Early man developed natural medicine through instinct, accident, empiricism and observation of the animals and birds, he studied what they ate and the effect it would have on them and it was through these methods that natural medicine was born.
During this time too, fact and folklore became intertwined, for example if a leaf was liver shaped then it was thought that this leaf would cure all ailments relating to that organ of the body, as would something which was yellow in color be beneficial for the treatment of Jaundice. However, despite all the myths and fallacies there were a number of areas developed in different countries which are the foundation stone upon which Natural Therapy treatment is based today.
Despite the fact that that Western Settlers in the United States proclaimed that the natural methods used by the American Indians to be "pagan" and "heathen" in their nature, there are still over two hundred different types of remedies which are still in use today, Aspirin, natural muscle relaxants Malaria treatments , and antiseptics are just a few of these. It should also be noted that the American Indians were prolific inventors and long before the Westerners came to the country they were skilled in the uses of syringes and the surgical uses of rubber and cotton. They also possessed a vast knowledge of antiseptics and knew how to set fractures. With their religious beliefs that everything on this planet, the mountains, the rocks, the trees, had their own spirit, they believed that it was through harmony with the earth that man could remain healthy and not succumb to bodily dis-ease.
Whilst the "western" world was developing its own form of natural therapies, in China they were practicing Acupuncture, a centuries old method of healing which has been practiced over thousands of years. The methodology used, that of inserting a needle into a certain point of the body called a Meridan, enabled the harmonizing of the natural flow of bodily energy to create a healing effect upon the seat of pain. They are of course, also renowned for their use of herbal treatments and are still practicing their age old arts today.
In the Sub-continent India they too had a method of healing which dates back some three thousand years,known as Auyverdic Medicine. Once again this treatment works on treating the whole person and through the use of diet, yoga and meditation they create a blending of the mind, spirit and body to bring about what we all seek, perfect health.
Despite the Imperiliasim of western man, to "civilize" these ancient cultures we see today a re-emergence of these centuries old treatments and western society as a whole is embracing Natural treaments, more commonly known as Alternative Medicine.
As with all other relevant areas, man has found that what is good for him is also good for his pets. There are now in the United States alone some 400 practitioners of Veterinary Acupuncture and Dr.Richard Swanson, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association says he can absolutely vouch for the legitimacy of Veterinary Acupuncture. These Veterinary Acupuncturists treat a full range of animals from horses, turtles and dolphins to domestic cats and dogs and cover a diversity of ailments from strokes and arthritis to depression.
Whilst it has not been scientifically proved Homeopathic Medicine, which dates back 200 years, when it was discovered that by giving a small dose of the dis-ease to the patient the bodies own immune system would work to heal the ailment, this method of treatment is gaining wide popularity.
Herbal treatments and naturopathy are also gaining wide popularity and many Veterinary Surgeons now combine their practice using the "orthodox methods" with the natural remedies.
One the reason for the use of alternative treatments is their lack of toxicity. The synthetic drugs used in medical practices today, contain a great deal of toxins, which are harmful to the body and can cause either side effects or further dis-ease later in life. One example of this is in the treatment of skin disorders.
The Skin is the largest organ we posses and one of its functions is that it is the bodies self -preservation mechanism for getting rid of toxins.
The treatment of various skin ailments, which in older days were treated with Mercury, a kill or cure method, is modified today by the use of synthetic drugs, however the use of cortisone, whilst being much less toxic than the old mercury, still runs the risk of adding more toxins to the body and applied topically can drive the toxins into internal organs, like the liver or gallbladder and others, thus causing far greater dis-ease , which generally manifests itself later in the animals life.
Studies some twenty years ago by European doctors showed that the bodies mechanism will surround and confine tissue by forming benign or canercous tumors as a way of "protecting" itself from harmful toxins.
So it can be seen from just this one example that use of synthetic medication can be harmful to the patient.
However, a word of caution, though the use of Natural Treatments is by far the most beneficial, it is IMPERATIVE that at the sign of any dis-ease within the body, a full veterinary check should be sought, it is only in the treatment of minor ailments, such as cuts and abrasions that any home diagnosis/treatment can be safely used.
With due care and proper diagnosis, it is however worth while to check the "alternative" forms of treatment.
Of course prevention is always better than cure! There are many ways which responsible pet owners can ensure that their beloved pet enjoys a long healthy and happy life and that is by adopting the belief systems fundamental to all Natural Medicine, a good healthy well balanced diverse diet, free from all preservatives. Cats seem to know this instinctively, they refuse to eat the same food day in and day out. Unfortunately considered "fussy" by some, it is the cats own natural instincts telling us to diversify their diets. Diet,along with clean fresh water , sunshine in moderation, lots of exercise together with protection from the aliments, all combine to enable our pets to enjoy maximum health.
Of course, last but certainly not least, a loving and happy home life will keep the mind, spirit and body of our beloved pets in complete harmony.
