Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs [Paperback]

Cheryl Schwartz (Author), Mark Ed. Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

Welcome to the world of traditional Chinese medicine—for cats and dogs! For the growing number of animal lovers seeking an alternative to Western medicine, this thoughtful and comprehensive approach to home animal care is a virtual godsend. FOUR PAWS, FIVE DIRECTIONS includes descriptions of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments, with special emphasis placed on clear, uncomplicated approaches to acupressure and diet that you can do at home. And just wait till you see the photographs! These vivid color portraits accurately chart the meridians and acupressure points of thirty-two gorgeous, furry models. Pet owners and students of veterinary medicine alike will appreciate this unique and upbeat guide to interacting more holistically with our beloved feline and canine friends.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

An authority in her field, Cheryl Schwartz, D.V.M., is the director of the EastWest Clinic in Oakland, California. One of the first holistic centers of its kinds, the clinic was started in 1986 in response to a growing demand for alternative veterinary care.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; 1st Printing 1996 edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890877904
• ISBN-13: 978-0890877906
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Agricultural Sciences > Animal Husbandry
  • #44 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Ecology
  • #76 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Dogs

More About the Author

As a pioneer in the field of veterinary holistic therapies, Dr. Schwartz has learned from animals themselves for over thirty years of her clinical practice. She brings holistic veterinary healing to cats, dogs and horses, and operates the Heal*Learn Institute for educating YOU.

A 1978 graduate of Washington State University Veterinary School, Dr. Schwartz expanded her healing techniques to combine Traditional Chinese Medicine ~ acupuncture, acupressure, tuina massage and herbs ~ along with Classical Homeopathy, bio energetics and tuning fork resonance for balancing the whole animal.  Dr. Schwartz's unique ability to synthesize holistic modalities using knowledge, skill and intuition has helped thousands of animals around the world, and empowered their humans to continue their care at home.

An educator for more than twenty years, Dr. Schwartz believes animal caregivers can be guided to use various holistic modalities for their own animal friends' well being.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

169 of 169 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Intro to TCM for Cats & Dogs, July 18, 2000

By 

Sasha - See all my reviews

This review is from: Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs (Paperback)

As a student of TCM and animal nutrition consultant I can't recommend Dr. Schwartz' book highly enough. You simply couldn't ask for a better introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine for cats and dogs. In the first section, Dr. Schwartz introduces us to the theory behind TCM. She explains the basics of the Five Element Theory, the Meridians, the Eight Principles, and the Vital Essences in a way that is easy to understand even without prior knowledge of TCM.
Section two begins with a chapter on diagnosis using the Traditional Chinese physical exam. In the following chapters, Dr. Schwartz introduces the primary holistic therapies used in TCM: Herbology, Food Therapy, and Acupressure/Acupuncture (emphasis is on acupressure and this chapter is illustrated with color photos of dogs and cats depicting the meridians as well as acupressure points).
In section three the information from sections one and two is applied to correct a variety of health imbalances. Dr. Schwartz recommends herbs (Chinese & Western), dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, and acupressure points for health conditions/imbalances involving the eyes, ears, nose and upper respiratory system, teeth and gums, lungs, heart, liver and gall bladder, spleen/pancreas and stomach, kidneys and urinary bladder, large intestine, bones and muscle, skin, and the immune system and glands. It's wonderful to see a book on natural remedies that focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance instead of simply using herbs and supplements to eliminate symptoms. Highly recommended!

88 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TCM for animals in a way the Western pet lover can grasp!, March 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs (Paperback)

I have very little knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and have appreciated Dr. Schwatz's ability to help me better grasp this approach to acupressure, acupuncture, herbs, diet and other TCM treatment for animals. I borrowed this book from a friend & find it so valuable that I want a copy for myself. Each time I read a chapter or refer to a graphic showing acupressure points or meridians I feel more familiar with this ancient & venerable art & science. I am a practicing licensed veterinary technician and work in a clinic that will soon offer traditional Chinese veterinary medicine as well as Western veterinary medicine. This book is an excellent tool to help me as a veterinary professional peel open my mind, senses and vision and expand my ability to assist vets in this new dimension. It's well worth every penny. Any ainmal lover will use it for years. Thanks for letting me share my opinion.

58 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST all around bk on Chinese Medicine for small animals, September 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs (Paperback)

As a veterinarian who is becoming open to and familiar with alternative health care, I highly recommend Cheryl Schwarz's book to everyone, professionals as well as pet owners. It gives a well rounded easy to read overview of Chinese medicine basics as they apply to small animals including 5-Element and 8-Principle theory. Cheryl gives comprehensive accupressure basics and guidelines. In the second half of the book she discusses individual pet health problems in terms of Eastern Medicine and makes accupressure, herbal and dietary recommendations based on her wealth of knowledge. I have one copy at the office, one at home, I bought each of my other vets a copy and I've already had 5 clients buy it! A GREAT resource book for beginners AND experienced practitioners.