Dr. Kate

I received my veterinary education in Australia, so of course, I believe in science and Western medicine! When I was young and fell ill, my family sometimes took me to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and prescribed herbal remedies. Back then, I was too little to understand or make my own choices.

​

After graduating from university and returning to Hong Kong, my nasal allergies became extremely severe. When they flared up, both nostrils would run like open faucets! It wouldn’t stop all day, leaving me feeling dazed and exhausted, greatly affecting my work 😫—so much so that I felt like cutting off my own nose! (I believe those with nasal allergies will understand.) Antihistamines only offered temporary relief without addressing the root cause. Once, on a friend’s recommendation, I tried tian jiu (moxibustion therapy). I don’t know if you’re familiar with it, but it’s only suitable on the summer and winter solstices each year. I completed six courses over three years. Afterward, my nasal allergy flare-ups became less frequent, and when they did occur, they were much milder 😮‍💨. A few years later, I gave birth to my two daughters 👭🏻, and both times I had a wonderful pui yuet (postpartum caregiver) auntie who helped regulate my body: she prepared postpartum meals and brewed various nourishing soups. Since then, my nasal allergies have rarely flared up—only occasionally 🤞🏼. I believe this is largely due to the effects of traditional Chinese medicine, herbal treatments, and dietary therapy.

​

Throughout my 20 years of practice, I have encountered all kinds of clients. Occasionally, some who distrust Western medicine bring their pets for blood tests, listen to my interpretation of the results, but decline any prescribed Western medication or injections—preferring their own set of natural therapies 😅. Sometimes, I also hear about alternative treatments from clients: things like Brazilian mushrooms, silver water, spirulina, and so on. I’m not the type of Western-trained doctor who outright dismisses such products. On the contrary, I like to hear from clients about their effectiveness and observe the condition of the pets after use. If it helps, I am willing to believe 🧐.

​

Over the years, I have also performed acupuncture and moxibustion on pets! It’s especially moving to see paralyzed pets regain the ability to run and jump—each time, it still deeply touches my heart 🥺. I personally believe in massage and gua sha (scraping therapy) as well. Every time I finish a session, I feel refreshed and invigorated 😝.

​

Around two years ago, I noticed on social media that some people were using essential oils on pets 🧐. At first, I was just curious and followed a page to see what it was about, thinking essential oils were just another form of aromatherapy. In fact, they are scientifically grounded and have therapeutic effects. Foreign veterinarians have been using them on pets 🐶🐱 for quite some time! Since then, I have gradually delved deeper into understanding and applying them 😌.