Food Therapy
According to Traditional Chinese Medical and Veterinary Medical food therapy principles, all foods contain intrinsic thermal and energetic properties that are intended to nourish and tonify the underlying TCVM organs (i.e. TCVM Spleen and Stomach), as well as resources that the body uses to function (i.e. Qi, Yin, Blood, etc.)
Thermal Properties
Thermal properties are divided into 5 different categories including hot, warm, neutral, cool, and cold. These are not the same as the “temperatures” of food (i.e. hot vs cold sandwich), but rather the post-ingestive effects on the body.
- For instance: watermelon might sound really good on a HOT summer day at the pool, whereas a cinnamon or nutmeg drink/dessert may sound amazing during a winter get together with friends.
- This is because of the thermal nature/properties of these foods: watermelon being considered thermally COLD and its ability to cool the Heat that the body is experiencing, while cinnamon and nutmeg are thermally HOT and can warm the body when it’s experiencing Cold effects.
These properties of food, when effectively used, can be formulated into diets to address underlying TCVM patterns and the diseases that they are associated with. This formulation of food(s) to correct imbalances and support the patient’s overall health is what is referred to as TCVM Food Therapy.
When to Use Food Therapy
Although TCVM Food Therapy can be used as an individual treatment, it is traditionally used in conjunction with other TCVM modalities like acupuncture and herbal therapy.
Food Therapy can be used to address various diseases as well as implemented as a preventative approach to disease. This latter situation is a wonderful option for pet parents that have a pet with no chronic underlying condition(s) and want professional guidance on how to feed their pet(s) a non-traditional diet that is specific to their pet’s nutritional needs and preferences!
Food Therapy Services
We currently offer four categories of food therapy options for our patients. Below is a brief overview of each category. Regardless of the option(s) selected, Dr. Levin-Russo will work with you to build an appropriate diet based on your pet’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis needs, your pet’s preferences, and your abilities (time and financial) to provide the indicated meals.
Included in TCVM Examination and Consultation Appointments
Modified Top Dress
- Considered to be the most minimal change from a conventional diet.
- Consists of a selection of proteins, grains/beans, vegetables/fruits, and/or broths that are appropriate in balancing the patient’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis (i.e. if the patient has a Heat-based pattern, Cold to cooling foods are selected).
- This assortment of foods is then served over the patient’s normal diet or another over-the-counter conventional diet that Dr. Levin-Russo may suggest.
- Additional recommendations for treats can also be provided upon request.
TCVM Whole Food Rotation
- Deemed to be an alternative to feeding a conventional diet, this option will require you to work closely with Dr. Levin-Russo in order to ensure that your pet is receiving the appropriate amount of nutrition.
- This option will consist of a selection of proteins, grains/beans, vegetables/fruits, and/or broths that are appropriate in balancing the patient’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis (i.e. if the patient has a Heat-based pattern, Cold to cooling foods are selected).
- The selected assortment is then rotated every few weeks and will require periodic rechecks to ensure that accurate ingredient types and amounts are being provided.
- Additionally, appropriate vitamin, mineral, and fatty acid supplementation will be discussed.
- Additional recommendations for treats can also be provided upon request.
Additional Services - Please contact us for current pricing
TCVM Whole Food Selection with Balance IT
- Considered to be a more precise form of the TCVM Whole Food Rotation option.
- This option will consist of a selection of proteins, grains/beans, vegetables/fruits, and/or broths that are appropriate in balancing the patient’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis (i.e. if the patient has a Heat-based pattern, Cold to cooling foods are selected).
- Dr. Levin-Russo will then take these assorted ingredients specific to your pet’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis and place them into a veterinary nutrition calculator provided by BalanceIT.com, a company created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Nutritional needs will be adjusted based on the patient’s age, activity level, and any other underlying disease present (i.e. kidney disease).
- Dr. Levin-Russo will then provide 2-3 recipes that you will combine with the recommended Balance IT supplement (also provided in the recipe). Please be aware that the Balance IT supplement is sold separately.
- This option also includes a single 30-minute telehealth consultation on how to use the recipes in conjunction with the Balance IT Supplement(s), as well as how to feed this diet to your pet.
- Although this option will not require as many rechecks as the TCVM Whole Food Rotation option, in order to ensure that the diet is appropriate for the patient’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis, periodic rechecks will be indicated and changes to the diet may be advised. These changes MAY incur an additional fee if this diet option is selected for subsequent rechecks.
- Additional recommendations for treats can also be provided upon request.
TCVM Whole Food Selection with Board Certified Nutrition Consultation
- Regarded as the best option out of all the choices provided.
- This option will consist of a selection of proteins, grains/beans, vegetables/fruits, and/or broths that are appropriate in balancing the patient’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis (i.e. if the patient has a Heat-based pattern, Cold to cooling foods are selected).
- Dr. Levin-Russo will then take these assorted ingredients specific to your pet’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis and work directly with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to develop a diet that is specific to your pet’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis, as well as curate option(s) that are both complete and balanced using the best possible vitamin, mineral, and fatty acid supplementation.
- The goal is to generate 1-2 recipes for your pet using this consultation service, however this cannot be guaranteed with each consultation.
- This option also includes a single 30-minute telehealth consultation (with Dr. Levin-Russo) on how to use the customized recipe(s) formulated by the board-certified veterinary nutritionist, as well as how to feed this diet to your pet.
- Although this option will not require as many rechecks as the TCVM Whole Food Rotation option, in order to ensure that the diet is appropriate for the patient’s TCVM Pattern Diagnosis, periodic rechecks will be indicated and changes to the diet may be advised. These changes WILL incur an additional fee if this diet option is selected for subsequent rechecks.
- Additional recommendations for treats can also be provided upon request.
Have more questions?
I have a cat and would like to pursue food therapy - is that possible?
Yes, however this will require further guidance and expertise compared to TCVM food therapy for dogs. Cats by nature have a much more tightly regulated system and if nutrients are provided in excess or deficiency beyond 10% of what they need, this can cause some very serious health consequences.
With that being said, Dr. Levin-Russo is able to consult directly with you about appropriate TCVM Food Therapy options that are possible for your feline friend at the time of the first consultation. Thus, please do not hesitate to inquire if this is something you would like to further discuss!
My pet was diagnosed with cancer - do I need to feed a low carbohydrate diet?
First and foremost, our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. We understand the concerns and fears that you have, however want you to know that you have arrived at the right practice to support you and your pet during this unexpected part of your journey. We’re here to help in any way we can.
Dr. Levin-Russo is able to work with you, your pet, and/or your pet’s oncologist on developing an appropriate diet that is tailored to the diagnosed cancer. Please keep in mind that although with many cancers, a low carbohydrate and high fat diet is advised, there are diagnosed cancers that actually benefit from the reverse. Dr. Levin-Russo will consult with you directly on the individual needs of you pet at the time of the first consultation and examination.