The philosophy of holistic veterinarians is to look at all aspects of the animal, and be open to using a variety of treatments. Holistic veterinarians often concentrate on nutrition and diet, the environment and lifestyle of the animal, and psychologic state of the animal in the treatment and prevention of disease. Communication between the animal, owner, and veterinarian are emphasized.

Holistic veterinarians use conventional and alternative therapies on a case-by-case basis. They recognize that the most modern veterinary techniques such as ultrasound, sophisticated laboratory tests, and surgical procedures are necessary in caring for an animal. Similarly they believe alternative medicine modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic and others can play a significant role in the health and wellness of pets.

At Angel we embrace this integrative approach to veterinary care and feel it is important to be able to offer our clients as many options as possible that are available to them when making decisions about the care of their four-legged family members.  Dr. Akos Hartai, who joined our team in December 2009, is a certified acupuncturist and chiropractor and he is also trained in Tui Na and herbal medicine.  If you would like to contact Dr. Hartai directly, you can email him at akos.hartai@angevetcenter.com.

A Brief Introduction to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is actually a synthesis of a number of important modalities invented in different parts of China over the millennia, and all of these disparate healing systems are unified by an underlying theoretical framework based on the concepts of Yin and Yang, the Eight Principles, the Five Phases and the Zang Fu organ systems of the body.

Yin and Yang are the most fundamental principles. Yin refers to the dark, moist, cool, consolidating, nourishing aspects of the universe and thus the body. Yang suggests the light, dry, warm, expansive and energetic aspects of the body. These concepts are not just theoretical, they are practical, may be diagnostic and suggest treatment principles. For example, a cat with a western biomedical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism would usually have a red tongue, thin body, high metabolic rate, and rapid pulse. These are Yang characteristics. TCVM treatment principles are based upon heteropathy (treat to create the opposite condition that is diagnosed), so this Yang hyperthyroid cat would be benefited by Yin-nourishing Foods, Herbs and Acupuncture.

The Eight Principles are essentially an expansion of Yin and Yang to help us determine the Location, Quality and Quantity of the animal's disharmony.  As with Yin and Yang, understanding a disease process with respect to the Eight Principles can help consolidate a diagnosis and determine the correct heteropathic treatment.  The Five Phases, or Five Elements as they are sometimes referred to in the West, describe a complex relationship between the organ and energetic systems of the body.  Metaphorical correlations of our body systems, organs, tissues and even emotions with Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood phases can help to both treat current disharmonies and predict future problems unique to each individual pet.  It also provides an understanding of which types of herbs and foods may benefit such an animal, and either help them heal more rapidly, or even prevent specific problems for occuring based upon the Generative Cycle between the Five Phases.