Chinese Herbs by Dr. Joy Alesdatter
Every year I try to complete another course in Traditional Chinese Medicine in addition to keeping up with my Western Veterinary Continuing Education. Our acupuncture and herbal practice has been growing rapidly. This last spring I completed the second of three Chinese Herbology Courses I am taking through the Chi Institute in Florida. Years ago, I completed the Veterinary Acupuncture Course and competency test at CSU with Dr. Narda Robinson and company. Prior to this I worked with Dr. Sheila Tuler and learned much from her about acupuncture in animals. I initially studied Chinese Herbology from Dr. Mona Boudreaux and Dr. Allen. Under their capable tutelage I began to combine acupuncture and herbs. Now I am continuing my Traditional Chinese Medical Training by studying with Dr. Xie, the founder of the Chi Institute in Florida. I use Dr. Xie’s formulas from Jing Tang Herbal and Dr. Boudreaux’s and Marsden’s formulas from Natural Path Herb Company. Many of the formulas I learned initially came from Dr. Zhao, a practitioner for humans here in Santa Fe, and a teacher of my teacher, Dr. Allen. I still use many of his special formulas for animals. Here are some answers to common questions I receive about Chinese Herbal Medicine.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is a principle branch of complimentary and alternative medicine in the veterinary profession. It includes a range of traditional therapeutics originating in China over 2,000 years ago. Today, the long standing history and wisdom behind Chinese Herbal Medicine is used to prepare herbal remedies using modern methods that best utilize the healing powers in the herbs. Many clinical studies have indicated that Chinese Herbal Medicine is extremely effective for treating a wide variety of medical disorders, including cardiovascular, dermatological, endocrine abnormalities, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. One of the primary goals of Chinese Herbology is to treat the underlying pattern leading to a deficiency or excess which then leads to the symptoms we see in our pets. One of the most appealing things about Chinese Herbal Medicine is that many problems can be prevented with Chinese practices and it is often possible to combine herbal medicine with western medicine.
What are the goals of herbal treatment?
Goals fall into 4 categories: 1) to cure disease 2) to stabilize and prevent a disease from advancing 3) to mediate the side effects or increase the effectiveness of Western medical treatments 4) to promote quality of life and increase the well-being of patients who have debilitating diseases.
How long does it take for Chinese Herbal Medicine to work?
This depends on the condition. Some results may be seen in mere days, where other cases, particularly chronic conditions, can require several weeks of herbal therapy to show improvement. There are chronic conditions which benefit from chronic herbal use.
Are there conditions that Chinese Herbal Medicine cannot treat?
The list of conditions that can be relieved and healed through Chinese Herbal Medicine is long and varied. From acute trauma to chronic debilitating conditions, herbal formulas can often help restore health. Fractures and structural abnormalities cannot themselves typically be treated with herbs, but Chinese Herbal Medicine may facilitate and accelerate healing, as well as reduce pain associated with treating these conditions. I love combining both Western and Eastern healing.
Why do I need Veterinary assistance when ordering herbal medicine?
Just because herbs are natural products does not mean they can be used casually. If used incorrectly, even natural formulas can cause serious problems. For example, some herbs cannot be used in pregnant animals because they can cause abortion, so it is important to work with a knowledgeable practitioner. To begin with, an accurate diagnosis is necessary.
Can Chinese Herbs be safely used with conventional western medicine?
In general, YES, because the formulas are designed to balance the body and treat the exhibited pattern. This is another reason a knowledgeable practitioner is very important. When patients are also on Western medications, those patients should be monitored carefully when using herbs that may have similar actions to the Western medications.
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