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Alternative is defined as a choice of two things.
The Animal Institute of Holistic Health™ and all involved here are dedicated to helping individuals and groups explore and experience the world of healing and health care for animals. We believe the future of all species and the very earth in which we exist depend on the development of a closer relationship, awareness and knowledge of all living things and how they strive to exist in harmony and balance.
The relationship begins with each individual's personal journey toward a deeper understanding and knowledge of healing principles. We are often caught between highly academic, marketing oriented thought patterns and the natural, less scientific approach in all aspects of our lives. Simply trying to make simple choices can be tricky in this modern age of every-changing and conflicting information. We and many who are on this same spiritual path are responding to the critical need to explore shared knowledge and build more effective models of healthcare and therapeutic healing.
In many cases, the word Alternative is very relevant. You can probably think of many examples where the word Alternative can apply. The Alternative to Yes is No. It doesn's mean that one is good and the other is bad. It is a judgement and based on many variables. We are using the term Alternative here to describe a health model.
The line between Alternative and Conventional medicine is now less defined as we work for the highest standards in all professions. Many changes, both subtle and obvious, are taking place in the way Conventional Medicine is practiced. When the practice of any Medicine or Therapy no longer supports and works in harmony with the highest and best for the animal, it is time to stop doing what doesn't work and place our attention on what does work. This disharmony in the Conventional world has broadened the interest in Alternative healthcare as a reflection of shiting cultural paradigms and part of a broader value system that embraces a growing concern for choices in animal (and human) healthcare (and the ethical treatment of the environment).
Our intent is not to criticize, but to enlighten, challenge and expand the awareness and understanding of issues that are critical to the basis of healthcare and treatment. Only then can we act without judement in working toward guidelines that can evolve, grow and meet the ethical and highest standards and guidelins that can evolve and grow as we gain more knowledge.
Lack of knowledge and understanding may contribute to the reluctance of many professionals to use holisitic therapies or refer to alternative providers. It is also crucial that the holistic and non-medical community undertand the constraints, practices and guidelines of convention medicine when seeking to merge options in healthcare. After years of school and the financial investment to finally practice veterinary medicine, it is unfair to judge and attack conventional practitioners for not suddenly embracing all holistic, alternative and folk medicine theories that come along. After all, your veterinarian has spent years learning how to save the lives of animals and to perform intricate surgical procedures without which our animals would not survive.
For the Alternative practitioner, seeking to obtain credibility only within holistic and alternative communities and with those individuals in similar practices and modalities would certainly insulate them from much of the negative judgement and skepticism. We are instead reaching for and finding acceptance by broader and more professional groups. Instead of seeking and nuturing allies limited to groups of Alternative and naturalistic practitioners, we are finding that many Conventional and traditional communities are beining to suport or take a more serious look at Alternative Medicine.
We are finding acceptance in the entire range of wellness models where we can work in harmony by forming partnerships. This team approach to healing is far superior to individual and standalone modalities and is accomplished through education, research and accurate documentation.
As long as we do not perceive Alternative as a term of exclusivity, and simply use Alternative as terminology to express a choice in treatment, we can use this as a growth opportunity.
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| Cat's right rear leg accidently entrapped by large rubber band when owner was trying to groom (without getting clawed). Rubber band stayed on leg for 24+ hours until cat could be caught and taken to veterinarian who determined amputation was the only option to save cat. Owner was unable to finance surgery (cat was a stray) and decided to try alternative care. Cat's leg was swollen 5 times normal size with no feeling and cold. Treated with alternative therapy and cats leg is normal and owner has not attempted to groom cat since but still owns and loves cat, knotted hair and all. |
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| This is the cat in the next picture after extensive alternative therapy and a commited owner. The owner took the cat back to the vet and the diagnosis was cancer free. The owner was actually accused of switching cats because even the scar tissue from the previous surgery was barely visible. Therapy is effective, but nothing is more effective than an owner who is determined and dedicated. It is not an easy process. It takes time and effort. But., this can be the result. |
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| This cat had been diagnosed with cancer and went through extensive surgery with massive tumors removed (see scar from chest to hind legs). Treated afterwards with alternative therapy only since the veterinary diagnosis was grim. Cat survived and recovered and regained vibrant health. |
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