Integrative services
Holistic vs. Integrative
What is the difference between integrative medicine and holistic medicine?
Integrative medicine combines holistic therapies along with standard conventional treatments when called for. Lakeside Animal Hospital employs many holistic therapies, with an emphasis on those having a strong tradition of documented effects, careful research, and ongoing study. And, it includes the many positive attributes of medical skills that have been highly developed in Western medicine, such as advanced dental and surgical techniques, effective and safe medicines for infections, arthritis, inflammation, and pain, and many highly sophisticated diagnostic tools.
Holistic medicine encompasses a wide variety of alternative and complementary therapies designed to promote healing and wellness. Some of these are ones many of us already know and understand- for example: sensible exercise, proper nutrition, and the power of positive intention or thoughts. Others, such as acupuncture and veterinary herbal therapy may be less familiar to us, or not considered appropriate for pets. However, all holistic therapies have a basis of science behind them, and a wisdom that is often older than that which we attribute to Western medicine. Occasionally holistic medicine tends to focus on these alternative therapies to the exclusion of Western medicine, or without first looking for a diagnosis, which we at Lakeside Animal Hospital feel have an important place.
Simply put, integrative medicine offers the best options, at the best time, for your dog or cat’s current health condition. The integrative approach: weather its acupuncture or antibiotics, surgery or herbal supplements, offers the best tools for wellness-focused care. At Lakeside Animal Hospital we will recommend the best plan for your pet’s optimal health or recovery.
So, if that sounds like the sort of care that is right for your pet, we encourage you to call us to schedule a consultation. If you think you would prefer a purely holistic consultation, there are many wonderful, dedicated holistic practitioners available. The best way to find a holistic practitioner is through the website of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. You can access them at www.holisticvetlist.com - you can even search by zip code, to find the practitioner nearest you. Each practitioner's name will also list their holistic specialties and any certification they may have earned.