The Circle of Light

Holistic Medicine is defined by the Canadian Holistic Medical Association as follows.

Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.

It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.

Alternative Medicine is often used by the general public and some healthcare practitioners to refer to medical techniques which are not known or accepted by the majority "conventional" or "allopathic" medical practitioners (usually M.D.'s). Such techniques could include non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as Medical Herbalism, Acupunture, Homeopathy, Reiki, and many others. However, the term Alternative Medicine can also refer to any experimental drug or non-drug technique that is not currently accepted by "conventional" medical practitioners. As non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques become popular and accepted by large number of "conventional" practitioners, these techniques will no longer be considered Alternative Medicine.

Alternative Medicine refers to techniques that are not currently accepted by "conventional" practitioners, but what is currently accepted is quickly changing. Even the definition of "conventional practitioners" is quickly changing. Therefore, techniques that are now considered part of Alternative Medicine will soon be considered part of "conventional" medicine. The terms Holistic Healing and Holistic Medicine are slightly more stable than Alternative Medicine and are therefore preferable.

Complementary Medicine is often used by "conventional" medical practitioners to refer to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. The term implies that "conventional" medicine is used as a primary tool and the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques are used as a supplement when needed.

In many cases, properly chosen non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical healing techniques plus properly chosen lifestyle changes can completely and safely heal both acute and chronic illnesses. In other cases, "conventional" medicine is only needed in emergencies or when the safer non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In some cases "conventional" medicine will be a major part of a Holistic Healing Plan, but in some cases it is not needed at all.

Natural Healing usually refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceuticals techniques to help heal the patient. When most people use the term Natural Healing, they are usually referring to physical healing techniques only.

I suggest you read a very nice artical on Holistic healing by Jim Leonard:
http://www.vivation.com/ArticlePT.htm

Holistic healing is not just limited to the human body you know. Animals too possess the power to heal them selves,though they can not instigate the healing prosses them selves-we as their foster parents can help our furry companions by following the advice and teachings of Sandra A Preist (Sandra A. Priest, DVM has been working as a veterinarian in small animal practice since 1984. Dr. Priest began offering holistic therapy and wellness programs for dogs and cats in 1993.)This amazing woman runs a practice in Knoxville , Tennessee called Four Winds Holistic Animal Services in which pets are privy to the secrets of reiki and herbal medecines that are on hand @ the hospital (though I am want to call this place a retreat - such is the standard of care here that it should be renamed Four Winds Holistic Animal Health Spa and Weekend Retreet :) ! ) ".....When preparing a treatment plan, we consider the patient as a whole rather than dealing with individual symptoms. Our treatment plans frequently include diet and exercise as well as appropriate therapies for medical conditions....." ...Sounds like the residents of Knoxville can rest assured that their pets are in good hands :)

Visit their web site and learn all about this remarkable establishment:
http://home.earthlink.net/~fourwinds/

Here is a quick exercise that i used to use on my puppy before she met a tradgic end in april this year (Goddess Bless Tyrany I miss you still )

A wonderful spot to massage on your dog is behind the ears... when they are lying on your lap or lying in the grass just lightly masage this area of your dog - it feels wonderful for the dogs...though be careful if you try this with kitty as some cats do not like their ears being touched full stop :) ! To calm your your animal purchase some catnip oil or lavender oil...place 2 drops in a burner and sit massaging your dog/cat (this is great if your pet is highly strung) you might even like to play some "mozart" softly in the back ground or alternatively a cd like "Celtic Dawn" or something similar would be ideal!

If you want to pray to a saint for the safety of your little darling then try praying to "Santa Francesco" to keep you animals safe from harm.

Any way thats all I have for you this month! Take care!

Happy Trails Pet lovers! and Goddess Blessings be on your pets!

Love and Light to you all (and your little darling pets)
Iolanthe (thee) x x x x



Email Thee at:
theedella@hotmail.com