The Holistic Approach
Holistic approaches can be grouped into three categories: body work (massage, chiropractic, and acupressure); nutritional support (herbs, vitamins, and nutritional supplements); and energy work (acupuncture, homeopathy, magnetic therapy, lasers, Bach flowers, infrasonic therapy, and Reiki). But the list goes on: applied kinesiology, which uses muscle testing to pinpoint allergens; NAET (another allergen identification approach); aromatherapy, osteopathy, and shiatsu (similar to acupressure); and myofascial release (massage and stretching to release tight/restricted muscle and connective tissue) are among many.
What is alternative medicine?
Alternative medicine refers to diagnostic and treatment approaches not commonly taught in depth in traditional medical/veterinary schools. These may include nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic care, and acutherapies.
Here are some suggestions for finding a holistic practitioner:
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Ask at local barns.
Check bulletin boards at tack shops, feed stores, health food stores, natural pharmacies, and herb shops.
Contact holistic veterinary organizations, such as the following, to find local practitioners:
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH):
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA):
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA):
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS):
