Take for an example cancer: the non-holistic way to treatment would be to cut out the tumour or kill the cancerous cell. The holistic approach, in contrast, goes much deeper than this, and seeks to find and correct the imbalances that enabled the cancer to grow in the first place. Treatment is aimed at supporting the body so it can correct itself and become healthy again by integrating modalities such as nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, chiropractic, flower essences, homeopathy, myotherapy, to name a few. Drugs and surgery are designed to treat the symptoms of disease, not the imbalances that created it to begin with.
People seem to think that 'holistic medicine' is new. But most holistic therapies are based on traditions that are hundreds, sometimes thousands of years old, and these ideas have been there all along. Just because they have been overlooked, dismissed or demonised by a medical profession that often refuses to acknowledge any discipline that falls outside of what is traditionally taught in veterinary/medical institutions.
Please be aware that in our society, food, toys, medical care for your dog is a billion dollar business and that most people have been trained to react to a certain way to alternative/complementary ideas, thanks to sophisticated marketing and very often, fear tactics. By considering a holistic approach, you are not asked to reject the advice of conventional medicine, you are just considering that there may be other modalities you can explore and possibly use to 'complement' what the mainstream approach is.
By considering a holistic approach, you become informed and empowered to assume a more active role in providing optimal care for your dog.
Remember also that at the end of the day, you are the expert on your dog, his daily routine, what is normal or abnormal for him. You know when he is feeling well or not, whether a treatment is working or not. Your input and observations are essential, and help determine the best course of treatment for your dog.
Prevention is the best medicine! Consider the costs you are saving in either helping prevent a health problem, or recognizing health issues early before they become significant.
Some people may argue that some holistic therapies are not yet "scientifically proven" however, if positive clinical results -such as an improved rate of recovery, general comfort and the reduction of symptoms are all noticed, isn't that proof enough? Demanding proof of something that can't be measured in scientific terms (not yet!) also means that many people close themselves off to a lot of possibilities! Did you know that aspirin was used for decades as an analgesic long before there was any scientific basis for its effectiveness?
Some things in life are intuitive, not logical. Some things can just be known, but not proven. And some of those things are no less valuable or effective simply because they currently cannot be explained.
We are indebted to our companion the dog. For thousands of years they have been our dedicated guardians, and have a long history of serving humanity in many ways.and often without any reciprocated respect and loving kindness. Our dogs deserve the best that we can provide for both their physical and psychological wellbeing.
Remember the quote by Frank Zappa: "The mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open"
Also remember that the best decisions are never made out of fear!
Author Resource:
Joanna Kujath has been a well accomplished Naturopath and Herbalist for over 14 years. Devoting many of her working years towards helping people with health related problems she has recently concentrated her knowledge and experience towards helping man's best friend instead. Dogs have played a significant part in Joanna's life and she has been utilizing her skills in creating specialty herbal and holistic remedies for all dog breeds. For more information please visit http://www.dogherbalremedies.com
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