Eastern Medicine

Eastern Medicine for Pets

Although Western medicine is the most commonly practiced veterinary medicine, a growing number of Eastern therapies are gaining popularity.

Eastern medicine, or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is based on the philosophy of Taoism.

Similarly, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is the animal counterpart of TCM.

While Western medicine separates health from disease, the fundamental difference between the two is that TCVM views wellness as a state of balance.

For example, instead of honing in on the symptoms of a specific illness, TCVM practitioners study a patient’s life as a whole to determine the unbalance causing the illness.

Another way of viewing it is: Eastern medicine adapts to an environment while Western medicine changes an environment.

In TCVM, balance within yourself and with others, as well as balance in nature and diet, are key to overall health and wellness. 

The practice originated through years of meticulous observation of nature, the cosmos, and the human body.

Eastern Veterinary Practices

As mentioned, the principles of TCM and TCVM developed over a period of more than 3,500 years and are practiced all over the world, particularly in Eastern countries. 

However, TCVM is rapidly growing in the West as an adjunct to traditional approaches. 

This modality is often beneficial for animals that do not respond favorably to typical Western veterinary treatments.

TCVM practices include five major fundamental branches: Food Therapy, Acupuncture, Eastern Herbals, Tui-Na(“twee-na”) and Qi-Gong (“chi-gong”).

TCVM Benefits

All animals are susceptible to illness.

Instead of waiting for an ailment to occur and then treating it, TCVM practices emphasize prevention through a healthy and balanced life.

For example, in treating common viruses, allergies, and illnesses, a traditional veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, which are often overused, or potent pharmaceuticals with harsh side effects. 

The TCVM practitioner, however, may suggest a combination of Chinese herbal therapy, various forms of massage, acupuncture, and specific dietary guidelines.

These treatments are excellent in addressing ear infections, allergies, skin problems, and chronic pain.

In order to stay current, Dr. Marc Smith attends Chi University in Reddick, Florida, for continuing education in Eastern Medicine/TCVM.

Connect with Us:

More Posts

Treatments for Hyperthyroidism in Cats: 4 Simple Options that Actually Work

There are a few different treatments for hyperthyroidism in cats. This condition is the result of overactive thyroid glands. It’s very common and frequently affects older cats between 10 – 13 years of age. Cats with hyperthyroidism tend to burn energy too fast, which leads to weight loss even though they eat more and have a greater appetite Depending on the specific circumstances of your pet, your veterinarian will advise you on the best course of action. 4 Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism in Cats Treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats could be any of the following: 1. Radioactive Iodine Therapy This

Read More »

What’s the Best Natural Skin Soother for Dogs?

Natural supplements can be highly beneficial as skin soothers for dogs suffering from allergies. They have fewer adverse effects than prescription drugs and greatly help with dog or cat skin allergies. However, they aren’t always as effective as cortisone-type drugs like prednisone. Have you ever had a dog with itchy skin? If so, you are familiar with how frustrating it is to look for a solution. It may have even crossed your mind to look at a holistic or homeopathic skin soother for dogs just to sort out the problem. Many supplements can be used as a skin soother for

Read More »

Calm Fear Aggression in Dogs: 5 Realistic Steps You Can Take

Anger, fear, rage- these are the last three things you want your pet to feel. Fear aggression in dogs stems from these emotions. We never want to inflict hardship on our pets, but there are things beyond our control. Your fur baby must face the big world out there one way or another. Therefore, you must learn to calm fear aggression in dogs to keep your dog and other dogs safe. Now, you may wonder- how do you know if your dog has fear aggression? Before we tackle how to calm fear aggression in dogs, we must learn to spot

Read More »

Should You be Alarmed by the Leptospirosis Vaccine’s 10 Side Effects?

While it is true that leptospirosis could kill your dog, this disease is quite rare in the United States. Therefore, there may be cases where you don’t have to give your dogs the leptospirosis vaccine.  What Is Lepto?  Lepto, short for leptospirosis, is a bacterial infection caused by leptospira. This is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can transfer from animals to people. Even though zoonotic illnesses are uncommon, exposure to them increases your risk.   Contact with infected bodily fluids is the main means of transmission.  This disease can affect dogs of any age, breed, or sex. Thus, veterinarians don’t rule

Read More »