Chinese Medicine
(TCVM)
TCVM can be used to prevent and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions in animals, including the following:
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General pain
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Osteoarthritis
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Musculoskeletal disorders
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Neurological disorders
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Gastrointestinal diseases
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Autoimmune and metabolic diseases
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Allergies and skin problems
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Intervertebral disk disease and paralysis
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Cancer
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Geriatric issues
TCVM is a complete medical system that has developed over the millennia. It is based on the many aspects of the body, the mind, and their interaction with the environment. The terminology used to define health, harmony, and diseases differs from the western medical approach of biological medicine. In TCVM health is defined as the harmonious balance of yin and yang, Qi and blood. The disease is described as a pattern in which symptoms can only be understood in relationship to the whole. The center of focus is the individual and their ability to claim or reclaim some sense of balance with the whole.
TCVM is composed of:
Acupuncture
Inserting fine needles in specific accurate points along meridians in the body.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
The combination of different herbs to form formulas that encourage balance in the body.
Tui Na
A form of massage that works along meridians in the body.
Food Therapy
The use of different foods to encourage balance and health.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points in the body of the animal for several minutes to produce a healing reaction. These points are located along energy meridians. Each meridian is associated with a specific organ and connects the exterior of the body with the interior.
The goal of acupuncture is to move Qi which is the life force or vital energy that flows throughout the body along these meridian pathways. This encourages proper system functions.
The insertion of acupuncture needles is in general painless, although in some animals or more sensitive parts of the body it may cause discomfort as the needle passes through the skin. There is no pain once the needles are in place.
Most dogs and cats become very relaxed during acupuncture treatment and may even become sleepy. Side effects are rare and when administered by a properly trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals. Clinical research shows positive results for acupuncture and thus it is increasingly used.
Chinese Herbs
Herbs have been used for thousands of years to cure diseases, they are the root source of many modern drugs. Each culture around the world has its own pharmacopeia of local herbs.
In Chinese herbal medicine, a variety of more than 500 herbs and minerals, each with inherent energetic properties and often used together in formulas are used to treat the imbalance with which the patient presents. Some herbs are familiar to us such as ginger, garlic, and cinnamon. Others such as mint and chrysanthemum may be found in our garden. Other herbs may be unfamiliar to us. Herbs such as those derived from endangered species have been replaced by other herbs with similar therapeutic properties.
Tui na
Tui na (push-grab) is a therapeutic form of massage that uses rhythmic compression techniques along the body’s acupuncture meridians to promote and restore the natural and healthy flow of Qi and blood.
This leads to harmonious balance and restores good health by strengthening the immune system, enhancing the internal organs, the skeletal system, the muscular anatomy, and the tendons and ligaments' healthy functioning.
Tui na enhances other modalities of Chinese medicine and can be used on every animal species. It is safe and effective and a good option for treating animals that resist acupuncture. It has the advantage that its techniques may be taught to the animal’s human companion so he or she gets actively involved in the healing process of their pet at home. Most dogs and cats enjoy this interaction with their human