The need for a high quality joint supplement was very apparent so I decided to do something about it. I created a special powder formulation made of pure ingredients and have been seeing some amazing results. This is a strong formula that you can’t buy anywhere else. Ask about our Holistic Joint Supplement the next time you come in!
Diet is arguably one of the most vital components of holistic therapy. It is harder to successfully treat a pet if they are fed a kibble based diet or are eating processed treats (rawhides, milkbones, etc). All kibble diets – no matter how high-quality or expensive – are heavily processed.
Now some brands are “higher quality” and add things like pasture raised meats and organic veggies, but there is no denying that ALL of them are heavily processed using this basic manufacturing method.
Processed foods are harmful since they promote inflammation in the body. Chronic and uncontrolled inflammation (that is usually within the body where you cannot directly observe its effects) can damage cellular DNA leading to the development of cancer. Please see this article by The National Cancer Institute for more specific information.
Most kibbles require synthetic vitamins and minerals after processing to meet minimum nutritional requirements, thereby adding to the toxic burden in the body. In addition, artificial taste enhancers are often added for pallability. Also, preservatives are included for longer shelf-life. More information if you are interested:
Raw diet are often recommended since they are minimally processed and easily digested. They also contain vital enzymes, amino acids, and probiotics due to minimal processing required. There is a very common misconception by most veterinarians that feeding pets a raw food diet poses high contamination risks (Salmonella, E.coli, etc.). The fact is that most recalls for these contaminants occur with kibble based diets rather than commercially prepared raw diets. Companies that prepare food meant to be fed raw take extreme precautions to avoid contamination including the slaughtering and handling of raw meats.
Though I believe raw feeding is a fantastic option for many, it is not the best for all patients especially some with cancer. After a thorough exam and history review, I then decide which diet is best for my patient as an individual. This is based on their energy level, type of condition, age, and temperature preferences among many other factors.
Ancient cultures have prized internal organs for their health benefits. They considered them “functional foods” that have positive effects on health and wellness. Historically, they have been cherished as the most valuable parts of animals used for food.
Glandular therapy uses whole animal tissues (organs primarily) to heal or enhance the functioning of the body’s corresponding tissues. When ingested, these tissues release valuable minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and other nutrients that are specific to promote health of that particular tissue. Although not technically glands, organs of the body are commonly referred to as “glandular” when taken as supplements.
This type of therapy is based on a “like cures like” theory. Cells are attracted to and nourish “like cells” even if they are from a different species. For example, if someone with a damaged or unbalanced liver eats liver, they are ingesting nutrients that can provide their body with the specific combination of amino acids and other building blocks to rebuild functional liver cells.
Many holistic veterinarians use glandular supplements in combination with other holistic modalities such as Acupuncture, Reiki, Herbals, Flower Essences, and Food Therapy. The glandular supplements work synergistically with the holistic modalities to promote self-healing.
Here are some of the indications for using glandulars in dogs and cats:
Dr. Cianelli recommends Ancestral Supplements to her clients. You can purchase these high quality glandulars online and receive a 10% off discount. Just use this discount code during checkout: holistic10
Although this type of therapy is incredibly safe, it is best to use guidance from an experienced practitioner before initiating supplementation. As with most things, more is not always better!
For over 10 years now I have been using holistic veterinary medicine including acupuncture, herbals, Food Therapy, Aromatherapy, Reiki, and flower essences to treat cancer in dogs and cats. Most of my patients have an allopathic veterinarian they are concurrently working with for diagnostics and pharmaceuticals as needed. Some pet parents have chosen not to pursue any allopathic treatments, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation, and elected to use more “natural” modalities that aim to strengthen the immune system so the body can heal itself. Others have elected to use holistic treatments as a complementary approach and have found an overall better response to the treatments, reduced side effects, and an improved quality of life. I have outlined below a very general guide to holistic treatment for most types of cancers in dogs and cats.
1. Find a local holistic veterinarian for guidance.
This is extremely important to make sure you are giving appropriate therapy for your pet’s specific type of cancer. It is almost impossible to weed through the plethora of recommendations provided by a Google search. Remember, you can do harm with supplements. Just because they are natural, does not mean they are safe. Find a veterinarian who has experience using supplements and alternative therapies to treat cancer. There are some really great herbs that can actually augment chemotherapy but some that can interact, so please use caution in starting supplements without direct veterinary guidance from a veterinarian who is comfortable or specializes in this practice. Most general practitioners and even oncology specialists do not have the experience necessary to do this safely and competently, and they will readily admit to this.
2. Be aware that holistic treatments are individualized and treat the entire body, not just the presenting complaints.
Not all pets have the same recommendations for diet, supplements, and acupuncture. The reason I have success in treating cancer using holistic therapies, is that they are tailored to the individual instead of using a generalized protocol for type of cancer. For example, I may have 3 patients with mast cell tumors that have 3 completely different therapeutic plans. I take into account the pet’s personality, environment, medical history, toxin exposure, diet, etc. to come up with a very specific plan for that pet.
3. How acupuncture, herbals, food therapy and essential oils can help.
Acupuncture treats cancer by stimulating the immune system to function optimally to rid the body of abnormally growing cells. It can also significantly decrease pain and inflammation by removing blockages of energy in the body. Many healing endorphins are released during a treatment causing a cascade of positive events within.
Herbal therapies can work powerfully to stimulate the immune system. Some formulas can specifically target and kill cancer cells, without compromising the rest of the body with harmful toxins.
4. Food therapy is a key player in cancer treatment.
Essential oils (Aromatherapy) can be used for immune system support, pain management, emotional well-being (important for the patient and care-taker), and some can even be used to shrink tumors. I choose oils based on what an individual needs at that time. This can change daily or remain static for months.
Reiki or other types of healing energy medicine can promote healing, decrease pain, and provide emotional support for the entire family, especially during times of stress (physically and emotionally).
Flower Essences are a wonderfully gentle way to support emotional well-being. This is often overlooked by allopathic veterinarians but is one of the most important methods to promote self-healing.
5. Feed a high-quality, whole food diet. the #1 rule is to avoid processed foods!
Diet is arguably one of the most vital components of holistic therapy. I have never been able to successfully treat a pet if they are fed a kibble based diet or are eating processed treats (rawhides, milkbones, etc). All kibble diets – no matter how high-quality or expensive – are heavily processed. See this video that shows how basic dog food kibble is made: https://youtu.be/cqp4Rm1LuBo
Now some brands are “higher quality” and add things like pasture raised meats and organic veggies, but there is no denying that ALL of them are heavily processed using this basic manufacturing method.
Processed foods are harmful since they promote inflammation in the body. Chronic and uncontrolled inflammation (that is usually within the body where you cannot directly observe its effects) can damage cellular DNA leading to the development of cancer. Please see this article by The National Cancer Institute for more specific information:
Most kibbles require synthetic vitamins and minerals after processing to meet minimum nutritional requirements, thereby adding to the toxic burden in the body. In addition, artificial taste enhancers are often added for pallability. Also, preservatives are included for longer shelf-life. More information if you are interested: https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/the-history-of-commercial-pet-food-a-great-american-marketing-story/
Raw diet are often recommended since they are minimally processed and easily digested. They also contain vital enzymes, amino acids, and probiotics due to minimal processing required. There is a very common misconception by most veterinarians that feeding pets a raw food diet poses high contamination risks (Salmonella, E.coli, etc.). The fact is that most recalls for these contaminants occur with kibble based diets rather than commercially prepared raw diets. Companies that prepare food meant to be fed raw take extreme precautions to avoid contamination including the slaughtering and handling of raw meats.
Though I believe raw feeding is a fantastic option for many, it is not the best for all patients with cancer. After a thorough exam and history review, I then decide which diet is best for my patient as an individual. This is based on their energy level, type of cancer, age, and temperature preferences among many other factors.
6. Offer only filtered/purified water – to eliminate toxin exposure.
7. Consider supplementation with the following when not able to include as a whole food in the diet:
Antioxidants, vitamins, probiotics, +/- digestive enzymes, specific Chinese herbal formulas, omega-3 fatty acids, mushrooms, other immune system modulators specifically needed by the individual.
8. Avoid immunizations, flea/tick preventatives, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc. as much as possible.
Giving vaccines to a pet with cancer is like pouring gasoline on a fire. Vaccines are meant to challenge the immune system. A pet with cancer has a deficiency in their immune system and the last thing it needs is to be challenged. Vaccines also contain a large amount of toxins in the form of heavy metals and other ingredients to potentiate their effects.
Flea and tick preventatives must be used sparingly or not at all. More toxins for the body to deal with!
Antibiotics or other medications may be indicated for short-term use but also should be used with caution as they as well can contribute to the toxic burden.
9. Provide exercise and fresh air daily! This is extremely important for immune system modulation.
I often “prescribe” daily exercise as part of the holistic regimen. Exercise gently as the pet can tolerate and enjoy. It will help move the blood in the body which circulates the white blood cells of the immune system to decrease pain and better find those abnormally growing cancer cells.
Sunlight and fresh air can provide and emotional boost to jump start the immune system. This is true for pet and parent!
I realize this guide is not too specific in exactly how to treat a pet with cancer, but my hope is you understand the components that make holistic treatment successful. The focus is really on promoting a high quality of life for as long as possible. We can acknowledge the cancer is there but hopefully we can make it quiescent with these gentle modalites.
Laser acupuncture is an alternative to traditional needle based acupuncture. Most lasers used in acupuncture are known as low-level lasers or “cold lasers,” (because they don’t produce heat.). These are not the same as lasers used for laser surgery, in which “hot lasers” are used as a scalpel to burn or cut. Studies show that low-level lasers can help regenerate cells, decrease pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate hair growth, to name just a few examples.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of laser acupuncture is that it’s completely painless. Most patients feel nothing at all during laser acupuncture but it is believed that some may feel an “energetic shift” in their body or an energetic sensation propagating along the meridian being treated. Laser acupuncture therapy is fast and easy. We’re talking seconds in comparison to needle retention time, which may be 20 to 30 minutes. Laser acupuncture is shown to be as effective as needle acupuncture for a variety of problems.
Laser Acupuncture is a gentle and effective alternative to traditional acupuncture and as such is particularly well suited for use on the young, old or nervous. Laser Acupuncture utilizes exactly the same principles and laws as Traditional Acupuncture, but has some positive advantages over the use of conventional needles being:
Click Here for a clinical study evaluating the efficacy of laser acupuncture.
This ridiculously cute face belongs to Eli. He is so happy we were able to completely cure his allergies with acupuncture, herbals, and essential oils (Canine Raindrop Technique)! No nasty steroids for this adorable pup!
Update on Theo: getting cuter by the minute! It’s been 2.5 months since we started acupuncture and herbals for his high-grade mast cell tumor and we are thrilled to see no regrowth and he feels great! His dedicated owner also uses Canine Raindrop Therapy weekly for detox! Raindrop Therapy is a technique created by the founder of Young Living using medical grade essential oils.
Lovely Lola is so sleepy during acupuncture for back pain and hind limb weakness😘
© Copyright 2024. Holistic Animal Wellness PLLC, Dr. Vindhya Cianelli. All rights reserved.
