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Buxmont Veterinary Hospital
1724 Yardley Langhorne Rd
Yardley (Morrisville), PA 19067
215-741-0148
Integrative Medicine
Dr. Nicole specializes in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). This includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage (Tui-na), and food therapy. These services are often thought of as "holistic" or "complementary" to conventional veterinary medicine. However, we encourage pet owners and other veterinarians to think of these services as Integrative Medicine. Meaning, when we "integrate" or combine them with regular veterinary medicine, we can achieve a better overall outcome.
Many people look to holistic medicine as an alternative or a "last resort" when conventional medicine has failed to make their pet better. When people seek out these services in the later stages of disease or illness, it is often a lot harder to achieve success. TCVM is best thought of as "slow medicine." Comparatively, it is a lot gentler on the body with less risk of side effects, but it can take a while to see results so it is always better to seek out a TCVM practitioner sooner than later.
For regular patients, Dr. Nicole will always assess them from a holistic standpoint and recommend TCVM services when appropriate. For referral patients, Dr. Nicole will work alongside their primary care veterinarian to ensure clear communication, accurate diagnostics, and ideal treatment plans for the best possible outcomes.
More information is provided below.
If you believe this is something your pet could benefit from, call to schedule a consultation today!
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
(TCVM)
TCVM is a complete medical system grounded in Chinese Daoist philosophy that has been used to successfully treat animals for thousands of years. It is evidence-based medicine. A quick internet search will turn up a variety of "opinions" on how effective Traditional Chinese (Veterinary) Medicine can be, but the reality is that these are proven methods with tens of thousands of validated, published scientific studies that can be found with a PubMed or Google Scholar search. Research continues to this day as ancient practices are combined with modern medicine to achieve healing success.
Disease is believed to result when an imbalance exists in the body. TCVM practitioners take into consideration everything from age, sex, temperament, activity level, diet, and environment to determine the pattern of imbalance and to correct it.
Acupuncture:
The insertion of specialized needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture works primarily through the nervous system and its effects are cumulative. Some responses can be seen after just 1 treatment. Most chronic conditions will take at least 4-6 treatments before significant results are seen.
Tui-na:
A combination of therapeutic massage, acupressure, and chiropractic. Various massage and pressure techniques help release tension, decrease pain, improve relaxation, and regulate the body. Some techniques may be taught to owners to be performed on pets between sessions.
Food Therapy:
Diet recommendations based on Chinese principles may help correct imbalances and prevent disease. Recommendations may include changing protein sources, adding whole food "toppers" to current diets, or formulating home-cooked meals based on an animal's current condition.
Herbal Medicine:
Formulas are matched to an individual's condition and have substantially fewer side effects compared to conventional medications. Acute conditions may resolve in as little as a few days, while chronic conditions may require life-long maintenance.
Additional Alternative
and Holistic Services
Laser Therapy:
Also known as photobiomodulation, laser therapy is a non-invasive technique using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate tissues within the body and speed up the healing process. This technique can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points for pets that are unreceptive to or unable to receive needling.
Homeopathy:
Based on the theory of "like cures like," homeopathy uses extremely dilute substances to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal. Remedies can be given as injections in-hospital or sent home in various forms (usually liquid) to be administered to pets at home.
Ozone Therapy:
By increasing the amount of oxygen available to tissues, ozone helps to reduce inflammation and pain, has antimicrobial properties, and stimulates the immune system. It can be administered as a quick and painless gas enema (aka our "booty boost") or saturated into various liquids and given in ways that will benefit the individual at the time of treatment.
Essential Oils:
Essential oils can help reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. They can boost the immune system, act as adaptogens, and help restore overall balance. Oils can be diffused, applied topical when diluted, and some can even be given orally.
PEMF:
Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field therapy is another non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic fields (generated with powerful magnets) to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal and can be used for a variety of conditions. We have one PEMF mat we use in-hospital and can advice on at-home devices to be purchased or rented for your pet's individual needs.
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