a supplement to shooting. To make a weight change upward, one must increase the load by practicing with a heavier drawing bow or an augmented bow (added stretch tubing, etc.) Typical drills are things like Double Draws or Reversals (for recurve archers) which increase stamina and muscle mass. We can learn what is needed from the process of weight training. Basically there is a cycle: when the body is exposed to physical stress, it begins a biological process to deal with that stress, recover from it, and then adapt and compensate so that it is better prepared to handle it if exposed to the same stresses again. So, the cycle is: stress, rest, adapt. This tells us that marathon shooting (many arrows day after day after day) is not advised. Weight training usually alternates between muscles groups, often on a three day cycle, for example: maybe the back muscles are worked on Wednesdays, then the legs on Thursdays, and the arms on Fridays. While the back muscles undergo stress during the Wednesday workout, they get to rest and recuperate and adapt (by growing extra muscle mass) while the other muscle groups are worked. Archers don’t have this luxury as the muscles used to draw the bow are a small set. But archery shooting can be interspersed with cardio training, mental training, etc. You can also alternate between sessions of high, medium, and low volume shooting. The key thing is if you stress your archery muscles during a workout, the amount of change you get depends on the amount of stress: too much and you can injure yourself; too little and the effect is small. But after that stress, rest and nutrition are needed to support the adaption that is desired. Studies now show that variation in practice results in better results than just repeating the same exercises. Because of the situation archers are in, we recommend a small series of stresses spread out over time to allow for frequent shooting. The general pattern in to make a small draw weight change, typically less than two pounds of draw, then shoot for a week or two and then repeat. If your archer’s form degrades, the change was too big. The whole purpose of the shooting is to retain the good form it was begun with. This process keeps the stress low, allowing more shooting (for form retention), and requires less rest for recuperation and adaption. So, to make a ten pound draw weight change, you go up two pounds per week (at the fastest) shooting all the while, focussed on using the best possible form. After five weeks the change has been made (assuming multiple shooting sessions per week). Obviously, this is best done between seasons. One must be wary of stories, though. I had a friend who went from a 20# recurve bow to a 36# recurve bow overnight. Realize, though, that this archer was a grown woman, not unused to physical labor, and for whom the 20# bow was a starter bow, well beneath her capabilities. But if someone just throws the story out, without the details, it sounds like anyone could make a 16# jump in draw weight. As coach, you need to look honestly at your archers. Were they using a bow well under their capabilities? If so, maybe a bigger adjustment is warranted at the start. Most archers, however, would do well to respect the less than two pounds at a time recommendation as greater changes can destroy form (and it doesn’t take long). You also need to be aware of male egos which dwell on things like all of my friends are pulling 60# which are not helpful. Steve Ruis

24.01.2022 I’m back. In a fashion! (This may change in the future) As most of you know I haven’t been seeing patients for a few months. Due to the spread of corona virus, and the fact that I’ve been hospitalised twice with pneumonia (some years ago)I am at high risk. Unfortunately a lot of patients have gone backwards in that time, so I am going to resume treatments under strict conditions. I will try to help your pet but ask for your cooperation. ... 1. I will need to check your temperature (non-contact) on arrival. Anyone over 37.5 C will be refused entry. Because the thermometer works via infra-red radiation don’t have your car heater on high on the way here or you will register high. 2. Please use hand sanitiser and a mask, both of which I will provide. 3. Please only one person in the consult room with your pet If there is someone else in the consult room when you arrive please stay in your car till they leave. Thank you for your understanding, Alan See more

23.01.2022 A week ago Gary came for his first acupuncture because he’s been having a lot of trouble getting around, too hobbly to go on his walks, can’t get up into the car etc.

23.01.2022 Three months ago Frankie collapsed with a prolapsed disc. She had spinal surgery, after which she was able to stand but didn’t want to walk, had no balance and a hunched back due to pain. She didn’t improve over the next 3 months. After a single acupuncture treatment she is running and back to having absolute joy in her life.

21.01.2022 Gypsy’s owner was a bt apprehensive about coming for acupuncture for her chronically sore leg as she (Gypsy) is usually scared of the vet and doesn’t like to be approached. She didn’t show any fear and rolled on her back and snoozed while her needles were in.

20.01.2022 DJ is 16years old and looking great until recently when he collapsed with disc problems in he back. He’s currently completely paraplegic but hopefully we’ll get him back onto four legs again.

19.01.2022 Frankie running for joy after her first acupuncture treatment.

17.01.2022 Jayde in for her first visit today. Typical of a super friendly 8 month old she was full of energy and pretty bouncy. Half way through the treatment she lay down and closed her eyes and when it was time to go home she wanted to stay asleep. And, no, I didn’t dip the needles in anaesthetic.

17.01.2022 Welcome to Acu in Practice! The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that acupuncture can be helpful in over 40 medical conditions including some cardiova...scular diseases and cardiac pain. In addition, several research studies have shown that acupuncture can have cardioprotective effects. This is great news for our veterinary patients who develop degenerative cardiac valve disease as they age. This condition is more common in dogs, but can occur in other companion pets, as well as large animals. Each patient will present with a unique set of TCM and Conventional symptoms, and today we are focusing on patients who present with Heart Qi Deficiency and reduced energy or capacity for exercise. These patients are not yet exhibiting any symptoms of heart failure. This is an important time to begin treatment with TCM as Western medicine has limited options in this early phase of cardiac disease. Our first clue in these patient is usually that we detect a heart murmur during the physical exam. Often, they are late middle aged to senior patients and their guardian may report that they have reduced stamina and sleep more than they used to. Senior tiny and small breed dogs are predisposed, but valve insufficiency can occur in any size at any age, in virtually any animal. The TCM signs indicating Qi deficiency can include a combination of the following: Pale and/or flaccid tongue Weak pulse (not enough Qi to generate a healthy pulse) Reduced capacity for exercise or shortness of breath following exercise Tires easily and/or sleeps more On cardiac ultrasound, there may be mild chamber enlargement with a thinning of the cardiac wall and mildly reduced contractility. Arrhythmias may or may not be present in Heart Qi Deficient pets. In these cases, the Heart is beginning to weaken (Qi Deficiency) and does not have the strength to pump the blood at ideal capacity (Qi deficiency). The patient’s energy is reduced (Qi deficiency). As the disease progresses, limbs may become cool to the touch (Yang deficiency), the pulse may become thin or thread (blood deficiency), the pet may experience insomnia (Blood deficiency) and eventually the tongue can become purple (Blood Stagnation) as the patient nears heart failure and is unable to move Blood reasonably throughout the body. Thus, when working with these patients, our TCM principles will be to Tonify Qi, Strengthen the Heart, and Nourish and Move Blood. Acupuncture points useful for treating at the Heart Qi Deficiency stage: HT 7 Source point for the Heart, tonifies Deficiency PC 6 Master point for the Chest, has been shown through Western research to have a positive effect on cardiac rate and rhythm. BL 14 Association point for the Pericardium BL 15 Association point for the Heart CV 14 Alarm point for the Heart, assists in opening Chest CV 17 Opens the Chest, Gathering point for Qi that can tonify Qi in Heart and Lungs ST 36 tonifies and moves Qi SP 6 tonifies and moves Blood *If signs of Yang deficiency or Blood stagnation are present, add points to directly balance these patterns. This post was created by Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA (IVAS) and is intended for informational use, not to replace medical advice. You can visit peopleandpet.com to learn more about the author and additional cases.

15.01.2022 Taxi in for an acute onset and progressively worsening hind end weakness bordering on paraplegia. Much better already after two sessions of acupuncture.

15.01.2022 Zola (owned by a vet colleague) came to me 6 days ago paralysed in the back end due to a prolapsed disc in her back. She came in for her third session of acupuncture today and is already able to get to her feet and walk steadily.

13.01.2022 2 month’s ago Archie was so crippled with back pain he was having trouble getting up out of bed in spite of being constantly on 3 different types of anti-inflammatories and pain killers. He’s had 5 sessions of acupuncture and today before we had a chance to stop him, he leapt up onto the examination table by himself.

12.01.2022 Taxi first visit Dec 5th:

11.01.2022 Four months ago, after lameness in a front leg that didn’t respond to the usual anti-inflammatories Tam started having episodes of depression, inability to eat, twisting of her spine and severe pain attacks on moving her neck. She went to an orthopaedic specialist and an MRI showed a prolapsed disc in her neck. The specialist referred her for acupuncture rather than doing surgery. Since her first visit two weeks ago her owners have been weaning her off the painkillers and she hasn’t had any pain at all. It may be a little early to be too confident but things are looking really encouraging so far.

09.01.2022 Sweet wee Gypsy loves her acupuncture

07.01.2022 Humphrey came in 3 days ago with a very long and worsening history of breathing difficulty. He showed improvement immediately and today is looking much happier.

07.01.2022 Max was in for his first visit last week after long term screaming with pain when he was picked up, holding his head down and unable to jump up or even walk properly. His owner says he is now running through the house after a single treatment which he hasn’t done for years

06.01.2022 Taxi Dec 10th after 2 acupuncture treatments:

05.01.2022 Sorry about the lack of posts on interesting cases recently, work is getting busier and busier. As well as doing acupuncture cases from home I’m now working Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Kangaroo Flat Vet Clinic so available for conventional vet work there as well as acupuncture cases for my Northern clients (Bendigo- Echuca etc) to save some travelling for you. For appointments you can ring them direct on 5447 0172

05.01.2022 Lucy came into the clinic with a classical Horner's syndrome for which there is no conventional treatment. A few sessions of acupuncture and she's back to normal:

03.01.2022 For Wendy Blain

01.01.2022 Not today’s biggest patient but definitely the cutest. It’s a squirrel glider (native Aussie marsupial for our Canadian friends) not a sugar glider that most of us have around our homes.