| Most companion
animal caretakers have been educated to believe that
a highly-processed cereal product called “pet food”
is adequate food for their beloved animals. But in our
hearts we all know that eating wholesome fresh food
is what has kept each of us healthy for the life of
our species. Thus the question is, if we elect to begin
either feeding fresh, wholesome foods to our companion
animals or adding such foods to their current diet,
how do we choose what is correct for them? Just
as there is no one “perfect” diet for all humans,
there is not one for dogs and cats either. We know
that there are differences in our personalities, body
shapes and sizes, energy levels, ages, and, in our
companion animals, breed differences as well. How
do we sort through these differences to determine
that best diet for each individual at every life stage?
Fortunately, Traditional Chinese Veterinary
Medicine (TCVM) has well-developed strategies to develop
the proper diet for our companion animals. The TCVM
examination will determine if your animal is Excess
or Deficient, Hot or Cold, or Damp or Dry. Further,
whenever your companion animal suffers from a medical
problem such as cardiovascular disease, seizures or
behavioral disorders, the TCVM examination can point
to the disharmony that may then be treated with acupuncture
and herbal medicines and further supported with the
appropriately designed diet.
TCVM has discovered that foods have
certain “energetic” properties. For example, when
you eat a hot pepper, you begin to feel hot, sweat,
and your superficial blood vessels dilate so that
your skin appears redder. The opposite effect is found
by eating a piece of watermelon. TCVM would classify
the pepper as “Hot” and say that it “releases the
exterior” and watermelon as “Cold” and say that it
“reduces excess heat” in the body. Every food may
be classified as having various properties. Some Tonify
Qi, Blood, Yin or Yang. Some foods Circulate Qi, Circulate
Blood, Dry Damp, Drain Water, Clear Heat, Warm the
Cold, or Reduce Toxicity.
When an experienced TCVM practitioner
makes a diagnosis for your companion animal, they
can then recommend foods that facilitate healing in
each individual. And the foods that are recommended
will be wholesome foods such as you might feed yourself.
There are quick and easy methods to prepare these
foods for those of us who live full and busy lives.
It is also commonly possible to add simple additions
to your companion animal's current diet in order to
help them continue on the path to good health and
longevity. TCVM Food Therapy is an integral part of
an ancient and well-researched system of health and
healing. |
