History of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is an ancient art and natural science dating back more than 3000 years with documented history of treatment efficacy and methods. This medical modality was the child of the age-old tradition of Integral Medicine with its roots in the I-Ching (Classic of Change) and related ancient Taoist practices. A tradition committed to promoting balance with nature, it is with this same adherence that the Dragon Gate Institute serves its community and clients.

The earliest verifiable record of Chinese Veterinary Medicine is from the Shang Dynasty, 1766 to 1066 BCE. The veterinary doctors of this time were concerned with horses. In 480 BCE, Shun Yang was the first full time practitioner of Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is considered the father of veterinary TCM.

A school of veterinary medicine was established around the 6th century AD. Important books in veterinary medicine were written at this time and include: Ssu Mu An Chi (a collection of ways to relieve suffering horses) edited by Ki Ssu and is the earliest work on differential diagnosis in veterinary medicine, Jan Chen Ma Ching (treatise on horse disease), and Chi Ma Niu T'o Lu Ching (various treatises on the treatment of horses, cattle, camels and donkeys, three volumes and an index). During the 6th century AD, acupuncture was introduced into Japan where it was used in equine medicine.

In the 17th century, acupuncture was introduced by the Jesuits to France. In Europe, acupuncture was studied in both human and veterinary medicine but was set aside during the later 19th century only to gain popularity again recently. In China, western medicine became popular during the 19th century. At this time, acupuncture was driven into the country and remote areas.

Because Western medicine was not accessible during WWII and the chaos of the following years, the Chinese were forced to once again rely on TCM. When the government was restructured after the war, there were new mandates to investigate TCM and schools of medicine were to integrate western and TCM. In 1947, a school of agriculture and veterinary medicine was opened and was devoted to Veterinary Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Theory and Modalities used in TCVM

TCVM theory confers that illness and resulting symptoms are understood to be the result of imbalances or blockages of the flow of chi (energy) through the channels (acupuncture meridians). Diagnostic methods are used to describe the imbalance and the resulting illness due to the imbalance. Also TCVM considers all aspects of the patient's environment. Specifically, balance within the body and between the body and the environment is emphasized. Additional factors include quality of the food, water and air the patient has available.

In TCVM, rather than sort through each sign and label it as a separate problem, practitioners identify patterns of disharmony. The main treatment in TCVM is to restore the energy balance in the patient. This is accomplished by using herbs or acupuncture to help the body heal itself by restoring vitality or energy.

Acupuncture points are found within meridians. The channels form a network interconnecting all organs to maintain equilibrium. These channels also have the function of promoting the circulation of Chi and blood, so the organs and tissues can be properly nourished, maintain normal physiologic activities and sustain equilibrium of yin and yang. As the conduit of energy flow, meridians are found both on the surface and the deep interior of the body. Twelve major meridians correspond with the twelve major organ systems of the body. The meridians act as rivers of energy running through the organ systems and extending to other parts of the body.

In TCVM herbal therapy is used in conjunction with acupuncture or alone. Herbs have been studied and used for many thousand of years. Herbal therapy is used worldwide in different cultures. In TCVM, each herb and herbal therapy has a proven and well-documented history.

TCVM approaches treatment recognizing the inherent diversity and individuality of the patient. Each animal receives a tailored treatment protocol according to individual manifestations of the ailment in relation to the overall constitution of the particular animal. In so doing, treatments often respond quickly and directly to the specific animal rather than to a generic symptom of the disease or ailment.