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

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

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For the growing number of animal lovers seeking an alternative to Western medicine, this comprehensive approach to home animal care includes descriptions of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatments, with special emphasis placed on clear, uncomplicated approaches to acupressure and diet that readers can do themselves at home. Inlcudes two 16-page color inserts.

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 (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890877904
• ISBN-13: 978-0890877906
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #208,580 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

146 of 146 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Sasha (Southern California) - See all my reviews

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!

84 of 86 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

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.

53 of 54 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

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.