TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) is a practice that involves the 5 Elements theory. Without getting into this too much, there is a way that each element is represented in the body of every being and keeping them in balance is health. When they are out of balance, there is disease. In traditional medicine, we tend to think in a linear pattern: if this is inflamed, let’s anti-inflame it (ex anti- inflammatory)… Or if this is infected with bacteria, anti-bacterial. These things are still important with the way I practice (integrative medicine). However, TCVM helps me take it a step ..read more

TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) is a practice that involves the 5 Elements theory. Without getting into this too much, there is a way that each element is represented in the body of every being and keeping them in balance is health. When they are out of balance, there is disease. In traditional medicine, we tend to think in a linear pattern: if this is inflamed, let’s anti-inflame it (ex anti- inflammatory)… Or if this is infected with bacteria, anti-bacterial. These things are still important with the way I practice (integrative medicine). However, TCVM helps me take it a step ..read more

Perna canaliculus – scientific name of Green Lipped Mussel Green Lipped Mussel is a popular new supplement. When I speak with new clients a lot of them “think” they are giving this but it turns out they are using the oil rather than the extract. In addition, if this product is not harvested and processed immediately by cold live extraction, then there won’t be enough active ingredient in the product to make a difference. This is my attempt at getting some good information out there about what product is best when choosing a GLM joint supplement. There is a process that happens in pets ..read more

“Transitioning to a Holistic Practice Veterinary medicine straight from the heart.  Our latest Game Changer, Dr. Neely North, knew she wanted to be a veterinarian by age 7 – so she became one. Now the owner of Nashville Holistic Veterinary Care, she practices Chinese medicine, acupuncture and food therapy.” Dr. Karen Becker The post Transitioning to a Holistic Practice With Dr. Neely North appeared first on Nashville Holistic Veterinary Care ..read more

Kale  Kale is considered to be a sweet and pungent green in TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine). Pungent is just another word for strong so keep in mind only small amounts are needed to be beneficial. Even if your pet is not eating grass, they can benefit from the chlorophyll, calcium, iron, and Vitamin A found in this leafy green. Chlorophyll has been gaining momentum in the nutrition world for several years due to its properties and actions including reducing inflammation, promoting a healthy intestinal flora as well as being a detoxifying agent – it can help r ..read more

Should you vaccinate your pet for Distemper and Parvo? What about Leptospirosis? I’ve had a lot of clients express concern about speaking to their vet about minimal vaccine protocols. Some say they feel dismissed, judged or the other  way around – that they feel the vet may feel dismissed or judged by their decision to use fewer vaccines. This blog is an attempt to bridge the gap – see both sides – so that you can have an open conversation about this with your veterinarian and hopefully everyone feels heard/ understood. This is not a blog about Dr. North telling you if you need the Leptos ..read more

How to Treat Hotspots – The (W)Holistic Vet Perspective  Here is a hotspot on my dog. This photo is dated April 12, 2020. I’ve been pretty under the weather the past few weeks. I noticed him licking/ chewing an area the night before but I just distracted him and he stopped. Apparently he really went after it sometime during the night because this was what I found Sunday morning, April 12:    A few notes about the patient, Splinter:  Splinter is a 13 (ish) year old castrated male Australian shepherd. He has chronic back pain, it started around the time he was 4 years old ..read more

Article reposted with permission from Real Mushrooms. Exploring the Potency & Uses of the Top Medicinal Mushrooms Mushrooms have long been touted for their myriad of health benefits, and the use of medicinal mushroom dates back thousands of years. Now, in recent times with functional medicine and nutrition going mainstream, we’re seeing a resurgence of interest in these marvelous superfoods. But there are a few things you should know before running to your local supplement shop… This article will encapsulate the top health benefits of 7 medicinal mushrooms, while also explaining why some p ..read more

Strengthen your pet’s immune system! And some information on COVID 19 from the AVMA   This is indeed a trying time. It’s interesting to me that what is happening is that we are being faced with the same reality we face every day- we are not in control and we are not promised anything – not even tomorrow. Every day of my life has been a day where everything could change in an instant. However, the vast majority of the time, I’m not really thinking/acting that way. I don’t know many humans that live this way, in complete surrender/ mindfulness/ presence. I do know my dogs live this way and ..read more

In this post you will find a TON of information on how honey bees can help with healing. But first, a word on how I came across this info: Did you know that every year, holistic veterinarians get together to learn more about how to help your pets in a more natural way? I have attended this conference for the last 3 years and plan to attend this year as well. The first one I attended really shaped my life- it was in California and it was the first time I realized a veterinarian can practice just holistic medicine. I realized that just because I’m a DVM doesn’t mean there are any “musts” about w ..read more