Holistic : definition

I know many of you spend a lot of money to buy a dog or a cat. Many of you treat them as part of your family members. Many of you also treat them like your own kids. But are you giving the right stuffs to your "family member"? They need correct food, vitamins, supplements, tonic, grooming, and exercise.

But just what is the "Correct" definition of Holistic?

Here is a definition of what Holistic meant.

Holistic : definition

hol.lis.tic 1. Pertaining to the theory that whole entities are more than the sum of their parts. 2. Of or using that consider one's total state, mind, body and spirit in the treatment of disease.

How does the word holistic apply to medicine? The Canadian Holistic Medical Association defines Holistic Medicine this way:

Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.

It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person (dogs in our case), including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.

Holistic medicine is more popular than ever. Many people are fed up with the failures of conventional medicine and the dangers of modern drugs. They have begun to look elsewhere for health and healing. More and more people are discovering the benefits of holistic medicine and are now starting to consider these same benefits for their pets. What's making the difference? Why are pets that are treated holistically reaching new heights of wellness where conventional medicine has failed them? Seemingly chronic health problems and incurable diseases from the conventional perspective are now being cured by holistic methods. Consider these key points:

Conventional medicine sees a dog as a collection of parts - a heart, a liver, a kidney. Holistic medicine sees a whole dog, with a body, mind and spirit.

Conventional medicine tends to rely on drugs for better health. Holistic medicine relies on proper nutrition to boost the bodies own natural resistance to disease. The focus is on stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Conventional medicine focuses on treating symptoms. This may offer a quick fix but it does nothing to address or affect the underlying problem. When symptoms are suppressed and the real problem is not addressed the disease may actually emerge again later in the same form or worse yet in a more debilitating manner. Holistic treatments focus on the whole individual. It sees a disease as the body's way of manifesting an imbalance and the only way to regain balance is to address the entire individual. The aim of holistic medicine is to nourish the body, mind, spirit and its natural tendency for health. Instead of the quick fix, the body will experience a more permanent improvement while always moving towards a higher state of health. Conventional medicine often involves some type of drug therapy that tends to create side effects which can undermine overall health. Holistic medicine offers natural remedies that the body can more easily accept therefore not creating harmful side effects.

Conventional medicine will attempt to fight off disease once it occurs. Treatment is sought only after an illness manifests. There is no emphasis on preventative treatment. A holistic approach will aim to support overall health in order to prevent a disease from developing in the first place.

Conventional medicine is very rigid in its diagnosis and treatments. There is little room if any for alternative approaches. In the true spirit of holistic medicine any and all avenues of treatment will be considered when determining the best approach for an individual patient. Therefore, holistic medicine does not exclude conventional treatments such as surgery if no safe alternative exists.

Holistic care for animals is on the rise. We may not have been taught holistic principles or raised with them, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't adopt them if they provide our pets with a healthier life. We shouldn't let tradition or fear determine our choices. We have been taught by the current medical establishment that we have no control over our healthcare decisions.

Don't believe it. You do have choices and when faced with the choice of preventing a disease or treating a disease which would you choose? Taking a holistic approach means being responsible and proactive. It means becoming an active participant in your dog's healthcare. You do that by gathering the necessary information to make an informed decision as to which form of treatment will potentially work best for your pet. This may be uncomfortable for you at first but you'll be surprised and grateful for the results you'll achieve.

If you do have any problems with your pet and that you need to consult a Holistic Veterinarian, please do go ahead and see what's the alternative options are. Options are for us to choose and make it better.