What's a Holistic vs. Allopathic Vet?
Is your vet allopathic or holistic? What's the difference, and why is it important?
Every vet who has a degree is trained in allopathic medicine, also known as mainstream, western or conventional veterinary medicine. This means that they are schooled in surgical techniques, anatomy and physiology, diseases, diagnosis, pharmaceuticals. In human medicine, this is sometimes referred to as "disease care," as opposed to "health care."
"Allopathic" is the term coined in 1810 by Samuel Hahnemann, the creator of Homeopathy. It comes from the Greek language and means "other than the disease," referring to the treatment of symptoms as opposed to causes. Dr. Hahnemann noted that most of the doctors of his day used medicines that usually had side effects. Sadly, this still remains true today of modern pharmaceuticals and parasite "preventatives" like flea and tick treatments.
The basis of all holistic modalities is to stimulate the body's natural healing response and re-balancing without creating side effects. Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, glandular therapy, nutrition, naturopathy, laser therapy, flower essence therapy, Reiki, Rolphing, Chiropractic, TTouch, Healing Touch, etc., are examples.
Vets who have pursued any of the above modalities have done so to have more tools in their tool box for treating disease AND supporting health and your animal's return to balance.
Obviously, surgery and drugs have their place and are essential tools for certain urgent issues. However, they are often inappropriate for long-term healing. Often, as in the case of prednisone, they suppress symptoms, driving the problem deeper into the body, making it more difficult for healing to take place.
On the other hand, used short term, prednisone for dogs and prednisolone for cats can knock down inflammation and stimulate your companion's appetite, so his body can start to heal. It's important that YOU know why and how any drug is being recommended and for how long to administer before damaging side effects can occur. Familiarize yourself with any potential side effects so you'll recognize them quickly if they occur in your companion.
Know Your Options
Everyone can benefit from knowing more about how holistic modalities compliment conventional treatments and facilitate deep healing. There is no "one size fits all" approach for our animals, any more than for ourselves. Each animal is an individual and requires her own special mix of holistic and allopathic modalities throughout her lifetime. It's up to you to choose the best combinations of healing modalities for your beloveds.
To locate a Holistic vet in your state and area, go to The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website: www.ahvma.org.
Do you want your animal's input on which modalities, supplements, treatments, procedures are helpful in this moment in time for what she is experiencing? Contact me for an Animal Communication session. Together we can zero in on what's best to pursue. I also can refer you to holistic vets, trainers, body workers, etc., once your animal guides us to what she needs. Click here or here. Your animals will thank you!
With Love, Your Voice of Animals,