No, Si Miao San isn’t the name of an exotic new breed of dog…Si Miao San is a Chinese herb, used by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. This particular herb is indicated for use in damp heat syndromes, resulting in swollen joints and Wei syndrome (bloating, indigestion, loose stools, aversion to cold…).

Why discuss this on a dog website?

Well, my baby boy, Louis Reginald, a year and a half  old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been suffering from digestion problems since we got him. (See The Poop Chronicles.) While his digestion has greatly improved since switching to a raw diet, it is still unpredictable at best. Now, we are trying new treatments to ease his belly woes, and Si Miao San has been prescribed as his remedy.

Our little pack has gone through a lot of changes lately; relocating to a new city with a very different climate,  changes in pack members and a new schedule; amidst other stresses. Louis had been consistently vomiting and creating loose stools - on my new rug. After attempting my usual home remedies to no avail, it was time to hit the vet.

Now residents of Washington D.C., we have plenty of resources for holistic pet care. After a great deal of research and plenty of recommendations, we decided to give the Veterinary Holistic Care Center of Bethesda, Maryland a try.

Our vet is a licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Energy healing AND she is an ordained Buddhist Monk. Both Ella Bean and Louis attended the appointment, as they do not like to be separated from one another. Dr. Pema’s ability to connect to animals immediately drew my two dogs in and there was plenty of tail wagging and kisses to go around. She spent time with Louis and Ella Bean on the floor, watching them interact, playfully stroking them and engaging them.

Unlike a traditional vet’s office, there are no cold tiles or stainless steel examination tables. The office is carpeted, and the exam table is covered in warm towels. The office is in a residential home converted to a veterinary facility, reinforcing a pet’s ability to relax, rather then tense up. The staff is warm and friendly and approaches each animal with respect and consideration.

After a thorough examination, a ton of blood-work (my boy was a champ while they drew blood from his paw!) and lots of discussion about Louis’ life and temperament at home, Dr. Pema prescribed a twice daily dose of Si Miao San.

His most prominent symptoms: aversion to cold, Louis refuses to lie on surfaces without carpet or even leave the house when it is chilly, his history of digestive disorders and his pulsing energy through his veins indicated the use of this herb. Dr. Pema pointed out the orangey/burnt color to Louis’ tongue, comparing it to Ella Bean’s (healthy) pink tongue. She explained that this indicated a stagnant heat within him.

While the doctor suspects a thyroid disorder might account for some symptoms, we must wait for his blood-work to come back from the lab to decide how to proceed with treatment. In the meantime, a Chinese Herb  can assist in regulating and alleviating some of his symptoms.

Dr. Pema also asked to see my tongue - she pointed out that it was that same burnt orange tone! She asked about my digestion, sleep cycles and more (a little uncomfortable…). She pointed out that Louis is mirroring my own symptoms of stress! She explained that this is incredibly common, especially between pups and people as bonded as Louis and I.  This doesn’t negate the possibility of Louis having a thyroid disorder, it only serves to point out that both quadrupeds and bipeds are susceptible to stress disorders and we often take on the stress of those we live with and are close too.

Why isn’t Ella Bean manifesting these types of symptoms? Well, she is a different dog, a little more reserved in her personality and frankly, she is more wrapped up in her own world then constantly connecting with Louis and I. That’s not to say we aren’t close, in fact, lately we have started snuggling throughout the night, but as with people, all dogs are unique individuals and she handles stress via different mannerisms.

Now five days into treatment, Louis tongue has become pinker…hmmm….and his stools have become regular and my little vomit king hasn’t puked once! Powerful stuff!

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. It is considered a Complementary or Alternative Medical system in much of the western world while remaining as a form of primary care throughout most of Asia.

TCM practices include treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, Tui na and Shiatsumassage; often Qigong and Taiji are also strongly affiliated with TCM.

TCM theory is extremely complex and originated thousands of years ago through meticulous observation of nature, the cosmos, and the human body. Major theories include those of Yin-yang, the Five Phases, the human body Channel system, Zang Fu organ theory, six confirmations, four layers, etc. (Source Wikipedia)

Seek professional advice before embarking on any alternative health programs and make sure to work with a TCM practitioner experienced in animal care. You can find a list of professionals at the American Holistic Veterinary Association’s website (ahvma.org).

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