Who We Are

Founded by Manuel and Helly in 2024, Acupaws and Minds Is a Dedicated Team of a Pet Loving Behaviourist and Acupuncturist professionals, Based in Reading

In a world dominated by quick fixes and medications, we believe it is time to go back to basics – to see animals as not just pets, but as living beings with souls, emotions, and unique needs.

We created this space to fill the gaps where help is often missing. The internet is overflowed with advice, options and conflicting information, and it can feel overwhelming to know what is truly best for you companion.

We also understand the frustration of watching your beloved friend struggle. when there is no answer or treatments don’t seem to work.

We have been there and we want to help.

Our Team

Pax

🐾 Meet Pax – The Zen Master

Pax came home as a fragile 2-month-old kitten with a long list of health issues: gastrointestinal struggles, orthopaedic challenges, and early-stage kidney failure. With a mix of rehabilitation, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and a tailored diet, Pax blossomed into a picture of health. Best of all? She loves her acupuncture sessions, drooling and snoozing through every needle. Want to know how this tiny warrior defied the odds? Her story is coming soon.

Roxy

🐾 Meet Roxy – The Fierce MeowManager

Abandoned twice before finding her forever home, Roxy arrived with a heart full of fear and a fiery personality. Nightmares, seasonal mood swings, and intense anxiety ruled her life—until Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) changed everything. She may hate needles, but her transformation with Chinese herbs is nothing short of incredible. Curious about how this feisty queen found her balance? Stay tuned for her full story.

Helly Nunez MRCVS, CVA

Veterinary Acupuncturist

I am a veterinary surgeon registered with the Royal Veterinary College (MRCVS) since 2018. After working for 5 years as a first-opinion vet, I began to feel that something was missing in the care I was offering my clients. I encountered so many cases where animals were referred to specialists, placed on medications, yet still weren’t truly improving – physically or/and emotionally.

At the same time, I was dealing with my own struggles with chronic back pain and metal health challenges. I didn’t just want temporary relief; I wanted to understand the root cause of the problem.

This led me to study Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), a journey that completely shifted my perspective on animal health and well-being. It taught me to see the bigger picture, to understand how everything is interconnected, and how balance and prevention play a crucial role in healing.

Since then, I have been able to bring joy and comfort back to so many animals whose owners thought hope was lost. Whether it is a dog that has finally been able to sleep through the night, a cat rediscovering the joy of play after years, or even saving an animal that was about to be put to sleep. These moments have reignited my passion for veterinary medicine and reminded me why I chose this path.

I’m currently studying Food Therapy because I believe a balance and nutritious diet is one of the most powerful tools for preventing and managing illness. I also hold a Master’s degree in  Animal Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, which allows me to support animals through recovery and help prevent injuries before they happen.

My mission is to share my knowledge and experience with you, so together we can create a world where your animals are not just treated but truly understood: body, mind and soul.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I’m so excited to help you and your furry friend thrive!

Manuel Ocana

Future Behaviourist and Compassionate Advocate
From a young age, I dreamed of working with animals, but fear held me back from pursuing veterinary medicine. After spending six years as a formulation scientist, I realized that my passion for helping animals never faded. With incredible courage, I decided to follow my dream and I am now studying to become an ABTC-Accredited Clinical Animal Behaviour Practitioner.
 
My journey has shaped me into a kind, empathetic, and deeply insightful person. Having struggled with anxiety and overthinking myself, I can relate to animals facing similar challenges, as well as to the owners who feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help their pets. My driven has been by a desire to help animals overcome trauma, rebuild trust, and live happy, fulfilling lives.
 
As part of this exciting journey, I am passionate about combining behavioural therapy with acupuncture to reduce the reliance on medications, offering a holistic approach to animal care. My calming presence and dedication to both animals and their owners make me an incredible addition to the team.
 

Although I’m still completing my studies, my passion and determination are clear. I am ready to move heaven and earth to create better lives for animals and their humans alike!