Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for over 2,000 years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses based on the concept of "Yin and Yang" which are defined as "opposing energies". When these energies are balanced, positive or optimum health and energy are realized; when out of balance, negative energy manifests in the form of ailments and disease. In TCM it is also believed that there is a life force and energy in all living things known as "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). In order for the body to be healthy, the yin and yang must be balanced with the "Qi" flowing freely. If there is too little "Qi", or if the flow of "Qi" is blocked, symptomatic illness occurs.

The ultimate goal of TCM is to treat the yin and yang by promoting the natural flow of "Qi".  This is done through a combination of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Aquapressure, Acupressure, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy. By utilizing TCM in conjunction with conventional Western medicine, an Integrative Veterinary Healthcare regimen is developed that has been proven effective on birds, dogs, cats, exotics and horses.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect. Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years to help restore the flow of "Qi" to relieve a myriad of maladies. Modern research shows that acupoints are located in the areas where there is a high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Most acupoints are motor points. A great number of studies indicate that stimulation of acupoints induce release of beta-endorphin, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Acupuncture can certainly be used alone, but we have found that combining it with Western Medicine enhances likelihood of relief and a positive outcome.
   
• Chinese Herbal Medicine: Chinese herbal medicines are primarily plant based but can include minerals and/or animal products. They can be packaged or manufactured in a variety of ways (powders, pastes, lotions, tablets etc.) depending on the herb and its intended use. Different herbs have different qualities and promote proper balance in specific parts of the body. By prescribing a particular herb or remedy, the practitioner's diagnosis has to take into account the status of the yin and yang, and the factors influencing the affected organs.
   
• Acupressure / Aquapressure: Similar to acupuncture, acupressure/aquapressure involves pressing specific points on the body or the introduction of fluids (usually B-12) to alter the internal flow of the life force or energy called "Qi". Applying this pressure alters the internal flow of the "Qi", strengthening it, calming it, or unblocking it and restoring the proper flow. Acupressure is one of a number of treatment methods regularly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM.
   
• Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

TCM In Action: