By Dr. Michel Selmer

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) offers various approaches to vomiting. If your pet is vomiting, it may be the result of an imbalance or disharmony in the body, and the approach focuses on restoring balance and addressing the underlying causes. Here are some common TCVM approaches to treating vomiting:

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin acupuncture needles at specific points on your pet’s body to restore balance. An imbalance in their system often results in illness which can cause digestive distress. Restoring balance using certain acupuncture points regulates their gastrointestinal system and can help alleviate nausea and vomiting.

Herbal remedies can be used to help address your pet’s vomiting by focusing on the root cause. Herbal prescriptions are based on the individual fur baby’s specific symptoms and underlying imbalances to help alleviate the clinical signs and restore balance in the gastrointestinal system. Herbs used for vomiting may include ginger, peppermint, fennel, citrus and cinnamon. These herbs can be soothing to their digestive system, thus reducing nausea and improving digestion.

Food therapy emphasizes the importance of diet in maintaining balance within your pet’s body. Since foods can exacerbate or alleviate symptoms, in the case of vomiting, food therapy focuses on the consumption of bland, easily digestible foods that are gentle on the stomach. Food therapy is tailored to the energies and actions of different food items and their effects on the body. Depending on the imbalance in the body and your pet’s unique condition, foods may be used as medicine. At a minimum, it is recommended to avoid feeding your pet any greasy, spicy, or overly rich foods.

It is important to consult a qualified TCVM practitioner who can assess your pet’s specific condition and provide personalized treatment. This specialty vet will consider your pet’s symptoms, medical history, and overall constitution to develop a suitable treatment plan. It’s also crucial to consult with your pet’s primary healthcare provider if your fur baby is experiencing persistent or severe vomiting, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires medical attention. 

Please note that a TCVM diagnosis and treatment should be conducted by a certified TCVM practitioner. Your pet will then be assessed based through a physical exam and thorough examination of symptoms and medical history to determine the underlying Chinese pattern causing their vomiting so that an appropriate treatment plan can be recommended. 

Integrative veterinary care is not intended to replace the services of conventional medicine but rather is intended to complement it. If your pet is vomiting, it is important to rule out any underlying Western medical conditions.