Offering Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at our Adelaide Clinic.
Dr. Erika Sullivan is a veterinarian from Toronto, Canada.
After spending eight years in small animal practice (including ophthalmology and emergency) in Canada, Erika moved to Thailand where she spent nine months working at an elephant and dog shelter. From Thailand, Erika moved down under in Australia, where she expanded her work portfolio through working in emergency medicine, teaching veterinary nursing, and casually as a scuba diving instructor and shark conservation enthusiast! Dr. Erika is certified in Traditional Chinese Herbal therapy, Food therapy, and Acupuncture. She has spent over 10 years expanding her alternative modality portfolio and feels all of her patients benefit from a more holistic approach to treatment and care. Erika is passionate about traveling abroad, promoting wildlife conservation and using the need to help street animals abroad as a means to also educate those seeking a profession in the veterinary industry, whilst helping animals in need. Erika lives with a naughty rescued pet conure named El Chapo and her beautiful daughter.
What is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)?
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is the study of the body’s continual flow of energy, the Qi. The Qi travels through each Meridian, or energy channels, throughout the body. When the distribution of Qi is equally distributed, the body has achieved harmonious balance of Yin and Yang. Some organ systems relate to Yin (parts lower than the head, dark, cool) and the others relate to Yang (high on the animal’s body, hot, energised). The Meridians are named after the organ system it follows and are paired in a corresponding Yin -Yang relationship for balance.
When there is pathway interference to the flow of Qi, Yin and Yang are thrown out of balance, resulting in either an accumulation or deficiency which in turn causes illness.
What is Acupuncture for pets?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice involving the precise placement of acupuncture needles into acupoints along the body’s meridians, which circulates the animal’s Qi to stimulate the animal’s own body to heal from their imbalances. In more scientific terms, it changes the physiology within the animal to promote healing.
Acupuncture and TCVM are ancient practices dating back millions of years. Current science and medical researchers continue to gather data that supports and explains the benefits of acupuncture for humans and other animals.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat For My Pet?
Acupuncture is useful for conditions of pain, paralysis and inflammation originating from non-infectious causes. Some of the common problems treated in our pets include:
- Musculoskeletal conditions (osteoarthritis, nerve trauma, intervertebral disc disease)
- Psychological conditions causing inflammation (stereotypies, acral lick dermatoses)
- Respiratory conditions (bronchitis, feline asthma)
- Gastrointestinal conditions (pancreatitis, diarrhoea, IBD)
During your consultation, Dr Erika will assess your pet’s individual needs and provide you with treatment recommendations, which may involve a series of acupuncture sessions, diet management, and herbs or supplements. In combination, these elements are used to support the balance of Qi and healing of your pet’s ailments.
If you want to read more about Dr Erika and the work she can offer, check out her website.
