Glossary of Several Holistic Modalities:

See also: SELECTING A HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN

The following definitions are very brief and express Dr. Christina Chambreau's personal experience of curative ability (symptoms get better and the animal becomes healthier overall) versus merely palliative or supportive (symptoms get better without overall improvement.) Certification means there is an organization that trains and certifies veterinarians in that specific modality. (see selecting a holistic veterinarian)

Homeopathy: System of medicine started in 1800 that uses substances (in their energetic form) to correct deficits in the vital force so symptoms resolve and overall health is enhanced. Remedies that produce symptoms in tests (provings) are given to ill animals (or people) who have the same pattern of symptoms. Curative. Certification.

Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs): 5,000 year old system that treats the energy pathways of the body to remove blockages and rebalance the chi. Curative. Certification.

Chiropractic: Re-aligning the musculoskeletal system, especially the spinal column, relieves pressure on nerves, thus restoring function to the body. Certification.

Herbal: Use of the medicinal herbs in their material form to treat specific problems, conditions or to enhance overall vitality. Problems: administration - especially in cats; toxicity. Apawthecary has glycerin extracts that are easy to administer to cats (and dogs).

Neutraceuticals: Nutritional substances used to enhance the body’s function. Again, the problem is often in how to administer these to cats or small dogs.

Flower Essences: totally safe liquids extracted from flowers. Very good for emotional problems. You can safely try these yourself. Rescue Remedy is available from petfooddirect.com and even your local pharmacy. Bach Flower essences are available from petfooddirect.com and many health food stores. Green Hope Farms has many combination flower essences for animals grown in New Hampshire. One often helps prevent fleas. Flower Essence Society, Perlandra flower essences and others are also available.

Tellington Touch: Wonderful adjunct for every person working with animals, this adaptation of the Alexander technique enhances learning and healing. Be sure your groomer knows this one.

Reiki: energetic, intuitive healing. This can help with pain and tissue repair and even work on deeper levels. Different practitioners can do hands on, long distance, just physical or etheric body. Very good adjunct to any healing modality. Many local trainings are available wherever you live, so you can learn to help your animals yourself with Reiki.

Rolphing: Manipulation of the fascia overlying the muscles, and the tendons and ligaments allows normal function of the body. Some rolphers (for people) also work with animals.

Network Chiropractic: a more gentle modification using light pressure and energy techniques for a more gentle chiropractic treatment. Training.

Ayurveda: system of medicine from India using herbs to balance the prana.

Intuitive Healing/Animal Communicators: a leap in faith for most veterinarians, these modalities can produce miracles. Fine as long as you realize they are interpreting what they receive from the animal and they may be wrong. Do not be discouraged if one gives you disheartening advice. As with any practitioner or veterinarian, you are the judge of how well your animal is responding to anyone’s treatment.