Complementary Veterinary Medicine
complimentary Medicine is a term often used to describe the various forms of Natural Medicine, Holistic Medicine, Alternative Medicine (also known as natural therapies, alternative therapies, holistic therapies etc.). Sometimes, the term complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is used. The veterinary equivalent for animals is complimentary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine (CAVM).
At the AVMC, although we do not like to become embroiled in semantics and terminology, the term is rather meaningless, in that it begs the question: what is ‘complimentary' to what? If one were to use conventional medicine to support an acupuncture treatment, the conventional medicine would be the ‘complimentary medicine' in that context. As the term is so context-dependent and therefore so open to interpretation and confusion, we prefer not to use it.
See also: complimentary, Holistic, Natural or Alternative? and FAQ Complementary Medicine
Main Treatments offered (see Therapies):
- Homeopathic treatment
- Acupuncture treatment
- Herbal treatment (Phytotherapy)
- Aromatherapy treatment
- Chiropractic treatment
- Nutritional advice – Feeding advice
- LASER treatment
- Ultrasound treatment
- Back manipulation – Back treatment
- Bach Flowers
- Holistic medicine – Holistic veterinary medicine
- Flower Essences
- Tissue Salts
- Holistic therapy – Holistic treatment – Holistic care
- Holistic advice
- Anthroposophical medicines – Anthroposophy
- Natural medicine – Alternative medicine – complimentary medicine
- CAM – CAVM
- Integrated medicine (Integrative medicine)
- Natural Feeding – Natural Diet
These approaches to treatment represent a philosophy that is alternative to the current conventional norm but the use of alternative therapies does not do away with the need for a thorough examination and assessment. Nor does it preclude the use of modern diagnostic techniques where necessary. A holistic vet will take into account all these things, in addition to closely scrutinizing lifestyle, diet, environment, riding, tack, shoeing, grazing, stabling, management etc., depending upon the species.
Homeopathy – Herbs – Acupuncture – Chiropractic – Holistic Medicine – Natural Feeding
