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

Good book both for people looking to understand alternative treatments and also for students studying TCM/acupressure for companion animals. Four Paws Five Directions clearly explains both the theory and practical application of TCM tailored to animal care. It lays out the fundamentals of TCM and provides many examples to help illustrate the key points. The second part of the book goes into the specifics for common ailments from a TCM perspective and guides you through herbal/acupressure/nutritional treatments. I've successfully tried a couple of the recommended acupressure treatments and found them effective.

As a long time practioner of TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine I believe this to be one of the three must-haves. Schwartz introduces and elaborates on TCM thoroughly and concisely. It is a wonderfully informatve book for someone new to TCM or a practioner. When owned, one will find themselves referencing it again and again. The text and charts are easily navigated. It will open ones eyes about the roots and practical applications of TCM. Readers will wish they owned a guide just like it for humans. Schwartz has compiled all of the information it would take the average person months to research, all the while painting a clear picture of the procedures and their benefits. Well written, pleasant read. Once again, a must own.

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!

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.

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.