Homeopathic treatment for pets
A resident from Akasia is one of only four homeopathic veterinarians in Pretoria and says that her approach is certainly not un-Christian, despite a somewhat popular belief.
Homeopathy for animals is rather scarce in South Africa, with only 44 homeopathic-oriented veterinarians in the country and only four in Pretoria.
Although this holistic therapeutic medical science is criticised by many, it is increasingly becoming one of the preferred alternatives to orthodox medicine, said a resident from Akasia and homeopathic veterinarian Doctor Anita Schwan.
“For some reason, people often think that homeopathy is un-Christian. Although this practice is very different to the conventional way of treating illnesses and requires one to be more open-minded, it is by no means un-Christian,” Schwan said.
After completing her studies in veterinary science at the University of Pretoria in the early 2000s and working with many veterinarians over the years, she decided to specialise in homeopathy. “I find this practice very challenging and interesting at the same time. Each patient’s illness is unique and has to be approached in that way,” she said.
The theory of this practice is that every living organism contains a vital force within the body which regulates the
functioning of the body, Schwan said in a statement. “Thus, treating a patient homeopathically implies treatment of the whole patient not just the diseased part. One does not, therefore, treat a named disease but the totality of symptoms unique to that individual patient,” she said.
Seeing as homeopathy regards living organisms as multidimensional beings, the focus is on establishing a healthy balance, not only in the physical body but also in the emotional, mental and spiritual planes, Schwan added. “These planes are inextricably interconnected in the state of health as well as disease.”
Schwan has her own herb garden and applies homeopathy in her own home as well. Furthermore, a relaxing atmosphere is available to the animals who visit the surgery, as open doors in the surgery room allow them to wander between the room and the backyard. “Some animals, especially dogs, don’t like lying down on the surgery table and therefore they are treated where they are most comfortable –the floor.”
She added that it takes about an hour to find out as much as possible about an animal and its medical history. “The symptoms that a patient has are often a sign of some imbalance in the body. Instead of suppressing the problem, this approach stimulates the energy of each patient into healing itself,” she said.
