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Australasian Association of TCVM

Welcome to the Australasian Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AU-ATCVM), a chapter of the World Association of TCVM. Established in 2025, AU-ATCVM's primary mission is to unite veterinarians and veterinary students interested in or practicing acupuncture and TCVM, providing support and resources to enhance animal care throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Executive Members of EATCVM

President: Carolin Kinghorn, BSc, BVMS, CVA, BHSc

Dr. Kinghorn received her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Murdoch University in 1999 and began her veterinary career in general practice, as well as various emergency and critical care hospitals in Australia and the United Kingdom. When she discovered how much TCM enriched her own life, she decided to pursue this path in her veterinary career and earned a certification in veterinary acupuncture in 2013, followed by completion of the veterinary tui-na (veterinary medical massage) course at Chi University. Dr. Kinghorn’s veterinary clinic specializes in TCVM treatment of small animal patients using acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, tui-na, and exercise therapy. During this time, Dr. Kinghorn earned a Bachelor Degree in acupuncture and is now practicing TCM and TCVM in her clinic in Adelaide, Australia. In 2014, she joined Chi Australia as an administrator and, in 2015, became Director of Chi Australia. Dr. Kinghorn is dedicated to sharing her passion for TCVM with all current and future veterinary acupuncturists.

Co-Vice President: Elaine Cebuliak, BVSc MACVSc dentistry, Dip Ed, Dip Rem Massage,Cert Chinese Herbs, Cert IVAS Qual Acupuncture, CMAVA, Adv Dip Naturopathy, Adv Dip Herbal Med, Adv Dip Nutrition

Elaine is a Veterinary surgeon, Physician, Veterinary Acupuncturist and Herbalist (Chinese and Western) with special interest and advanced training in Veterinary Dentistry. She is also a qualified High school teacher, naturopath and remedial therapist. Elaine obtained her membership in Veterinary Dentistry in 2000. In 2006 she obtained a Diploma in remedialMassage/ reflexology through the Australian Institute of Applied science, and became certified in Chinese veterinary and human Herbal Medicine. In 2013 she obtained an Advanced Diploma of naturopathy (ND) and an Advanced Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine, Adv Dip nut, Adv Dip. In addition to running her integrative small animal vet clinic in suburban Brisbane 1016 Stanley St, East Brisbane, she also performs referral dentistry. She enjoys teaching and running various workshops throughout Australia and Internationally. Elaine is also currently involved in volunteer veterinary projects internationally.

Co-Vice President: Kim Lim, DVM, CVA, CCRT

Dr. Kim became an IVAS Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 1992, received her Master of Animal Chiropractic from RMIT in 2003 and became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT, CRI) in 2017.Since 1996 she has worked solely in complementary medicine using a combination of acupuncture, TCM, biomechanical medicine (chiropractic, osteopathy, rehabilitation), bach flowers, homotoxicology, herbal medicine and so forth to treat her canine patients, a few cats and the odd llama or two.

On completion of her Master’s degree, she became involved in teaching the RMIT Animal Chiropractic course from 2002 to 2009 and more recently the Graduate Diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine. She has also been involved in teaching the Australian IVAS acupuncture course and has been a mentor to interns completing their CCRT certification. In 2013 Kim was asked to join the Australian Veterinary Acupuncture Group (AVAG- Australian affiliate of IVAS) and has remained on the committee ever since in various roles of president elect, president, past president and newsletter editor. She has been a member of the IVAS Congress Program Committee since 2012 and is the current chair. Kim has given lectures at several of the Australian Veterinary Association Annual Conferences, the IVAS Congress, the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) platform and the Animal Biomechanical Professionals Australasia conferences.

Secretary: Choon Kiat "Neal" Loh, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT

Dr. Neal Loh is a veterinarian with a passion for integrative medicine and preventive health for companion animals. He graduated from Murdoch University in Western Australia, where he laid the foundation for a career spanning veterinary public health and small animal practice. Early in his career, Dr. Loh witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that holistic medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), could have on the lives of his patients and their guardians. Inspired by these outcomes, he pursued advanced training at Chi University in Florida, USA, and holds postgraduate certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Food Therapy.

Dr. Loh is the director of Holistic Pet Vet in Perth, where he brings together the best of Western veterinary science and holistic approaches to provide comprehensive care for his patients. Deeply interested in companion animal nutrition, he is an established speaker on canine and feline nutrition, known for making complex nutritional principles accessible and practical for pet guardians.

Passionate about the power of preventive health, Dr. Loh has conducted numerous in-person seminars and online webinars, empowering pet guardians with knowledge to enhance their pets’ wellbeing. Through his educational platform, Holistic Pet Academy, he is expanding his reach internationally, delivering online courses that reflect his commitment to improving animal health through education and integrative veterinary care.

Treasurer: Gaby Cadena,  BSc, BVMS, CVA, CVA, CMT, WEBB

Dr. Gaby graduated from Veterinary School in Ecuador, South America, with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Her interests have always been related to canine behavior and holistic medicine with a special passion in Chinese Medicine. After living in Galapagos for a year working in Public Health, Gaby realized she wanted to go deeper in the healing path and for this reason, she worked in Canine Physiotherapy before she came to Australia to continue her dream of offering the best quality life for pets. She joined the Chi University to begin her studies in TCVM and finished the Small Animal Acupuncture course in 2019. Gaby is currently a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, a Canine Myofunctional Therapist, and a Canine Whole Energy Body Balance Teacher and Practitioner. She is passionate about Chinese Veterinary Medicine and is looking forward to sharing that with future students.

How to Join

To become a member of the Australasian chapter of WATCVM, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Europe Association of TCVM

Welcome to the Europe Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (EATCVM), a chapter of the World Association of TCVM. Established in 2024, EATCVM's primary mission is to unite veterinarians and veterinary students interested in or practicing acupuncture and TCVM, providing support and resources to enhance animal care throughout Europe.

Executive Members of EATCVM

President: Lorena LLoret DVM, CVA, CVFT, CVCH, CVTP, CVBMA (Ireland)

Dr. LLoret received her DVM from Murcia University in Spain in June 2002. She earned her veterinary acupuncture certification from Chi University-Thailand in 2005. The following year, Dr. LLoret completed the acupuncture internship program at the University of Florida with Dr. Xie. She served as Chief of TCVM Services of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University Alfonso X in Madrid, Spain from 2014-2021. Dr. LLoret is the translator and editor-in-chief of the Spanish edition of TCVM: Fundamental Principles by Dr. Xie. She is currently the director of Chi-Europe, Chi-Spain and Chi-Ireland and serves as a primary instructor for Chi CVA courses throughout Europe. Dr. LLoret TCVM specialty in both small animal and horses, offering clinics in Ireland.

Vice President: Ralitsa Granchanova-Hill DVM, MRCVS, CVA, CVBMA, Cert. PCF (Bulgaria)

Dr. Ralitsa Grancharova-Hill, a 2013 graduate of Trakia University in Bulgaria, began her career as an equine veterinarian before expanding into evidence-based holistic medicine. She earned her veterinary acupuncture certification from Chi University in Spain in 2017 and pursued advanced training in equine acupuncture, neurology, and TCVM. Co-founder of Zoo Metta, Sofia’s first holistic veterinary clinic, she offers TCVM therapies for small animals and exotics while maintaining a mobile equine practice in the UK. Certified as a canine nutritionist, she formulates TCVM-based diets and is currently completing her Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) certification. In 2024, she was elected Vice President of the European Association of TCVM.

Secretary: Cristina Firulete DVM, CVA (United Kingdom)

Dr. Cristina Firulete received her DVM from Cluj-Napoca, Romania in 2017. As a student, she worked in practices that offered alternative options such as acupuncture and homeopathy. Upon realizing how important it is to treat every patient with a holistic view, Dr. Firulete enrolled in Chi’s CVA Program in Spain, earning her CVA in 2019 and now continues pursuit of her TCVM education through enrollment in Chi’s Food Therapy course. Dr. Firulete plans to pursue her Master’s Degree in TCVM in the future. Dr. Firulete is currently a veterinary surgeon practicing in a holistic clinic in northern England where she incorporates integrative medicine into the care & treatment plans of her patients daily. Her conventional medical interests include emergencies, anesthesia, and feline medicine, but her main goal is to recognize chronic pain and improve quality of life for her patients.

Communications Chair: Victoria Unt BVetMed, MRCVS, CVA, CVBMA, CVFT, CVNN (Switzerland)

Dr. Victoria E. Unt, a 2007 graduate of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London, began her career in small animal practice before specializing in equine biomechanics and diagnostic imaging. After moving to Switzerland in 2011, she worked with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and later founded Vet Équilibre, a holistic veterinary clinic in Yverdon-les-Bains. Certified in acupuncture, food therapy, and natural nutrition, she is currently pursuing veterinary chiropractic certification. An active researcher and speaker, she serves as Communications Chair for the European Association of TCVM. Dr. Unt is also an FEI Official Veterinarian and Swiss Equestrian Federation anti-doping official. In 2024, she launched DrVictoria.vet, a French-language blog on holistic veterinary medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys CrossFit, nature, and time with her Boxer, Ziggy. A former international Taekwondo competitor, she values discipline in all aspects of life.

How to Join

To become a member of the European chapter of WATCVM, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/EATCVM

E book Library

 herbal handbook cover    Vargas Book Cover

May 2022

Cannoli

Owner reports tongue at home is pink and not slimy. Cannoli is always worked up when we start his appointment. His tongue quickly turns pink once we start his treatment. Owner reports that Cannoli takes a few times getting up and down to lay comfortably. Sleeps well. Moving great! Food aggression with house mate (female pit bull) has disappeared. Other dog can approach his bowl. Cannoli shows no aggression to her. Another good note: Cannoli has lost some weight. Owner is feeding less. The photo below shows off his waistline.

Exam: Tongue: red, then pink Pulses: superficial; soft wiry; weaker on the left. Skin: red between toes, but drier today. Hot spots resolving.
Western Diagnosis: MPLs; mild allergic pododermatitis
Eastern Diagnosis: Liver Yin and Blood deficiency; Damp Heat in the Feet; Local Stagnation at stifles; Liver Qi Stagnation (resolving)
Acupuncture Treatment: Clear Local and Liver Qi Stagnation and Heat; Tonify Liver Yin and Blood; Drain the Damp
Acupuncture Method: DN: GV-14/BL-18/BL-20/BL-23/Bai-hui/BL-54/ST-36/GB-34/SP-9/LIV-3/KID-3/

 

Behr Doodle
Exam: He was just outside (HOT!) Tongue: red to pink, wet Pulses: superficial, soft wiry, weaker on the left. Cool-seeking, likes the cool, hard floor. Left hip - good extension and held it. Right hip - slightly less extension and did not want to hold position very long.
Western Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis of the hips
Eastern Diagnosis: Bi-syndrome with local Stagnation at the hips. Kidney Yin deficiency
Acupuncture Treatment: Clear Stagnation at the hips and tonify Kidney Yin
Acupuncture Method: DN: GV-20/GV-14/BL-23/BL-52/Bai-hui/Shen-shu/BL-54/KID-3/LIV-3/GB-41/ST-36 Aqua: BL-54/GB-29/GB-30 bilaterally. He has a thick helicopter tail which makes Electro AP difficult. Even with aqua in An-shen.

 

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April 2022

Home life seems to be agreeing with Cannoli and he was diagnosed as being 15 lb overweight. Whoops! However, we have seen signs of improvement over the last month and some weight loss, so we are moving in the right direction. Cannoli was a bit grumpy for some of his treatments this month, his mood matched the Florida rainy weather but by the end of the month he was less grumpy and in better spirits for his treatments. Here is his latest treatment.

Cannoli
Exam: Tongue: red to purple and wet, mildly slimy Pulse: fast, wiry, weaker on the left Body temp: warm Still overweight, but he looks like he has lost a couple of pounds
Western Diagnosis: Medial Patellar Luxation
Eastern Diagnosis: Local Stagnation at stifles and hips; Phlegm with Yin Deficiency and Qi Deficiency
Acupuncture Treatment: Clear local Stagnation; Clear Heat; Clear Phlegm; tonify Yin and Qi
Acupuncture Method: Aqua B12: An-shen DN: GV-14; BL18; Bai-hui; Shen-shu; BL-54; ST-36; GB-34; SP-9; ST-40; ST-41; LIV-3; KID-3; BL-60

 

Behr Doodle is doing well but it seems the increasing humidity in Florida isn't agreeing with him 100% and we have seen some increase in his stagnation. Dr. Brannan expects the summer + Summer Heat to make Behr Doodle's clinical signs worse. Cooling Herbs would be helpful to combat the environment. He is also eating dry kibble which is hard on the Spleen digestion creating Heat and Phlegm. 

Behr Doodle
Exam: T: Bright pink with Lavender, slimy P: fast, wiry, and slippery; weaker on the left. BL-52 sensitive on palpation
Western Diagnosis: Osteoarthritis of the hips
Eastern Diagnosis: Bi Syndrome with Kidney Yin Deficiency. Stagnation at the hips +/- lumbar region with Phlegm
Acupuncture Treatment: Clear Stagnation at the hips; Transform Phlegm; Tonify Kidney Yin
Acupuncture Method: Aqua B12: An-shen DN: GV-14, BL-20 (sensitive), BL-23/52 (sensitive), Bai-hui, Shen-shu, BL-54, ST-40, LV-3 Aqua B12: GB29/30   

 

Cannoli Acupuncture

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