What Is Holistic Wellness Counseling?

First, let's look at what holistic health means. 

Holistic health is actually a way of life!  It is based on making daily, mindful choices in order to maintain optimal health. While these choices will ideally begin during puppyhood or kittenhood, it's never too late to begin. Holistic Wellness looks at all aspects that contribute to well being such as diet, exercise, preventive care, environment and emotional needs.  We can continue to experience this high level of health as long as these areas are tended to.

This idea is in opposition to living an unhealthy lifestyle and then depending on modern medicine to fix the resulting problems with surgery and drugs.

What Is Holistic Medicine?

When the body shifts out of balance, it may manifest as a disease.  A symptom is an indication that something needs attention.  A holistic approach to disease works in partnership with you (the owner), your pet and the doctor to determine why this disease has occurred.  The treatments used help support the body's natural healing abilities in order to return it to good health.  This philosophy is preferable to treating or suppressing a symptom with drugs.

Some of the conditions that may be helped or prevented include:

• Allergies and itchy skin

• Recurring ear infections

• Bladder infections, stones and inflammation

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Arthritis

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Autoimmune disorders

• Behavioral problems

Holistic medicine uses treatments that are gentle and supportive and may include diet change, nutritional supplements, herbs, acupuncture, massage and chiropractic care.   It may take longer to see a positive response to treatment when using these methods vs. traditional pharmaceuticals, but it is comforting to know you are getting to the root of the problem and providing healthy and supportive care with minimal to no adverse side effects!