Overview

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is an extension of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years. Rooted in Chinese philosophy, TCVM views disease as an imbalance in the body, focusing on identifying underlying patterns of disharmony to restore health. A key component of this approach is the Five Elements Theory, which describes the relationships between the body's systems—wood (liver), fire (heart), earth (spleen), metal (lungs), and water (kidneys). As TCVM continues to evolve, it is increasingly integrated with Western veterinary practices, gaining popularity in clinics across 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.