Many plants, and more specific many herbs have been used since the beginning of time, known to man, for their cleaning, calming, ceremonial and healing modalities, to name but a few. These uses were handed down from generation to generation mostly by direct oral teachings, for instance from mother to daughter. Some people in a tribe would be more proficient at using and remembering the different remedies, and they were normally seen as the medicine man or woman.
Since the Chinese were one of the first cultures globally, to develop a written language, they also had the first modality of transmitting knowledge, without losing of vital information spanning several generations. The Chinese also developed the 5 element theory, which is the basis for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). In this basic theory, every living being has a constitution, and every constitution is as individual as fingerprints. Therefore, the main difference between the TCVM approach and traditional western medicine, is that they are treated constitutionally. This means that the same condition for eg. Hip dysplasia will be treated the same in two different dogs by Western medicine, but requires a different approach, and therefore different treatment approach in different dogs, depending on the TCVM.
The body is a wonderfully complex and compensating mechanism, and therefore constitutions can change, and therefore, so should the approach by a TCVM practitioner. This is no excuse for good, diagnostic, basic veterinary medicine, but should rather be seen as a healthy adjunct to normal Western medications. They work differently, but ultimately synergistically, and by respectfully and carefully applying the best of both worlds, you can offer your patients so much more.
TCVM herbs, are carefully planted, as well as harvested, therefore maximizing their healing properties. It is very important to use a product that has been tested extensively, as well as registered with the proper regulatory authorities. It is equally important that a qualified TCVM practitioner be the one that makes the diagnosis and therefore medicates your animal. The best effects are normally seen with a holistic approach. That means:
- A good diagnosis with the proper tests, as well as a TCVM consultation
- A stabilization of the acute underlying mechanism with the appropriate medicine, carefully making use of TCVM herbal therapies adjunctively
- Other modalities like acupuncture and physical therapies should also be added where appropriate
- The basis of many therapies is the diet, as this can also be used as a therapy
Continuous monitoring of medical and physical conditions under the careful supervision of a vet, and your TCVM practitioner is necessary for long term stable maintenance of your dog’s condition. Some conditions respond really well to TCVM, and may over the long term completely resolve, depending on the condition and the severity. Herbal remedies are made to bring the body back into balance, which is one of the basic rules of TCVM.
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