Holistically Healthy

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     The term "holistic" has become a major buzzword in the world of canine health. The word is often linked with "organic." While eating organic and other types of wholesome food may be a part of raising a holistic dog, the term holistic has very specific application. It comprises an entire system of healing modalities with a single goal ?to make sure your dog is healthy, lives longer and is happy while doing so.

What Actually Is Holistic?

Holistic is not a single entity. Consider it an umbrella term under which several different types of "non-traditional" healing methods sit. A holistic veterinarian practice or approach utilizes various different "natural" methods of healing to restore balance to your canine's body. This approach has a singular goal ?the work from within the dog's physical body to resolve any health issues such as disease. This practice believes in utilizing the body's own healing powers rather than turning to such things as surgery or operations as a solution.

Who Practices Holistic Healing or Medicine?

Individual practitioners and owners may also take part in various forms of the holistic healing methods. Yet, the number of holistic veterinarians who practice various types of holistic healing is growing. In fact, they have their own medical association. In the United States, qualified vets can join the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. The new field also has certain professionals who work with qualified vets.

Common Healing Practices

The holistic world of canine medical approaches is vast and growing. There are, however, certain types more common than others are. These range from ancient medical practices to modern versions of older healing therapies.

?Acupuncture ?Acupuncture is the sticking into the canine of needles at certain points of the body to relive pain and stress. The idea is to restore a balance of the chi or ki. The typical practitioner is a veterinarian with courses in canine acupuncture. This is a highly complex form of treatment requiring specialized skills and very specific training. A qualified caine acupuncturist may belong to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and/or the Chi Institute.

?Chiropractic ?A veterinary chiropractor works with the bones and joints of the body. He or she must be skilled in manipulating them to restore balance and realign the spine to relieve pain and improve mobility. This requires someone who is either a vet schooled in chiropractic work or a chiropractor schooled in animal chiropractic work. There is an American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.

?Massage Therapy ?A layperson or veterinarian can perform therapeutic massage. The individual must be skilled in animal physiognomy. If this is a layperson, he or she usually works under the guidance or in conjunction with a veterinarian. The idea is to increase the flow of the life energy (chi) by removing the blockages through massage. Massage increases the blood flow to specific muscles and joints. This reduces pain and increases mobility. Associations include the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork.

?Aroma Therapy ?This is the use of various scented oils to help relax, detoxify, rejuvenate and help the body heal. While a layperson can do this, it is best if he or she has knowledge of the effect of plant oils on canines and other companion animals. Some oils are toxic if ingested, or used on the skin. Great care and specialized knowledge is required to ensure the animal is safely treated.

Other Types

There are many other types of holistic healing available to treat your canine. You might want to consider the following:
?Reiki
?Energy Work
?Traditional Chinese Medicine

Always make sure the practitioner is qualified to perform the services he or she offers.

Conclusion

In veterinarian medical practice as in that for human's, people are exploring alternatives to the North American approach. This has resulted in the burgeoning of holistic medicine. While not for everyone and their canine, it is a viable and alternative means of helping your dog maintain good health.