Integrative Veterinary Medicine
Integrative veterinary medicine combines conventional practices with complementary therapies to treat the whole animal, aiming for optimal wellness while minimizing adverse effects. Therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, and nutritional supplements are part of this holistic approach, considering the body, mind, and spirit in treatment planning to stimulate healing mechanisms.
The emphasis is on using all reasonable therapies or systems of medicine that work together to provide an increased capacity to prevent and treat disease that would not be possible using one system of medicine alone. This integrative approach to veterinary medicine is designed to minimize adverse effects, maximize successful treatment outcomes, and improve the quality of life for pets.
Common Modalities
Acupuncture
- Balancing Qi of animal for smooth flow and elimination of excess/blockage
- Invigorating areas of deficiencies
- Toning organs
Physical Therapy
- Joint range of motion (ROM) exercises
- Sit-to-stands, Wheelbarrow, Dancing, Balance Boards
- Walking on uneven surfaces
- Water therapy
- Ice/heat therapy
- Props (life vest, weights, booties, slings, harnesses, etc.
Herbal Medicine
- Uses Chinese or western herbs to balance Qi
- DVM supervised administration:
- Can be toxic to kidneys and liver if not used properly
- Quality control of herbal formulas can be a concern
Chiropractic
- Manipulation of the spine in order to restore proper energy flow via neurologic paths
- Goal to prevent muscle spasm and encourage healthy plasticity
- Gentle non-force directional technique
Massage/PT
- Manipulation of the muscles and/or fascia in order to restore healthy tissue and flow of energy and lymphatics
- Cleansing process for toxin release
Subtle Energy Work
- Energy from the universe/collective source is moving into the animal through the energy worker to clear toxins, heal injuries, create balance
- Physical and mental healing available
- Distance healing
Homeopathy
- Least understood modality
- Not Herbalogy
- Substances (plant, animal, or mineral) are repeatedly diluted and aggitated, a process which creates more healing energetic power with each decrease in physical matter
- Success is dependent upon the skill of the homeopathic practitioner and the lifeforce of the patient