The Relationship between Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine

"Hunter" is one of Dr. Johnson's favorite patients. "Hunter" is a "Maltepoo" (Maltese-Poodle).

• Nutrition is the place where conventional medicine and natural medicine meet. Nutrition is that place where there can be a bridge between the conventional and alternative therapies. Nutrition always plays a significant role in an integrative holistic approach to diagnosis and therapy, for the conditions that afflict our pets, young and old.
• Naturopathy, the study of Natural Medicine is the place where the alternative therapies meet, but where nutrition has always been foremost.
• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is that discipline where East  meets West. In the United States where most cases are worked up with conventional medical diagnosis and treatment, the acupuncturist is usually not called until the western approach fails. The veterinary acupuncturist must consider the western medicine diagnosis, perform an eastern medicine diagnosis and administer therapies that balance the pet's "Qi " (energy) with nutrition, herbs, or acupuncture.
• The potential and real interrelationships of conventional medicine, nutrition, natural medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and acupuncture are some of the reasons why Dr. Johnson studied to become a certified veterinary acupuncturist, a naturopathic doctor, and a Ph.D. in Nutrition.