What is the difference between integrative and holistic medicine?

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 intuitively understand and accept - for example,  proper nutrition, sensible exercise, and the power of positive intention or prayer.  Others, such as Reiki, electroacupuncture, and ozone therapy may seem more esoteric to some of us - maybe even a little too weird to consider for one of our own 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. Unfortunately, holistic medicine sometimes has a tendency to focus on these alternative therapies to the exclusion of Western medicine, which we at Knollwood believe has much to offer our pets.

Integrative medicine embraces many holistic therapies, with an emphasis on those with a strong tradition of documented effects, careful research, and ongoing study.  And, it embraces the many positive attributes of medical skills that have been highly developed in Western medicine.  Some of these include superb emergency medicine and critical care skills, advanced dental and surgical techniques, effective and safe medicines for infections, arthritis, inflammation, and pain, and many highly sophisticated diagnostic tools. 

Simply put, integrative medicine offers the best tool, at the best time, for the health condition that is presented.  And it offers the best options for wellness-focused care, too.  At Knollwood Hospital for Pets, we would no more deprive you of the best that Western medicine has to offer than we would neglect to tell you when acupuncture or chiropractic would be in your pet's best interest. It's that simple!

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.