Integrated Approach
At Honeydew Animal Clinic, we embrace an integrative approach to
animal health and healing. This allows our clients and their pets to benefit from both modern Western veterinary medicine and the time-honored wisdom of Eastern (Chinese) techniques. By combining advanced technology with age-old healing practices, we aim to promote lasting wellness and balance for every animal in our care.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) takes a holistic view of health, focusing on the overall well-being of the animal rather than treating symptoms alone. Through this approach, we strive to restore harmony within the body and support your pet’s natural ability to heal.
How Is TCVM Applied?
Every patient begins with a TCVM consultation, which includes an introduction to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and a detailed pattern diagnosis. During this session, Dr. Cliff Meyer meets with both the pet and the owner to discuss the basics of the TCVM healing process, the diagnostic approach, and the methods that may be used in treatment.
Once a TCVM diagnosis is established and correlated with the Western medical findings, Dr. Meyer will explain the recommended treatment plan — including the techniques to be used and the expected outcomes.
Most treatment plans begin with a series of six sessions. After the first three sessions, progress is carefully evaluated, and adjustments are made as needed to ensure the best possible results.
Pet owners play an important role in the healing journey. Between sessions, owners receive simple at-home exercises and care instructions to help maintain progress and support continued healing. This often includes hands-on Tui-Na massage and food therapy to enhance energy flow and extend the benefits of each session.
At Honeydew Animal Clinic, healing is a collaborative process — where both the practitioner and the owner work together to restore balance, promote vitality, and improve the well-being of every animal.
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tcvm
Dr. Cliff Meyer
BVSc (Hons), CVA
Veterinary Surgeon, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Dr. Cliff Meyer completed his training in TCVM, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, through the Chi University in Florida U.S.A
He enjoys being able to bridge the gap between holistic and western medicine while providing a safe and nurturing atmosphere in which to heal. Dr. Meyer is always looking to integrate new treatments and therapies into this practice and believes that continued learning is important for any good Veterinary Acupuncturist.
Five branches of TCVM
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) consists of five main
branches that work together to promote balance and healing in animals. These are Acupuncture, which involves inserting fine needles into specific points to regulate the flow of Qi and relieve pain or dysfunction; Tui-na, a form of Chinese medical massage that stimulates circulation and relieves musculoskeletal problems; Chinese Herbal Medicine, which uses natural substances like plants and minerals to restore internal balance; Food Therapy, which applies the energetic properties and flavors of foods to maintain health and treat disease; and Qi-gong/Lifestyle, which focuses on cultivating and harmonizing vital energy through exercise, environment, and emotional balance. Together, these branches form a holistic approach to veterinary care, addressing the body, mind, and spirit of the animal.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a gentle, holistic therapy that supports your pet’s natural healing abilities. This time-tested practice involves placing fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body to stimulate circulation, relieve pain, and restore balance.
At our clinic, we offer veterinary acupuncture as a safe and effective complement to traditional medical treatments. It can benefit pets with a variety of conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, mobility issues, neurological disorders, and digestive problems. Many animals find the treatments relaxing, and pet owners often notice improved comfort, mobility, and overall well-being.
Tui - Na
Tui-Na, also known as “the ancient healing art of fingers and strength,” is a therapeutic form of massage that has been practiced in China for more than 5,000 years. This gentle yet powerful technique uses specific hand movements to promote circulation, relieve tension, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Dogs and cats can greatly benefit from Tui-Na as part of an integrative healthcare plan. It offers a simple but effective way to help manage pain, improve mobility, and address a variety of health concerns — from muscle stiffness to joint issues and stress-related conditions.
Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used for thousands of years to restore balance and support the body’s natural healing abilities. It involves the use of carefully selected herbal ingredients from the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, combined into specific formulas designed to address particular health conditions.
For dogs and cats, these herbal formulas are typically given orally — most often as tea pills, powders, or capsules. When used under the guidance of a veterinarian trained in Chinese medicine, herbal therapy can help manage a wide range of issues, including chronic pain, digestive problems, skin conditions, and age-related ailments.
Food Therapy
Food Therapy focuses on using nutrition to help treat and prevent imbalances within the body. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, this approach considers the energetic properties of different foods — such as whether they are warming, cooling, or neutral — to create a customized diet that supports each animal’s unique health needs.
By tailoring your pet’s diet in this way, Food Therapy can help improve digestion, boost energy, strengthen the immune system, and promote overall balance and well-being.
Qi Gong (For the Practitioner)
The word “Qi” in Chinese means “energy,” referring to the vital life force that flows through all living beings. “Gong” means “skill” or “cultivation.” Together, Qigong translates to “the skill of working with energy.”
Qigong is an ancient healing practice that combines gentle movements, postures, controlled breathing, and meditation to enhance the flow of qi throughout the body. This mindful practice helps restore balance, support physical and emotional well-being, and strengthen the connection between body and mind.
In veterinary medicine, Qigong principles can be integrated into holistic care approaches — supporting both animals and their caregivers in achieving greater harmony and vitality.
Treatments
Treating the whole animal using both Eastern and Western traditions
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Stress & Tension
Urinary / kidney disorders
Arthritis
Pain Management
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Dermatological problems
Respiratory problems
rehabilitation
with TCVM
TCVM rehabilitation combines the principles of Traditional Chinese
Veterinary Medicine with hands-on therapies to support recovery, improve mobility, and restore balance. Through techniques like Tui-Na massage, acupuncture, herbal therapy, and guided food therapy, pets can regain strength, reduce pain, and enhance overall well-being. Rehabilitation plans are customized to each animal’s needs, with owners actively involved in supporting healing at home.
Common conditions that require post operative Rehabilitation
Stifle (Knee) , Hip and Spinal Surgery
Dogs recovering from knee, hip, or spinal surgery can benefit from TCVM rehabilitation to support healing, reduce pain, and restore mobility. By combining acupuncture, Tui-Na massage, herbal therapy, and food therapy, our integrative approach improves circulation, decreases inflammation, and strengthens muscles and joints.
Each rehabilitation plan is customized to the individual dog, with owners actively involved in at-home exercises and care to enhance recovery. This collaborative, holistic approach helps dogs regain function, comfort, and overall well-being.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
There is truly no-one better than Dr Meyer and his team. My Scottie girl got treated for severe ear infections, with the most successful results! She loves visiting the vet. Thanks for everything!
Outstanding, professional and friendly service from ALL the staff. Always thorough with explanations, very patient and understanding with questions. Appreciate all you have done for Mia and Milo this year.
We have recently the most incredible service and care for our fur babies. Thank you to absolutely everyone here. We so appreciate you all.