Learn About TCVM

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) is an ancient form of medicine that has evolved over the past 3,000 years. It encompasses a variety of treatment modalities, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-na, and food therapy. Browse through the articles (linked below) or use the search bar to find articles that might help your pet lead a happier and healthier life!

ACUPUNCTURE is the placement of fine needles at specific acupoints that correlate to various Channels and Meridians on your pet’s body. If disease disrupts normal bodily functions, then acupuncture restores normal body homeostasis by allowing the body’s innate healing and regeneration processes to function optimally.

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of disorders including: the heart, musculoskeletal system, gastro-intestinal (stomach, intestines), kidney, reproductive, endocrine, immunological systems, cancer, skin conditions, eye disease and behavioral issues (such as thunderstorm fear or separation anxiety.)

It is a safe and effective treatment for many different diseases in a variety of species. It has no adverse side effects, can be integrated with conventional/Western medical treatments, and can help treat conditions deemed “untreatable” by conventional methods.

A 3-year old dachshund with severe neck pain and partial paralysis getting an acupuncture treatment. Notice the thin, specialized acupuncture needles that have been placed along the vertebrae of the neck.

For several thousand years in China, foods and spices have been used as medicine for both humans and animals. Two medicinal Chinese herbs, Zingiberis Jiang Huang and Curcuma Sheng Jiang, are commonly used in CHM. Both benefit and have a predilection for Earth Element’s primary function which is the health of the gastro-intestinal tract.

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE (CHM) is a long-standing tradition for healing disease. Chinese herbs have been administered to animals in China for more than 4,000 years.

As the Chinese written language was created, people began written records indicating that specific foods and plants had properties to relieve signs of illness and eliminate certain diseases. In order to evaluate more plants and confirm these effects, ancient Chinese healers personally tasted and tested herbs for their medicinal properties. Knowledge of herbal medicines was passed down from generation to generation.

Herbal medicinal categories, production locations, harvesting and processing techniques were faithfully recorded. In addition, natures and flavors, toxicity, beneficial combinations, contraindications, proper preparation, dosages and administration were documented based on their experiences.

Chinese herbal medicine can be given in pills, teas, soups/stews, powders, or capsule forms. Like other TCVM modalities, the goal of CHM is to balance the body’s systems by nourishing areas of Deficiency and to diminish areas of Excess that have disrupted normal homeostasis in a sick animal.

TUI-NA is a bodywork system that, like acupuncture, uses Channels, acupressure points, and Meridians to influence and heal the body.

Comprised of various hand manipulation techniques, it’s a directed and focused massage done in a systematic way to help animals heal themselves by balancing their energies.

It encompasses skin, muscle, soft tissue, and bone massage to tonify or quiet areas of imbalance in an animal’s body. Specific strokes and touch techniques are used at various pressure points to improve health and mobility.

Tui-na techniques flow seamlessly into one another, beginning superficially then slowly, gently moving to deeper levels as “invited” by the tissues.

It is particularly important in feline patients to remember that evenness and softness are an integral part of the Tui-na techniques.

Food therapy uses the temperature of food (literal and systemic), its flavor (sweet, bitter, pungent, etc.) and its effect on digestion and metabolism to slow down or speed up an animal’s system.

FOOD THERAPY is based on the concept that foods contain chemicals, enzymes, and energies to promote healing. It also allows animals to optimally nourish themselves to maintain health.

Food therapy uses the temperature of food (literal and systemic), its flavor (sweet, bitter, pungent, etc.) and its effect on digestion and metabolism to slow down or speed up an animal’s system. Specific foods and dosage are prescribed to deal with an animal’s symptoms and health issues.

The TCVM modalities can benefit any animal. It is most commonly used on small domestic species such as cats and dogs as well as larger domestic species such as horses, cattle, goats and llamas.

Other more surprising species that have responded to TCVM treatment modalities include exotics such as camels, elephants, ducks, guinea keets, and parrots as well as pocket pets such as mice, rats, guinea pigs and hamsters.