Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)  is an extension of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been used to treat people since ancient times. It is based on the Chinese Daoist philosophy that the body, which is a microcosm of the universe, is ruled by laws and forces that also govern the external world. Just as life-energy or “Qi” is an innate force of the universe, it too is a fundamental force of the body, driving its every action and transformation. Yin-Yang theory, which is central to Daoist philosophy, also features prominently in Chinese Medicine.
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The Four Branches of TCVM
​Once a particular type of disharmony or disease pattern is identified, treatment proceeds through a combination of treatment modalities. Though the terms Chinese Medicine and acupuncture are often used interchangeably in the West, acupuncture is actually only one modality or “branch” of TCVM. There are four branches of TCVM – Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy, and Tui-na.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the stimulation of points, typically achieved through the insertion of specialized needles into the body. Acupuncture points typically lie along the body’s Meridian channels along which Qi (life-energy)flows.   Most veterinary acupuncture points and Meridian lines are transposed to animals from humans, though knowledge of some “classical points” defined on particular species have been retained and are used to this day.

Once the patient’s imbalance(s) and/or sensitive points are determined, an acupuncture prescription is formulated. This will usually include insertion of 10-20 very thin needles at various acupoints.  The needles are left in place for anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes (usually 10-20 min.) Many times a small electrical impulse is run between two acupoints to obtain stronger stimulation and endorphin release.  Acupuncture can be used as a complement to herbal medicine, laser therapy, and chiropractic. 

​Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of treatment therapy in animals when it is performed by a properly trained veterinarian.  In dogs and cats, the placement of the acupuncture needles is virtually painless.  In all animals, once the needle has been placed, there should be no pain.  Most dogs and cats become very relaxed and sleepy.  As in humans, acupuncture treatment on pets may cause some uncomfortable sensations such as numbness, cramps, or tingles.

The initial response to acupuncture is different for every animal.   A dog or cat's condition may appear worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment, and other animals become sleepy for 24 hours. These effects are an indication that physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.

​Depending on your dog or cat's condition(s),  treatments may start with once weekly for 4-6 weeks, then taper to once every 2-6 weeks. Others may do well with weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks then only require "fine tune" check ups every few months. Still others may only require 4-6 treatments in total.  Each pet will be unique in their treatment plan.

Herbals

Herbal Medicine utilizes herbal ingredients listed within the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica in particular combinations or formulas to treat particular disease patterns.  Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) therapies date back 4,000 years!  Herbs today are prepared with the benefits of modern technology, but are still guided by historical wisdom.

In this modality, herbs are used to correct imbalance underlying a disease pattern and to promote the body's ability to heal itself.  Each herb has a different effect on the body and can fall under a number of classifications such as warming, cooling, sour, or bitter and can affect a variety of organs, including the liver, lungs, or heart. TCVM utilizes herbal formulas that are a combination of single-herb ingredients to treat a specific pattern of disease.  Herbal formulas are administered orally and are typically given in tea pill or capsule form to cats and dogs.

CHM is an all-natural treatment option that is generally safe and effective when prescribed correctly.  An extensive body of clinical research have shown CHM to be extremely effective in  treating chronic veterinary medical issues in the fields of: gastroenterology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, reproduction, oncology, and behavior.  CHM is also commonly used to treat respiratory issues and sports injuries.  In addition, CHM increases the quality of life for geriatric patients, especially those diagnosed with terminal cancer, since it assists the body's ability to reduce tumor size when chemotherapy is not an option.  CHM can be combined with acupuncture and/or Western Medicine to enhance clinical results

Food Therapy

Food Therapy is the science of tailoring diet plans to treat individual pets and prevent imbalance within the body based on unique inborn tendencies, age, species, geographical location, personality, and any current disharmony or disease process.   It utilizes knowledge of the energetics of food ingredients, which include both their thermal energetic property (temperature) and their taste.

​Developed according to TCVM theory, Chinese food therapy recipes can be classified into one of the following categories:

1. Health Promotion and Prevention - to improve health on a regular basis and to prevent seasonal- and climate-related problems.
2. Disease Treatment - to directly treat clinical conditions, including skin problems, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency.
3. Adjunct Therapy - to complement primary treatments (acupuncture, herbs, or Western Medicine) of diseases such as otitis, urinary crystals and stones, UTI, IBD, CHF, cancer, renal failure, and liver failure​.

When chosen correctly, there are virtually no side effects to food therapy and it is a mode of treatment that can be used safely over the course of an animal's life. 

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Tui Na

Tui-na is a form of Chinese medical massage in which different manipulations are applied to acupoints and Meridians to promote the circulation of Qi and correct imbalances within the organ systems.   It was first used in the 16th-11th centuries BC and references to this treatment can be found in the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperors Inner Classic, written in 475-221 BC). 

It can be used to regulate the Channels, soothe joints and sinews, promote circulation of Qi and blood, strengthen the immune system and promote normal function of the Zang-Fu organs. Tui-na is most commonly used to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions and is also useful as a preventative medicine therapy, because it promotes balance in the body. 

​It can also be used in conjunction with and to enhance acupuncture and herbal treatments.  Dogs and cats respond well to Tui-na, and it can be administered on animals that will not allow the insertion of acupuncture needles.  It is safe and effective with no known side effects. 

[Copyright Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine]