Pet Corner: Arthritis and Traditional Chinese Medicine

February/March 2010
By Susan Melgren 
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Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) addresses the flow of qi (or energy) through the animal’s body. Chris Bessent, D.V.M., founder of Herbsmith, says that in pets, there are six meridians in each leg through which qi flows. When a pet has arthritis, these meridians are blocked, obstructing the flow of qi and causing throbbing pain.

Once the area is obstructed, the pet becomes susceptible to external pathogenic factors, such as wind, damp and cold. (Bessent says she treats the majority of arthritis cases in winter, and that eating warming foods like turkey and chicken can be helpful.) Part of the problem is that movement stimulates the flow of qi, and pets are less active in the winter.

Stimulating pressure points along the legs’ meridians is one way to treat arthritis. Acupuncture, acupressure and moxa all use this method. Acupressure and moxa are safe to try at home. Moxa, a rolled stick of Chinese herbs, is lighted and placed near the pressure points, where the heat stimulates the flow of qi.

RELATED CONTENT

Click here for the main article, Pet Corner: Natural Arthritis Relief for Pets.

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Comments

  • KC Compton 1/27/2010 5:04:34 PM

    I don't know anything about the company you mention, but I'm happy to hear your story. Congratulations for being so proactive for your health and that of your family, and for being willing to investigate alternative ways of approaching your health challenges.

    Best regards,

    K.C. Compton

  • Carole P. 1/27/2010 4:28:39 PM

    I am an Alzheimer's patient, my daughter is a cancer patient with diabetes and obesity, I have a grandson with Crohn's disease, a son with Hepatitis C, and a multitude of other things that crop up from time to time. A friend referred me to a local acupuncturist who also is a licensed herbalist and runs a Chinese herb store as well. This man, Michel, has been amazing for our families health. Traditional Alzheimer's medicines were doing nothing but giving me bad side effects, but the Chinese herbs have been a great help to
    me! None of the western medicine helped my daughters diabetes, but after a few months of being on some of these herbs her blood sugar went from the high 300's+ down to low 200's and below (and still dropping). She has also been losing weight, which is helping too, all using natural herbs and teas. We even have our dogs who have hip dysplasia and arthritis on some herbal formulas that are working wonders for them too.
    I highly recommend anyone looking for non-prescription, inexpensive help for just about any health problem to contact this company! www.eastearthtrade.com 1-800-258-6878. Best of luck to you all and have a glorious and healthy New year!

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