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Heron Creek Animal Hospital

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is a form of veterinary medical treatment that is based on the same theories as Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Overview

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has been used in China for thousand of years. Based off of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCVM encompasses an entire body of thoughts and practices that are found in Chinese philosophy. TCVM continues to evolve today, mixing with Western practices and becoming increasingly popular in clinics around the country.

The Four Branches of TCVM

Acupuncture: Through the insertion of specialized needles, acupuncture is a treatment that focuses on the stimulation of points. Acupuncture points usually lie along the body's Meridian Channels, which are transposed from humans to animals, although there is some knowledge of "classical points" on particular species.

Herbal Medicine: Herbal ingredients are used to treat disease patterns in the form of pills, capsules or even powder.

Food Therapy: Diets are used to treat and prevent imbalance within the body.

Tui-na: A form of Chinese massage where manipulations are applied to points and Meridian Channels to promote circulation and correct imbalances.

TCVM Today

TCVM is a form of complementary therapy and is used best when mixed with Western practices. Western medicine typically involves modern technology, powerful medication and treatments, and updated procedures that TCVM does not. This is why they work so well together, taking the strongest points from each theory to create an effective therapy practice.