Holistic medicine, also known as Eastern medicine, is a form of healing that considers the individual as a whole –the physical body and the mind, as well as environmental influences. Some examples of environmental factors that would influence an individual’s well-being would include diet, exercise, training, interactions (animal/animal or animal/human), and housing. All these must be considered wh
en trying to optimize health and wellness. Holistic medicine practitioners believe that the whole individual is a collection of interdependent parts and if one part is unhealthy, then the other parts will be affected in some way and may become unhealthy as well. In effect, if a horse or dog has an imbalance (physical or psychological), it can negatively affect their overall health and performance. In accordance with the holistic medicine philosophy one can achieve optimal health, which is the primary goal of holistic medicine practice, by gaining the proper balance. Western medicine is the term used to describe the treatment of medical conditions with medications, surgery, radiation or other highly technical modalities available in very industrialized countries. The treatment methods are developed according to Western medical philosophies and the formal scientific process. Another name for Western medicine would be allopathic medicine. It differs from holistic medicine in its approach to treatment, which relies heavily upon industrially produced medications, highly sophisticated diagnostics and invasive procedures. Integrative medicine incorporates the concepts and therapies from both holistic and allopathic medicine to treat a patient. For example, when a horse is suffering from ulcers, an integrative vet may not only prescribe a western medication directed specifically at treating the ulcers, but will also consider potential factors that may be contributing to the development of the ulcers, such as other health problems, the individual psychological profile, diet, competition schedule, or stabling practices. The treatment plan may involve drugs to decrease gastric acid secretion, acupuncture to alleviate pain, and stabling or competition modifications to decrease the stress. By incorporating both forms of medicine, we have multiple options for the best therapy for your companion. Our services are primarily ambulatory, depending on the situation. It is important to remember that an integral part of wellness is preventive in nature and that medicine is not soley about treating injuries or disease. We offer a spectrum of services for this reason. Please visit our Services page for more information.
