As the name suggests, holistic medicine focuses on the well-being of the whole patient, and it is vital to determine the root cause of any issue to offer the best treatment. It considers the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being that the person is suffering from.
Pet owners often seek alternative treatments when conventional ones, such as medication and procedures, are unsuccessful in helping their animals. If you’ve developed healthy, clean eating and other choices for a holistic lifestyle for yourself, there is a reason that they would want the same for their pets.
Holistic Approaches to Pet Health
Instead of focusing solely on individual symptoms, holistic medicine takes an overall view of the patient’s condition and works to improve their overall health. Some of the holistic practices presented here may be helpful to your pet. While it’s true that many modern vets practice a hybrid of traditional medicine and alternative therapies, it’s always best to get your vet’s advice before any treatment.
1. Massage
Massage for dogs has the same beneficial effects on the body that it has on humans: it increases circulation, relaxes the nervous system, eases muscle tension, and lowers stress. Veterinarians acknowledge that dog massage has two primary benefits, giving the dog a sense of well-being and strengthening the bond between the pet and its owner. Indeed, no one doesn’t enjoy a nice gentle massage from someone you love.
While massage alone will not cure your dog’s cancer or fix a broken bone, it’s an effective method to help your pet relax and feel better when combined with vet treatment. That’s why you should give the practice a go. You can follow this link for more info about the different types of veterinary care for the wellness of your pet.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the application of specific pressure points in your body, has been practiced by humans for thousands of years. It took another few years before acupuncture gained acceptance among dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association accepted it as an “alternative therapy” in 1988.
If needles are inserted into certain body areas, chemicals are released into the brain and spinal cord that promote healing. Although evidence-based evidence regarding acupuncture’s efficacy is lacking, reports from anecdotal sources suggest that it can help dogs suffering from muscle soreness and arthritis to post-operative recovery and treat cancer and diabetes. You can visit reputable facilities like Shane Veterinary Medical Center for accupuncture scheduling and sessions.
3. Hydrotherapy
The exercise of physical therapy swimming in water can be known as hydrotherapy. Low-impact exercise is ideal for dogs with special needs, for example, recovering from an injury or surgery, experiencing mobility challenges due to weight or age, or needing to increase their heart rate and burn some calories.
In addition to being a fantastic workout, hydrotherapy aids in building muscle as it improves mobility, boosts circulation, and eases stress. For more info you can type in “holistic vet in Marina Del Rey” to connect with a specialist in this field.
4. Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine employs herbal ingredients in particular combinations or formulations to address specific diseases. Chinese traditional medicine works the most efficiently when coupled with western veterinary treatment for treating chronic ailments. The advocates of herbal medicine suggest that it could be used for pain relief, aid in healing damaged organs and tissues, and strengthen and enhance the immune system.
Some herbs, such as those used to thin the blood or diuretics, should not be taken in conjunction with other prescriptions. Like any other medication taken by mouth, Chinese herbal therapies can result in adverse reactions like nausea and diarrhea.
5. Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors utilize manual adjustments for the spine and other bones in various body regions for treating various ailments, such as those that affect joints muscles, bones, and joints. Chiropractic care for animals is a non-invasive method that doesn’t require the use of any medications but relies on gentle adjustments to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
