Holistic Treatment Modalities and Process
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Modalities Homeopathy Homeopathy is at the center of our treatment focus at Holistic Care for Animals. A system of medicine over 200 years old, homeopathy stimulates the body to heal itself. Homeopathic medicines, called remedies, are derived from natural sources. If a large dose of the raw material were given to a healthy individual, their effect would create an illness similar to that which the corresponding homeopathic remedy would help to correct or heal. There are over 3000 homeopathic remedies. To arrive at the remedy that is the most appropriate (similar) to the case, requires careful evaluation of all symptoms exhibited by the animal. For a more comprehensive explanation and history of homeopathy please see Homeopathic Overview. Acupuncture Most simply stated, acupuncture (Latin:acus-needle, punctura-puncture) is the stimulation of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions as a means of helping the body heal itself. Acupuncture has been used successfully for nearly 4,000 years on animals as well as humans. As a matter of fact, it is still the treatment of choice for one quarter of the world's population. Acupuncture works primarily through the central nervous system affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. Acupuncture increases circulation, causes release of many of the body's natural pain killers, called endorphins, and other neurohormones and neurotransmitters. In addition to relieving pain, acupuncture relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves and the body's immune system, and treats individual organ system disorders. Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) Spinal disorders are fairly common sources of pain and resulting physical limitations for animals. Vertebral subluxations that contribute to these problems can be addressed and corrected in different ways. We prefer the “low force” technique, using the Activator Method. This is a highly effective, gentle and safe method of spinal adjusting. A hand-held adjusting instrument, called the Activator, is used to deliver a precisely controlled, light thrust to the subluxated vertebra. The action is quick and the adjustment is completed before the animal's natural tendency to tighten up is initiated. Immediate results, such as relief from pain can sometimes be seen with VOM treatments. Nutrition Good nutrition is a prerequisite for good health for humans and animals alike. Many diseases and illnesses can be linked to inadequate diets. And the healing process can be compromised if the nutritional state of the animal is not addressed. We promote the use of natural diets, preferably home made raw food diets, combined with whole food supplements. Holistic Process When a human goes to a medical doctor with a health problem, he or she can communicate symptoms directly to the practitioner. With your animal, you are the vital link in this communication. Since holistic treatment deals with specific remedies for specific symptoms, this input from you becomes even more critical. It is often that the key back to health is hidden in a rather obscure symptom. Because of this we will need to understand, in detail, the physical and emotional symptoms being displayed by the animal in order to optimize the chances of a timely and accurate diagnosis. At the same time, we are obligated to tell you what you might expect in the way of treatment responses in order to aid in the observance of symptomatic behavior. This makes it important to allow adequate time on the initial evaluation to have this detailed examination and communication. WHAT TO BRING TO THE INITIAL VISIT
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH INITIAL OFFICE CALL ( 1 to 1.5 hours )
FOLLOW UP VISITS Healing does not happen over night, therefore further exams, case study or treatments will be needed. The number of follow ups varies as to the nature of the initial problems and how long the problems have been present. After the initial consultation care should be taken to carefully observe and document physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Detail and accuracy help us determine if the treatment is acting palliatively or curatively and influences our next step in the process. General guidelines for follow up examinations or consultations are: ACUPUNCTURE and VOM: (15-30 minute visits) Generally, treatments are given once a week for 3 to 4 weeks, then as needed, perhaps every 2 to 4 weeks. Some chronic conditions require treatments to be given more frequently, e.g. twice a week for the first few weeks, then as needed. HOMEOPATHY (5-30 minutes) Follow up consultations, either by phone or in the clinic, are required to evaluate the effectiveness of the remedy. This is the MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT of homeopathic treatment, because rarely does an animal need just one remedy. And the prescription for the next medicine is based on what changes occur after the administration of the first one. Think of the healing process as peeling layers from an onion. The longer the animal has been ill, the more layers we need to remove to attain health. The first follow up is usually done at 3 to 4 week. However, depending on the nature of the illness, some cases require much closer supervision, e.g. daily to weekly contact with us. We feel it is important to have good communication on all aspects of our relationship which includes Professional Fees for our services. Return to top of page |
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