Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) views the body as an interconnected system—much like a garden—where balance is essential for health. Wellness depends on harmony between opposing yet complementary forces such as activity and rest, warmth and coolness, and dryness and moisture.

During a TCVM evaluation, your pet’s overall pattern of balance is assessed through observations including tongue color, pulse quality, body temperature, mobility, behavior, and areas of sensitivity or discomfort. Rather than focusing only on individual symptoms, TCVM uses this “pattern diagnosis” to identify underlying imbalances and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at restoring balance, improving quality of life, and supporting long-term wellness.

At Energy Garden Vet, TCVM care is offered through house calls throughout the Greater Boston area as well as outpatient appointments at Fresh Pond Animal Hospital.

Dr. Carrie Bonacorsi, DVM, CVA
Founder, Energy Garden Vet

I am an integrative veterinarian combining Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) with Western veterinary medicine to support lifelong wellness in animals.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Emory University and my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Missouri in 2005. After beginning my career in emergency and critical care medicine, I transitioned into general practice, where I developed a passion for building long-term relationships with pets and their families.

In 2017, I began advanced training at Chi University and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA). My training includes veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese food therapy, Tui-na massage, and laser therapy (photobiomodulation).

In 2021, after years of seeing pets and caregivers reach frustrating dead ends in conventional medicine despite extensive testing and treatment, I opened Energy Garden Vet to focus on a more integrative approach to healing and wellness. My goal is to support balance, comfort, resilience, and quality of life while working alongside the best current conventional veterinary care available.