Holistic Medicine in Sarasota

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used in China for over 3,500 years to maintain health and wellness in both people and animals. Western medicine and Chinese medicine address the same physical disorders in very different ways. A doctor of Western medicine treats a specific disease or disorder, while a doctor of TCM looks for the underlying cause and works to restore the pet to a state of balance so they can stay healthy.

TCM includes herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, and body work. Herbal therapy and acupuncture are typically used together, since the combined effect is often greater than either one alone. Chinese herbs can be used to address most conditions recognized by conventional medicine, either on their own or alongside other therapies and conventional prescriptions.

TCM herbs are especially helpful for chronic diseases and the conditions common to geriatric animals. They can be used to relieve pain, support and restore organ function, and strengthen the immune system. Each herbal prescription is specific to the individual patient and is aimed at the root cause of an illness, not just the symptoms. If your pet is getting older, you may also want to read about our senior pet care.

Our doctors have extensive training and experience in veterinary traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of therapy in the world and can help with both physical and psychological problems. It is especially useful for conditions involving paralysis, noninfectious inflammation, and pain. Acupuncture can also help strengthen the immune system and support disease prevention. It is generally well tolerated and is a good option for both chronic and acute conditions.

What can acupuncture do for your pet?

For dogs and cats, these are some of the general conditions that may be treated with acupuncture:

• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis
• Neurological problems due to vertebral disc disease
• Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
• Gastrointestinal problems

What research shows about acupuncture and pain

Numerous studies have found acupuncture to be particularly effective for reducing pain. Acupuncture prompts the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, which can provide relief, and it increases blood flow to the affected area, allowing the body to heal itself naturally.

In a large German study of people (the GERAC study), patients with chronic back pain, knee arthritis, and migraine headaches were evaluated to compare acupuncture with conventional treatments such as steroids, physiotherapy, and other pain medications. The results showed acupuncture to be significantly more effective at reducing pain than the conventional treatments.

The same acupuncture principles used for people can also be applied to pets. At Sarasota Animal Medical Center, we seek out natural veterinary options whenever possible, rather than relying on drugs that may carry risks for your pet.

If you are interested in TCM for your pet, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine

Western herbal medicine is similar to TCM in that it examines the patient for imbalances and seeks to bring the body back to balanced health. Treatment aims to correct the imbalance through proper lifestyle, diet, and herbal therapy. Many of the herbs used in Western herbal medicine are also found in TCM and Ayurvedic medicine.

The history of veterinary Western herbal medicine

The oldest known use of plants as treatment dates back to prehistoric times, when herbs were discovered in graves over 60,000 years old. Ayurveda, developed in India over 5,000 years ago, is considered the first medical system known to man. Chinese medicine followed roughly 3,500 years ago.

During the 20th century, chemical drugs came to dominate the health industry, and many people came to believe herbal medicine was no longer needed because active compounds could be extracted or synthesized from plants. Since the 1960s, herbal medicine has seen a resurgence in popularity, largely due to its safety and cost. At Sarasota Animal Medical Center, we find that herbal medicine can often help with conditions where conventional medicine has fallen short.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a system of medicine more than 200 years old. It was developed by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s, when he became disenchanted with medical practices he felt caused more harm than good and began to look for a better, more natural way to treat disease. His studies led him to conclude that in many cases symptoms are merely an expression of underlying disease and not the disease itself, so treating symptoms alone does not cure it.

We believe that just treating the symptoms does not cure the disease

In conventional allopathic medicine, the symptom is often viewed as the entire disease, and the goal of treatment is to eliminate it. That approach may not address the underlying cause, and a medication that suppresses a symptom can allow the disease to move deeper into the body and potentially become more serious.

The basic principle of homeopathy is the Law of Similars, or “like cures like.” A substance that would cause symptoms of disease at normal doses can help the body fight disease at homeopathic doses. Homeopathic medication aims to help the Life Force return to a state of balance, supporting healing from within. Homeopathic remedies do not act the way conventional drugs do. They work on an energetic level, stimulating the healing abilities that are always present in the body.

Western medicine is based on the belief that we are only physical beings. Homeopathic theory holds that we are energetic beings and that the physical is secondary. Chinese medicine rests on the same idea of energy, which it calls Qi, and Qi is not physical. This energy can be directed with needles to initiate healing.

The proper use of homeopathy requires years of study. Dr. Luther studied homeopathy in the Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy with Dr. Richard Pitcairn, whom many consider the father of veterinary homeopathy. It is a rigorous, year-long, post-graduate training course for veterinarians. With both Chinese medicine and homeopathy, it is extremely important that your veterinarian is well trained, because harm can be done by an uneducated practitioner.

Giving only the best care

At Sarasota Animal Medical Center, we believe it is essential to give the body the tools it needs, through nutrition and proper energy medicine, to heal itself. Every animal is different, and it takes a skilled, experienced practitioner to determine the safest and best approach for each pet. You can feel confident that your best friend is in good hands at our hospital.

Here, we don’t just treat the symptoms. We take time to truly understand the condition, resulting in better veterinary care.

Modern drugs, surgery, and diagnostics

Holistic veterinarians often blend standard therapies, such as drugs and surgery, with holistic methods. We stay current on the latest advances in veterinary diagnostics and therapeutics so that we can offer a superior approach and outcome for our patients.

Holistic Veterinary Care FAQs

Ready to explore natural options for your pet?

Schedule a holistic consultation with our Sarasota veterinary team and let us help you find the gentlest, most effective path to your pet’s health.

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