Holistic Veterinary Medicine--Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Holistic medicine, by definition, always views the animal as a whole being--body and mind and spirit. It is, by nature, gentle and individualized.

There are many modalities in use that can be thought of as "holistic".  These are often referred to as Complementary or Alternative, but Integrative is a more appropriate term.  These Holistic treatments can be integrated or blended into the general plan. As holistic practitioners, we always strive to do what is best for our patient at any particular point in time--this may be all holistic treatment, all conventional, or most likely, a combination that best suits our patient at that very moment. Dr. Collins does NOT provide conventional therapy in her practice. 

Dr. Karen Collins at Holistic Pet Healing in Langhorne, PA and Souderton/Telford, PA  is a licensed veterinarian who works closely with other veterinarians who practice mainly conventional or western medicine. In Dr. Collins's practice, the holistic modalities that may be employed for a particular patient include:

• Acupuncture, including Dry needles, Electro-acupuncture, Aquapuncture
• Chinese herbal medicine
• Nutritional supplementation- using Standard Process, Rx Vitamins and other trusted brands
• Dietary adjustment- Traditional Chinese Medicine Food therapy
• Acupressure
• Energy healing--Reiki, Healing Touch for Animals
• Laser Therapy--The use of Light at specific wavelengths to relieve pain and speed healing, used alone or with acupuncture 

  We may add in Laser Light Therapy for patients who need extra pain relief or those with profound neurologic disorders. The laser also helps speed healing of inflamed skin and ears.

  Laser light penetrates the tissue and stimulates cellular energy and metabolic processes which promote healing and tissue regeneration. Laser also stimulates the release of natural pain-killing chemicals within the body to promote long lasting pain relief. 

• Aromatherapy/ Essential Oils-The use of plant essential oils can be valuable in treating many of our animal patients with arthritis, skin conditions and emotional issues. Essential oils can be administered via diffusion into the air or petted on the animal or some are even given orally.