About Traditional Veterinary Chinese  Medicine 

This is a form of alternative or complementary therapy and it is best used in combination with a western veterinary medical diagnosis and treatment plan.   

 

This is a great way for the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of conditions, even those affecting sporting and working dogs.    This has been used in China for thousands of years and incorporates diet, acupuncture, acupressure-massage (tui-na), and herbal medicine in treating patients.   The basis of this approach involves Yin-Yang theory which describes the opposing forces of nature, seasonal cycles, and the Five Elements (Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire) and “Qi” or the life-energy.  Disease is a result of an imbalance in the body or the blockage in Qi and the TCVM exam’s goal is to identify the underlying pattern of imbalance.    Treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and diet  is used to help bring the body back into balance. 

 

  The TCVM exam  evaluates an animal differently than a typical veterinary exam with special focus on the skin and haircoat and characteristics of the tongue and pulse.