Alternative Medicine
Tui Na / Herbalism / Essential Oils / TCVM Acupuncture

What is Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine refers to a range of medical therapies including acupuncture, laser therapy, Tui Na, herbalism, supplementation, natural oils, and others. 

What kind of animals can receive alternative medicine? 

All species can benefit from some type of alternative medicine.

You mentioned above Tui Na, what is that? 

Tui Na which means “pinch and pull” refers to a type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The purpose is to maintain or restore the harmonious flow of life-promoting energy and blood by therapeutic massage. It is used to help release tension in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As well as aiding aging issues such as arthritis, loss of vitality, weakness and joint stiffness. 

What is TCVM Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a technique of Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine that has been used to treat animals for thousands of years.

What is the difference between Scientific and TCVM acupuncture? 

Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) believes in balance and energy. TCVM considers disease an imbalance in the body and aims to rebalance the body. 

My pet is very old/young, is Alternative medicine right for them? 

Pets of any age should be examined by a veterinarian before deciding if alternative medicine is the most beneficial for them. 

I am a big fan of essential oils, are they good for my pet? 

Yes!  We do use essential oils on animals. Please ask our veterinary team about the most appropriate choice of oils, and how to safely administer them to your pet.  As formulations among companies can vary greatly, our vet can also assist you on how to use the essential oils. We can even help with adding essential oils to litter box additives to help your cat with various urinary marking habits. This can help some cats who are having difficulty using their litter box, find their way back. 

Dr. Knapp has a special interest and extra training when it comes to picking and using the right essential oils. 

Before using any herbal medicine or essential oils on your pet, please double check with a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. Give Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital a call at (586) 416-8800

Alright, I’m hooked, who should I book my appointment with? 

Call Parkway Small Animal and Exotic Hospital today at (586) 416-8800 and set up an appointment with a member of our veterinary team that provides holistic support including Dr. Golombek and Dr. Knapp.