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Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines are a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). - In China: - Acupuncture accounts for 20-30% of TCM treatments - Herbal medicine accounts for 70-80% of TCM treatments
The research behind herbal medicine is extensive: - thousands of clinical trials have been performed - numerous double-blinded studies have been documented
Acupuncture, in general, is more effective for musculoskeletal conditions (arthritis, disc disease, neurologic disease, certain types of gastrointestinal diseases, trauma). - Herbal medicine, however, reinforces pain relief -- and helps acupuncture treatments for musculoskeletal treatments to be more effective in this way.
Chinese herbal medicine, on the other hand, is more effective for internal organ disorders: - inflammatory bowel conditions - seizure disease - respiratory infections - urinary tract problems - heart failure - renal failure - endocrine diseases
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be combined for almost every TCM case.
We must always remember that herbal formulas are drugs! - Although many herbs are extremely safe, there can be side effects seen with improper or misguided use. - Some side effects of certain herbs can be quite serious if not used properly.
Acupuncture and herbal medications should only be employed and prescribed after a sound TCM examination has been conducted by the practitioner, and after a TCM diagnosis has been made (and, ideally, when a Western diagnosis has been made as well).
Please call our office if you would like to make an appointment for your pet to see Dr. Abbie Doll for an acupuncture or herbal medicine consult.
Information above adapted from materials obtained through Dr. Shen Huisheng Xie, DVM, PhD and the Chi Institute of Traditional Veterinary Medicine
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