Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has a long and storied history that dates back thousands of years.
In ancient times, as early as the primitive society, people began to have initial understandings and experiences in treating animal diseases. With the development of agriculture and the domestication of livestock, the need for veterinary medicine emerged. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, some basic veterinary knowledge and treatment methods were gradually formed. For example, there were records of using simple herbal medicines and physical therapies to deal with common ailments in livestock.
In the Han Dynasty, TCVM achieved significant progress. The "Huangdi Neijing" (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor), which had a profound impact on traditional Chinese medicine, also provided a theoretical basis for TCVM. Veterinary acupuncture and moxibustion techniques were further developed and refined. Specialized veterinary books also began to appear, systematically summarizing the knowledge and experience of treating animal diseases.
During the Tang and Song Dynasties, TCVM entered a prosperous stage. The imperial court attached great importance to veterinary medicine, and a more complete veterinary administrative system and education system were established. Many renowned veterinarians emerged, and a large number of excellent veterinary works were written. These works covered a wide range of topics, including detailed descriptions of various diseases, their diagnosis methods, and treatment prescriptions, which greatly promoted the spread and development of TCVM.
In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, TCVM continued to accumulate and innovate. The understanding of animal diseases became more in-depth, and the variety of treatment methods became more diverse. Herbal medicine prescriptions were continuously enriched, and the combination of traditional Chinese and Western veterinary medicine also began to show initial signs.
In modern times, with the introduction of Western veterinary medicine, TCVM has faced both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, Western veterinary medicine with its advanced scientific and technological means has occupied a certain market share. On the other hand, TCVM has also begun to actively absorb modern scientific knowledge and research methods, continuously improving its own theoretical and practical systems. It has gradually gained recognition and application in the fields of livestock breeding, pet care, and wildlife protection. Today, TCVM is playing an increasingly important role in the global veterinary medicine field, combining traditional wisdom with modern technology to contribute to the health and well-being of animals.
