The Importance of Integrative Care

One of the misconceptions that some people have about holistic practitioners is that we're opposed to mainstream medical care. I can tell you from personal experience with my own dog that this is not true.

Recently (April, 2010) my own dog, at the age of ten, underwent a month-long series of radiation treatments for cancer. You can read the details of how I supported her through this process on my blog.

My skills were put to work providing support for her during exposure to anesthesia, radiation, and steroids. I did this through careful attention to her diet (especially herbal foods), as well as acupressure and flower essences. The veterinarian and staff commented on how few side effects she experienced, and how fit she was throughout the process. She came through with flying colors and continues her active lifestyle.

In many cases of chronic health imbalances holistic practitioners believe that the use of natural remedies like herbs and flower essences along with energetic work like acupressure and reiki play a central role in healthcare. We also believe that their role in preventative care is undeniable.

But of course, if your dog is facing serious medical issues, you need to seek serious veterinary care for them. Then the job of natural remedies is to support the animal while they go through the sometimes intense process of acute medical treatment.

During my dog’s acute cancer care I also continued consultations with her holistic vet, kept up on her chiropractic care, and consulted with a surgeon recommended to me by both her holistic vet and chiropractor.

It's essential to find the veterinarians and other practitioners who resonate with you and fit with your expectations. You form a circle of care, finding people you trust, then finding the people they trust.

It's worth the consultation fees to meet each person. You want someone who will answer all your questions and treat you with respect. If you try someone out and come away with doubts, separate the person from their specialty in your mind; you may want to try another practitioner before you decide a particular healing modality isn’t right for your pet.

When you find a trusted team of professionals your fears about critical care will subside, and you will be able to care for your pet with more confidence.

If your pet is not currently experience serious medical issues you should still include holistic care to prevent future problems. Integrating basic holistic care into your normal routine is the first step, and one that is easy to do with guidance and education.

Integrating holistic care with allopathic (mainstream) care can be done successfully, and should be included in your discussions with your veterinarian. It’s important for them to know what other care your pet is getting, not only to ensure that medical conflicts are avoided, but also to help your veterinarian learn how the complimentary care is benefiting their patient.

Holistic practitioners like myself look forward to the time when holistic and allopathic care is not an either/or proposition, but a partnership of care based on knowledge and trust.