Qi Blends, Chinese Herbs for Dogs

My first case study is about Gracie, a dog near and dear to my heart. Gracie is prone to getting joint pain – particularly in her knees and hips. At times she hobbles on three legs, unable to put any weight on her hind leg.

From a Chinese medicine perspective Gracie suffers from “Bi pain.” The translation of “Bi pain” is painful obstruction. When a dog has pain and stiffness in the muscles, tendons, bones, or joints, it falls into this category. Pain from arthritis is largely looked at as “bi pain” in Chinese medicine.

According to the theories of Chinese medicine, the factors that cause “bi pain” are wind and dampness. Change in the location of pain indicates wind. Heaviness, swelling, or numbness indicate dampness. Wind and dampness will commonly combine with either heat or cold.

Gracie was treated with Qi Blends Joint & Muscle blend. Qi Blends is the line of Chinese herbs that I created specifically for dogs. We’ve launched with 12 blends – 10 internal blends which are mixed with food. Two of the blends are topical – an ointment for itching and a powder for hots spots and sores.

Gracie does very well with Joint & Muscle blend, which has the primary function of treating “bi pain”. After taking the herbs for several days, she began to run and play with youthful vigor. For the most part she appears to be pain free. Since joint pain is Gracie’s weakness, it will sometimes creep back up on her. But when it does re-emerge, a few doses of Joint & Muscle blend is all it takes to take care of it.