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."
What?
"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; Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, glandular therapy, nutrition, naturopathy, laser therapy flower essence therapy, Reiki, Rolphing, Chiropractic, TTouch, Healing Touch, etc., is to stimulate the body's natural healing response and re-balancing without creating side effects.
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 the drug is being recommended and for how long to administer before damaging side effects can occur.
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. To learn how to make the best, most informed decision for your animals, join our Harmony Pack and register for acclaimed Homeopathic vet, Dr. Christina Chambreau's session THIS Wednesday, August 15th, "Holistic Medical Decision Making. What is it, and Why You Need to Know How." Your animals will thank you!
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