Canine seizures are triggered by disordered electrical impulses. The root cause may be infection, epilepsy, allergy or inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), canine seizures are treated with Chinese herbs.
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Theory
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TCM addresses blockages along meridian pathways (energy channels) that interrupt the flow of Qi, the animating life force. TCM also uses the Five Element Theory to interpret the relationship between the organs and biological functions of the body and the forces of the natural world. For example, wood rules the liver and blood while metal governs the lungs and large intestine. Disorders affecting the organs are attributed to influences that mirror six natural climatic events, namely heat, cold, dampness, dryness, wind and summer heat. Chinese herbs are used to restore balance where an excess or deficiency of an influence exists by exerting more than 30 actions, such as clearing, reducing and warming. According to Cheryl Schwartz, D.V.M., canine seizures are the result of "Liver Yang Rising," which is described as the liver channel's generating too much heat or dryness that "gushes" forward to produce intense internal wind.
Fructus Gardeniae Jasminoidis (Zhi Zi)
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This Chinese herb is given to clear heat and reduce fire from the liver. It also cools the blood and reduces dampness.
Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis (Du Zhong)
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This herb nourishes and tones the liver and kidneys.
Ramulus cum Uncis Uncariae (Gou Teng)
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This herb calms the liver and clears heat to reduce excess internal wind.
Herba Leonuri Heterophylli (Yi Mu Cao)
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Also known as Chinese Motherwort, this herb stimulates blood circulation and acts as a diuretic to increase urine output.
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