Linda Webber explores the relationship between health in animals and their relationship with people.
The concept of holistic health and wellbeing is clearly understood for humans, but is often overlooked in the field of animal care. Holistic health incorporates the importance of emotional and spiritual wellbeing, together with physiological wellness. "Dis-ease" appears as symptoms and syndromes when balance has been disturbed. The holistic approach to healing animals focuses on correcting the cause of imbalance.
As is the case with humans, an animal's past experiences help to shape their personality and behaviour. Most animals have been traumatised in some way - separation anxiety, shock, and physical pain are all common life experiences. Many owners are unaware of these aspects of their animal's history, instead predominantly focusing on the animal's physical condition.
Until recently the significance of bonding and good rapport between animals and people has not been fully appreciated. As humans, we understand the need for positive emotional relationships in our lives. If we were given only our basic needs but were deprived of love, nurture and other emotional needs, then we would lack happiness, good health and wellbeing.
Animals are highly sensitive beings. 85% of domestic pets are living in a state of stress due to their owner's anxiety. As humans we know it is not healthy to project our wants, needs or discourse onto others, but unfortunately, animals are not excluded from receiving unwarranted emotional outbursts. Our relationship to our animals will help them, or hinder them.
Domestic animals rely on their care-takers to ensure holistic health and wellbeing on all levels. Their wellbeing will be markedly improved when the two beings, animal and care-taker, are balanced together.
Often animal owners will ask for a flower remedy preparation for their animal's "dis-ease", yet remain oblivious to all the contributing factors. They want to have the symptoms disappear and can feel frustrated that they've done all they can, and become impatient, feel overwhelmed, angry, resentful, and a myriad of other emotions. This can lead to a spiraling effect worsening the environment for both parties.
In most situations, it is optimal for both the owner and animal to each have a flower remedy. In doing so, each is returned to a more harmonious and healthy place within. Synergistically, the relationship and consequently the emotional and physical wellbeing of both are harmonised.
Remember, we are all sensitive creatures sharing the gift of life. The more love, caring and compassion we extend to each other, the happier and healthier our lives will be.
©2009 Linda Webber. All rights reserved. Published with permission on .
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