Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapies and health principles are ancient concepts, a reminder of life's unity, wholeness and balance. The holistic perspective looks beyond the immediate symptom to the deeper cause with emphasis on prevention, maintenance and bringing the body back into harmony and balance. Health not only reflects what is going on within the body, buy how the body relates and copes with all that surrounds it. All types of disharmony reflect symptomatically in the body with subtle hints and early warning signs. Holistic healthcare is an open system based on the assumption that we are compatible with nature and have the ability to take control of health and well being naturally and efficiently. Holistic therapies are those modalities which enable us to effect those changes in the most natural way with the fewest side effects and negative lasting symptoms.
Holistic and alternative medicine does not simply replace the traditional approach, but is a complementary and integral part of the whole and a necessity for a comprehensive health program. Holistic health is an evolving concept and is often a term used for everything from acupuncture to psychic healing. However, I refer to holistic therapy as a way to define our expanding awareness and vision of multi-faceted, multi-dimensional healthcare with limitless options.
Holistic healthcare puts more responsibility and involvement of the individual for the welfare of their animals. The holistic assumption is that the body knows innately how to heal itself and constantly strives to be in harmony and balance. Physical and behavioral symptoms are viewed as important feedback to the body's response to the environment rather than the manipulation of the body to fight, conquer and destroy disease. There has been a necessary change in the opinion that we must alter, change or curb unwanted behavior without going to first cause. Many animals have been sacrificed for lack of seeking the root of a problem when pain has been misjudged for poor attitude, resistant behavior or vices.
The World Health Organization states, "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of illness and disease." The ultimate goal is to use expert authorities in all fields teaching individuals to assume responsibility for their animal's health by modifying unhealthy lifestyles and practices. Prevention and maintenance are the key to holistic care and practice with less painful side-effects. Health education, resolving environmental health issues and prevention are crucial modules of holistic healthcare.
Holistic therapy is a system of practices unified by a central philosophy. We are fortunate in these times to draw upon both the ancient and contemporary holistic philosophy. Many owners are disillusioned with the dehumanization of their animal's healthcare and are seeking other options. Some professionals are afraid that alternative medicine will be taken too far and that people will forego allopathic treatment for themselves and their animals when the true and better model is to use the holistic approach.
Alternative and conventional medicine both play a crucial and vital role in healthcare and education.
Though most natural remedies are effective and safe, a do-it-yourself approach can be harmful or even fatal when treating animals. Natural treatments, herbs and vitamins are generally safer than some medications but can interact adversely. Working with no diagnosis or on assumption can often waste valuable time when a professional should have been consulted. Some natural remedies counteract vital life-saving medications that have been prescribed by a veterinarian. Mega doses of herbs and vitamins can cause organ dysfunction and severe side-effects. Homeopathic remedies, which are of great value for many conditions, can be rendered ineffective when combined with certain other therapies. This can also discourage animal owners from benefiting from many healing therapies because they think they don't work when the best process is to work with knowledgeable practitioners.
Our approach to wellness is through the choice of diverse therapies that support the healing process with appropriate care, health management and education. The Animal Institute of Holistic Health© and The Center For Animal Awareness greatly encourages the participation of owners to work with their animals through education, experience and continuing development of these programs. An involved, caring and educated owner is the animal's portal to good health.
Here are some vital points to consider when making healthcare decisions for your animals. When you find a core group of healthcare providers, make it clear that you desire to combine therapies. This will ensure that the choices you make will be supported by all informed professionals. Seek veterinarians and healthcare providers who recognize the importance of touch and personalized contact with your animal and will answer your questions and be open about treatment and therapy. Listen to your intuition and find help when you have concerns. However, it is the responsibility of the owner to gain closer communication by becoming a more educated animal owner. After all, no one knows your animal as well as you. Patience, consistency and love go a long way in healthcare and are often the key to recovery when other methods have failed. Animals are a reflection of our deeper selves and are important in our own healing and transformation.
For more information, call The Animal Institute of Holistic Health©.
Bennie Jean Kuehnle
The Animal Institute of Holistic Health™
Twin Kreek Ranch Performance Horses
Marietta, OK
Petspeak@swbell.net
