'A lot of my clients are asking for less antibiotics or steroids as they are more concerned of the side effects of Western medicine'Dr Grace Lin with permission for Varsity
Dr. Felicia Sunaryo studied at Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) University and specialises in respiratory medicine and vocal pedagogy.
Dr. Grace Lin studied Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney and received her accreditation from Chi University in Florida as a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA).
What are the most common cases you see in your TCM patients?
Dr. Sunaryo: As a specialist in pulmonary health, I frequently treat conditions such as chronic cough, flu, asthma, and COPD. Additionally, I address lifestyle-related issues that are increasingly common today, including insomnia, neck/back/lower back pain, and digestive problems.
“If the dosage of these herbs is not carefully monitored, their effects may overlap with those of the Western medication”
Dr. Lin: In my experience, a lot of mixed breed rescue dogs (Chinese Terriers) have anxiety issues. We can use acupuncture to balance the heart by looking at Chi or a blood deficiency. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) gives us a lot more options when it comes to internal medicine, especially in liver and kidney problems. For example, we see a lot of cats with hepatic lipidosis and jaundice. Generally, they are stressed and anxious, which usually means liver chi stagnation. We use Chinese medicine to help promote chi flow to calm the cat.
Are there possible setbacks in the integration of Western and traditional Chinese medicine?
Dr. Sunaryo: While the integration of Western medicine and TCM is generally beneficial, I believe potential setbacks can arise depending on the specific case. A notable example is the combination of blood-activating Western medications, such as aspirin (commonly used for heart conditions), with 活血化瘀 (pronounced huó xuè huà yū, blood-invigorating and stasis-removing) herbs in TCM. This highlights the importance of using TCM under the guidance of a qualified practitioner who can adjust dosages and ensure safe integration with Western treatments.
Dr. Lin: Not really, and there are no major setbacks. Usually, you can combine both medicines in your treatment plan. If the patient has a sensitive stomach there may be an occasional GI (gastrointestinal) effect, but this is far less common than western medicine.
There has been debate over whether TCM is safe due to the lack of scientific reasoning and evidence behind it. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Lin: There have been far more research and even double blinded studies published in Western veterinary journals than we realise. For example, the acupuncture point ST36 or 足三里 (pronounced zú sān lǐ) was stimulated, and significant endorphin release was observed, aiding pain management. I think more studies are on the way, but I believe getting very good therapeutic and clinical outcomes says a lot more about TCVM.
As more research is being carried out in the field of TCM, how do you see the future of medicine and patient care changing in response to this?
Dr. Sunaryo: In the future, the integration of TCM and Western medicine could lead to more comprehensive and personalized patient care.
“By combining the strengths of both systems—such as TCM’s focus on prevention and holistic balance with Western medicine’s advanced diagnostics and treatments—healthcare can become more adaptable, effective, and patient-centred.”
“Whether it is Western or Chinese medicine... it is a very handy tool to get to know the animal”
Dr. Lin: I believe it is similar to human medicine- we are becoming more aware of 养身 (pronounced yǎng shēn, taking care of one’s body). It’s more than just taking antibiotics when you are sick. A lot of my clients are asking for less antibiotics or steroids as they are more concerned of the side effects of Western medicine. The more research and awareness, the more comfortable we are to use Chinese medicine.
Can you tell me about your research exploring the integration of music therapy into TCM?
Dr. Sunaryo: In TCM literature, the five elements, sounds, emotions, and organs correspond to each other. Psychology and neuroscience have shown how music influences emotions and physiological responses, supporting the potential of music therapy in TCM. My research focuses on integrating TCM principles – especially 治未病 (pronounced zhì wèi bìng, preventative care)—with [the program] Singing for Lung Health, aligning vocal practices with holistic well-being.
As both a Western and TCM practitioner, do you find there is any conflict between the two systems?
Dr. Lin: I think I see more synergy rather than conflict. In both practices it is essential to take good histories. Palpations are also important in TCVM, so whenever I start palpating I am actually doing both practices. How you interpret it is up to your judgement, and you need to kind of switch between practices, but the result is usually the same. For example, if the animal has kidney failure, they will usually react a lot when we palpate the bladder meridian, which is where the kidney reflex acupoint is located.
Sometimes the animal won’t tell you their feelings because their owner has been away. But if you are using Chinese medicine, you can identify that it has liver chi stagnation; its tongue is redder in the area representing the liver. Then you can ask what the owner has done lately because the animal is not impressed. Then the owner may say “oh I have been away”, or “I have a new boyfriend, and the boyfriend hates the cat” and that makes TCVM very revealing.
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