Integrative Veterinary Medicine
Our Services
A comprehensive integrative toolkit — each modality chosen for its evidence base, individualized to the patient, and always grounded in conventional medicine.
Evidence-based pain relief and nerve support
Veterinary Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture is one of the most thoroughly researched integrative modalities available. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and validated by decades of Western research, it works by stimulating specific anatomical points — influencing pain pathways, nerve function, circulation, and immune response.
Dr. Falk is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) trained through the Chi Institute. She uses both dry needling and aquapuncture (injection of sterile saline or B12 at acupoints) depending on the patient's needs and temperament. Most patients tolerate treatment extremely well and many become visibly relaxed during sessions.
Commonly used for
- Chronic pain and osteoarthritis
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Post-surgical recovery and nerve regeneration
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Vestibular disease
- Nausea and appetite stimulation in cancer patients
Typical frequency
Initial course: weekly for 4–6 sessions. Maintenance: monthly or as needed.
Individualized formulas grounded in TCVM diagnosis
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine herbal formulas have been refined over centuries and are increasingly supported by modern pharmacological research. Dr. Falk uses only pharmaceutical-grade herbal products from reputable suppliers with rigorous quality testing — never raw herbs of unknown origin.
Every herbal prescription begins with a full TCVM pattern diagnosis — an assessment of the patient's constitution, tongue, pulse, and presenting signs that goes beyond the conventional diagnosis. The same Western diagnosis (e.g., arthritis) may call for very different herbal formulas depending on the individual patient's pattern.
Commonly used for
- Chronic pain and inflammation
- Immune modulation and allergic disease
- Digestive disorders and IBD
- Kidney and liver support
- Cancer support and chemotherapy side effects
- Cognitive dysfunction and senior wellness
Typical frequency
Ongoing; formulas are reassessed and adjusted at each follow-up visit.
Food as medicine — individualized dietary planning
Therapeutic Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the most powerful and most underutilized tools in veterinary medicine. What a pet eats directly influences inflammation, immune function, gut health, body weight, and organ function. Dr. Falk takes a thorough dietary history and develops individualized nutrition plans based on the patient's diagnosis, life stage, and family's practical constraints.
Recommendations may include therapeutic commercial diets, home-cooked meal plans (formulated to meet AAFCO standards), targeted supplementation, or elimination protocols for suspected food sensitivities. Dr. Falk does not advocate for any single dietary philosophy — she advocates for what the evidence and the individual patient support.
Commonly used for
- Inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions
- Food sensitivities and IBD
- Chronic kidney disease
- Weight management and metabolic disease
- Cancer — anti-inflammatory and anti-cachexia nutrition
- Senior wellness and cognitive support
Typical frequency
Initial consultation includes a full dietary assessment. Follow-up as needed.
Classical homeopathy for the individual patient
Homeopathy
Classical homeopathy is one of the more nuanced tools in Dr. Falk's integrative toolkit. It is also one of the most individualized — a homeopathic prescription is based not just on the diagnosis, but on the complete picture of the patient: their temperament, sensitivities, response to environment, and the precise character of their symptoms.
Dr. Falk is transparent about the evidence base for homeopathy: it is more limited than for acupuncture or herbal medicine, and the mechanism of action remains debated. She uses it selectively, in patients where the clinical picture is well-suited and where conventional and other integrative approaches have been fully considered. She does not use homeopathy as a replacement for evidence-based care.
Commonly used for
- Chronic skin and allergic conditions
- Behavioral and emotional disturbances
- Recurrent infections with no clear conventional cause
- Palliative and supportive care
- Patients with medication sensitivities or intolerances
Typical frequency
Highly individualized; typically reassessed at 4–6 week intervals.
A comprehensive second opinion — or a primary integrative relationship
Integrative Consultations
Not every patient needs a specific modality — some need a thoughtful, unhurried conversation about their overall health picture. Dr. Falk's integrative consultations are designed for families who want a comprehensive review of their pet's current care, a second opinion on a complex diagnosis, or a roadmap for how integrative medicine might fit into their existing treatment plan.
These consultations include a full review of medical records, a complete physical examination, a TCVM assessment, and a detailed written care plan. Dr. Falk communicates directly with your primary veterinarian and any specialists involved in your pet's care — she sees herself as a collaborator, not a replacement.
Commonly used for
- Complex or chronic conditions with incomplete response to conventional care
- Second opinions on diagnosis or treatment approach
- Families considering integrative medicine for the first time
- Pets with multiple concurrent conditions
- Pre-surgical optimization and post-surgical recovery planning
- End-of-life and palliative care planning
Typical frequency
Initial consultation 60–90 minutes. Follow-up visits 30–45 minutes.
What to Expect
Your First Visit with Dr. Falk
01
Comprehensive Review
Dr. Falk reviews all prior medical records, diagnostics, and treatment history before your appointment. Come prepared to discuss your pet's full health story.
02
Full Examination
A complete physical examination plus a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine assessment — tongue, pulse, and constitutional evaluation — gives Dr. Falk a complete picture.
03
A Written Care Plan
You leave with a clear, written integrative care plan — including recommended therapies, rationale, expected timeline, and how it fits with your existing veterinary care.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your pet's health history and which integrative services might be the right fit.