Holistic Care
The basis of holistic veterinary care is to treat the overall condition of the pet, not just an individual symptom or organ. Holistic veterinary care focuses on curing the root cause of a problem and not just alleviating the symptoms. Improving the overall quality of life for your pet is the ultimate goal. Holistic approaches include:
- Acupuncture
- Homeopathy
- Herbology
- Nutritional Therapy
Holistic veterinary care in the western world is still in its infancy. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, based in Maryland, was established in 1981. In 1988, acupuncture was recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association as a viable means for the treatment of some illnesses. Veterinary acupuncturists and chiropractors have formed their own organizations to help educate and create awareness of the alternatives available in veterinary care. Homeopathic veterinarians participate in the National Center for Homeopathy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders and skin conditions.
Acupuncture treatment for your pet is done in a calm and relaxed atmosphere at our hospital. Dr. Marc Siebert and Dr. Allan Nguyen, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society-certified acupuncturists, delicately apply sterile needles to various acupuncture points on your pet's body. Then, depending on your pet's condition, heat is applied (moxibustion) or a small charge of electricity (electro-acupuncture) to the needles.
If you think your pet could benefit from acupuncture, please discuss treatment options for your pet with our veterinarians.
Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital is proud to unite with the Mesothelioma Community Resource Network to raise awareness of mesothelioma cancer, which may be diagnosed in humans as well as in animals. Learn more about this cancer and the many benefits of holistic therapies for two-legged and four-legged patients undergoing mesothelioma treatment by visiting the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a proven system of medicine that has been used effectively in human medicine and in veterinary medicine for hundreds of years. Natural remedies are used to gently restore the patient to the highest level of mental and physical health. Although homeopathy can address acute problems such as trauma and allergic reactions, it is widely used to treat chronic or long-term degenerative diseases such as allergies, arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, bladder infections and many behavioral problems.
We regard homeopathy as a partnership between veterinarian and client. Our prescriptions take each pet's medical problems and personalities into consideration. Telephone follow-ups and re-evaluations help refine and alter ongoing treatments to achieve optimal results. Obstacles to cure are routinely evaluated and suggestions are given to rectify the situation.
Homeopathy is a whole-health system of medicine. The goal is always to achieve a cure, never to suppress a problem. This offers an excellent alternative to conventional medicine. It has been very effective where conventional medicine is unable to help. This treatment is particularly useful when no diagnosis is possible. In homeopathy, symptoms point to specific remedy treatments and no specific diagnosis is needed.
Herbology
The aim of Chinese Herbal Medicine is restoring balance in the body. It can be used for treating pet allergies that may lead to skin conditions, cancer and pain. One of the benefits of herbal medicines is that they contain materials from the entire plant; however, it is important to note that herbal remedies, in some instances, may be more beneficial if used in conjunction with acupuncture, a change in diet or lifestyle, or Western medicine.