Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has been practiced in China for over 3,000 years.   TCVM includes four branches: Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy and Tui-Na (a form of medical massage).

 

TCVM theory was developed by observation of energy flow (Qi) both in the body and the environment. Just as there is a daily cycle of light and dark, a seasonal cycle of heat and cold, a life cycle of vitality and weakness, energy flows similarly through our bodies and those of our pets, and through their organ systems to maintain health. The system works perfectly and the body remains healthy when it is in balance. The balance can be disrupted by acute pathogens like infections. The ancient Chinese did not have the technology to identify bacteria and viruses, so they named the pathogens from things they observed, such as “wind-cold” (catching a head cold in the winter) or “damp-heat” (hot, moist, smelly conditions like bad ear infections or skin rashes). The balance can also be disrupted by chronic deficiencies. A high energy dog that was bred to work but is crated all day may develop separation anxiety and behavioral problems. An anxious person that is chronically stressed may have a decreased appetite. A cat with a picky appetite may not take in the nutrients from food to support her immune system and is prone to upper respiratory infections. The goal of TCVM is to treat any pathogens and also strengthen any deficiencies so that the body is well-balanced and readily able to fight disease.

TCVM is quite often effective when conventional medicine has exhausted all options, has too many risks or side effects, or is too expensive or invasive. While conventional medicine excels at acute emergency situations, TCVM excels at detecting and treating the underlying imbalances and deficiencies that cause an unhealthy state. When the two are integrated and used together, amazing results can be achieved.

​

Dr. Tucci will create a personalized treatment plan after conducting a detailed history, examination and evaluation of your pet’s personality, preferences and environment and discussing the options with you, the pet parent.