Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM or Eastern medicine encompasses five modalities: Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, Tui-na (medical massage), Food Therapy, and Tai Chi or Qi Gong (this last one not used in animals). In China, even today, human health is often maintained and treated through the use of these techniques exclusively.

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on balancing energy in the body. This energy is called Qi (pronounced “chee”). A body out of balance exhibits clinical signs like coughing, skin infection, or pain. The tools of acupuncture, herbs, diet adjustment, and massage re-balance this energy through the body’s own healing mechanisms.

Chinese medicine treats symptoms and also treats the root cause of disease for long-term health. Western medicine by contrast is effective for acute, life-threatening conditions, and uses medication to treat symptoms. Both are essential in our modern times for optimal health.

Acupuncture
Literally acupuncture means to “puncture” with a needle (“acu”, Latin-with a needle). Acupuncture points are specific areas on the skin surface or just beneath that contain a high density of small vessels, free nerve endings, lymphatic vessels and inflammatory cells called mast cells. Increased electrical activity and low electrical resistance is found when measured at these specific sites.

When an acupuncture point is stimulated, blood flow and inflammatory response increases while pain sensation is modulated. Acupuncture starts with this local effect then expands systematically by sending nerve signals to the brain and initiates the release of internal chemicals that go on to have other distant and beneficial effects in the body.

Acupuncture points are arranged along lines, or meridians, that travel up and down the arms, legs, and back and around the face and head. Energy known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows in these meridians and brings healing to the body.

Herbal Medicine
For several thousand years the Chinese have harvested naturally occurring plants and learned how to use them as medicine. Today many herbs are cultivated. Formulas (combinations of different herbs) are powerful tools to heal and cure disease when used under the guidance of a trained herbalist. Herbs are all natural with wide safety margins (most herbs).

Whole Pet stocks herbs from a trusted source, Jing Tang Herbals. Please proceed to http://www.tcvmherbal.com/quality.asp to view their quality control guidelines.

Food Therapy
Food is the main source of energy for the body and different foods have distinct characteristics with regard to temperature, energy levels, and nutrient content.

By knowing the character of the patient and their energetic deficiencies or excesses (health problems), we can tailor a diet to move towards balance and health.

For example, an older dog who pants constantly, can’t exercise for long periods, and seeks tile floors at night to cool off would benefit from a diet of cooling foods like rabbit, turkey, or whitefish.

Food therapy plays an important support role to acupuncture, herbal therapy, and Western treatments.

Tai Chi/Qi Gong
This is a form of moving meditation that calms the mind and opens the energy meridians. It is more of a mind-body exercise rather than physical exercise and thus hard to achieve in animals. We do not practice Tai Chi or Qi Gong with animals.

Please visit http://www.tcmpage.com/ to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Our Philosophy

Our mission is to prevent and heal disease in companion animals while respecting the values and needs of our clients and employees. We will use technically advanced veterinary medicine and alternative solutions that are safe and effective. We will recycle material and conserve energy, water, and fuel.

You deserve to be given options based on what is best for your pet. You are the most important advocate for your animal and we welcome your active involvement in the treatment plan or preventative health plan for your pet. You know them best and you know what home treatments you can and cannot accomplish.

The medical goals of Whole Pet are to prevent and cure diseases, not just treat symptoms. Our medical practices are based on the most recent information and scientific studies in the veterinary field, supported by alternative and Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that have been applied successfully for over 3,000 years.

Whole Pet works with board certified veterinary specialists and will recommend referral when needed or refer at your request.

On-site high-speed diagnostic technology leads to a quicker diagnosis and treatment plan. We have a digital x-ray which enables us to take and review images within seconds. Our accurate in-house blood-work machines deliver most results during your appointment.

How we minimize our environmental impact
Whole Pet used recycled and sustainable materials during our remodel when possible including: reception desk was made from salvaged Oregon wood; existing hardwood floors were revitalized; existing house doors were kept and a salvaged door was placed in surgery. Treatment, Lab, Surgery and hallway lighting was converted to low energy, high efficiency T8 fluorescent fixtures and all remaining lights are low energy fluorescents. Cabinets were built in Oregon with low VOC materials, low or zero VOC paint was used on all inside walls, and sustainable bamboo window shades were installed. A high efficiency gas powered water heater was added. Holding kennels were insulated with recycled cotton for noise control and patient warmth.

We will use biodegradable trash bags and recycle plastic, aluminum, glass, cardboard, and paper. Paper use is minimal as the practice is computerized and both x-ray machines are digital eliminating processing chemicals that contaminate the environment. Dr. DeMarco walks or bikes to work most days.

A word on pricing
We think it is important for you to feel that our prices are determined with integrity. In the interest of transparency, you’ll find many of our prices on our website for your review. During your consultation with the doctor, you’ll be made aware of treatment options.

An example of value
We believe the value of the physical exam is more than just a visit to the office. Each body system will be examined by the doctor including eyes, ears, oral cavity, heart, lungs, musculo-skeletal, lymph nodes, abdomen, skin, and neurologic status. Even if you don’t plan to pursue an Eastern treatment, your exam will include a traditional Chinese medical evaluation.