Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to treating the whole patient and can include a conventional medicine perspective. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) incorporates acupuncture, herbal therapy, and food therapy to obtain optimal health for your pet. We have many modalities at our disposal to best help you and your pet!
Qi (pronounced chee), or Life Force, is the flow of energy through the body. In illness, Qi can be obstructed or stuck causing pain and chronic disease. TCVM aims to restore the flow of Qi and bring health back into balance. Please keep in mind, the majority of patients with chronic health concerns will need regular appointments for at least 3-6 months while also following at home care instructions for the entire duration of treatment. True healing can take time, and is built upon good observation and dedication!
A Report Card with a plan to follow and recommendations of some of the following will be provided at the end of the appointment: Supplements, Herbal therapy, Food therapy, Behavior modification. Acupuncture appointments may also be scheduled.
The herbal prescriptions may change over time as the condition changes. Diet recommendations may change based on the season. Treatment will be adjusted based on current history, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Some patients with more acute problems may only need a few acupuncture treatments and a short course of herbs, a diet change, or an integrative approach. Some patients will only receive herbal therapy and some will only receive acupuncture depending on the pet and the problem.
I look forward to meeting you and helping your pet become happier and healthier!
Qi (pronounced chee), or Life Force, is the flow of energy through the body. In illness, Qi can be obstructed or stuck causing pain and chronic disease. TCVM aims to restore the flow of Qi and bring health back into balance. Please keep in mind, the majority of patients with chronic health concerns will need regular appointments for at least 3-6 months while also following at home care instructions for the entire duration of treatment. True healing can take time, and is built upon good observation and dedication!
- Prior to the appointment
- Provide us with important medical history including diagnoses and test results. You can bring documents with you or provide a synopsis.
- The first appointment is typically scheduled for 1 hour
- In TCVM, all medical problems are linked, so it is important for us to know about past medical issues. Tell us anything that you think might be relevant including any behavior concerns.
- 60 minutes goes by very quickly so make sure to have everything filled out and come prepared. Bring pen and paper and stay organized and focused to get the most from your appointment.
- Physical exam, Tongue and Pulse diagnosis.
- A complete physical exam will be performed with a focus on any areas of concern. Palpation of certain acupuncture points will be used to aid in diagnosis. The tongue color, shape, and general characteristics will be evaluated. The pulse will also be evaluated.
A Report Card with a plan to follow and recommendations of some of the following will be provided at the end of the appointment: Supplements, Herbal therapy, Food therapy, Behavior modification. Acupuncture appointments may also be scheduled.
- Treatment Response. In people, reactions to acupuncture range from laughing to crying and most people report a feeling of profound relaxation. Just like people, many pets enjoy acupuncture and become relaxed during treatment. While some are a little nervous, they can still experience a benefit after they leave the clinic. Rarely, some conditions are worse after acupuncture before they get better (arthritis). It is best for pets to rest on the day of and day after their appointment. It’s important to realize that a significant response to supplements and herbal therapy may not be seen for 2 weeks or more. Herbs have healing properties and are not necessarily used for symptomatic treatment. If your pet has been ill for a long time, the healing process can also be long. Patience is key!
- Recheck evaluations and follow up acupuncture appointments. This appointment is typically a 30 minute appointment. After the initial visit, the pet should be seen within 2- 3 weeks of starting an herbal formula. If acupuncture is included in the treatment plan, it’s usually recommended once every 1-2 weeks for 4-6 weeks to provide a baseline of response. If this schedule doesn’t work for you, we are happy to work with you to come up with a plan that is doable.
- Home observation. Pet parents are encouraged to keep a diary or a mental log of any changes in the pet’s mood, sleep patterns, and mobility. Even the most subtle change, can indicate improvement.
The herbal prescriptions may change over time as the condition changes. Diet recommendations may change based on the season. Treatment will be adjusted based on current history, tongue and pulse diagnosis. Some patients with more acute problems may only need a few acupuncture treatments and a short course of herbs, a diet change, or an integrative approach. Some patients will only receive herbal therapy and some will only receive acupuncture depending on the pet and the problem.
I look forward to meeting you and helping your pet become happier and healthier!