**The Four Bodies according to Anthroposophic Veterinary Medicine**
*By Dr. Claudia Costa, DVM MSc*
In Anthroposophic Veterinary Medicine, the concept of the "four bodies" provides a framework to understand the complex organization of life forms, distinguishing between visible, material aspects and invisible, formative forces.
According to Rudolf Steiner’s teachings, each living being is composed of four bodies: the physical body, the etheric body, the astral body, and the "I" or "I-organization" (Ich-Organisation). Each of these bodies plays a distinct role in maintaining life and supporting development. Here, we explore these bodies as they apply to animals, with attention to Steiner’s insights on group and individual "I" organization.
In addition, for Anthroposophy, each of the four bodies is associated with one of the classical elements, which represent the foundational qualities and forces at work within living beings. These elements reflect not only the composition of the being but also the dynamic interactions between different layers of existence, guiding Anthroposophic approaches to holistic health and healing.
1. Physical Body: Contrary to the conventional notion of a physical body as merely material, in anthroposophic understanding, the physical body represents an invisible structure of formative forces that preexist the materialized body. This "invisible" physical body contains the foundational blueprint for life, organizing and shaping what we recognize as the physical form. When these formative forces encounter matter, they condense into the material physical body we see, but the underlying physical body remains a set of forces that transcend visible form. The element represented here is the earth that represents solidity, structure, and form. The physical body, grounded in matter, reflects the stability and tangible nature of the earth element.
2. Etheric Body: Often referred to as the "life body" or "body of formative forces," the etheric body is the source of anabolic and regenerative processes within the organism. It sustains growth, builds tissues, and continuously regenerates life. One of its primary roles is to protect the physical body from disintegration by countering the forces of entropy. The etheric body synthesizes and constructs, imbuing vitality and growth throughout an organism’s life. In Steiner’s view, this body harmonizes the energies that sustain physical life and resist the natural physical laws that would otherwise lead to decay. Etheric body is symbolized by fluidity, life forces, and growth. The etheric body, responsible for vitality and regenerative processes, embodies the qualities of the water element, sustaining life and supporting renewal.
3. Astral Body: The astral body is the seat of impulses, desires, and sensation, often described as the body that drives and enlivens the etheric body. It bridges the conscious experiences with the physical and etheric realms, motivating actions and impulses that animate life. In animals, the astral body channels impulses that are regulated by an overarching group "I" or group soul. This astral presence distinguishes animals from plants, enabling movement, instinct, and emotional expression, which are integral to their interactions with the environment and with human beings. The astral body is linked to the air element. Signifies movement, sensation, and consciousness. The astral body, which brings awareness, feelings, and impulses, resonates with the qualities of the air element, connecting the inner experiences with the outer world.
4. The "I" (Ich) and "I-organization": The "I" or "I-organization" encompasses the highest form of individuality in an organism, though in animals, it is usually represented as a group "I." Steiner explains that animals possess a group soul, or a group "I," which initially exists as a collective consciousness and evolves over time into a clan identity. With close human interaction, animals may begin to move toward individual "I" development, experiencing a nascent individuation process. This is particularly evident in domesticated animals, who, by proximity to human beings, start to differentiate themselves from their species group identity. Humans, by contrast, are in a more advanced stage of this individuation process, with the potential for a fully individualized "I." I" or Ego Organization is linked to the fire element and represents individuality, warmth, and transformative power. The "I" or ego, which brings consciousness of self and purposeful direction, is aligned with the fire element, symbolizing inner light, will, and the spark of individuality.
This holistic, fourfold view offers veterinarians a profound perspective on animal health and development, enabling them to treat animals not merely as physical beings but as complex, evolving entities interconnected with formative and spiritual forces.
Homotoxicology is a scientific approach that focuses on identifying and treating the presence of harmful substances, known as homotoxins, which accumulate in the body due to various factors such as medications, foods containing herbicides, fungicides, preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, pesticides, heavy metals, smoke, and radiation. These homotoxins disrupt cellular function and are associated with a wide range of health problems, including allergic reactions, infections, chronic illnesses, and autoimmune disorders. The symptoms caused by these toxins can include fever, headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, and general weakness.
The concept of homotoxicology was established by Dr. Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg (1905-1985), a German toxicologist and homeopath, who is regarded as the "father" of this science. Dr. Reckeweg proposed that disease results when the body’s ability to eliminate toxins is overwhelmed, leading to the accumulation of these substances in the Extracellular Matrix (ECM). This accumulation triggers a series of reactions as the body attempts to neutralize and expel these toxins, a process that can be divided into six distinct phases:
1. **Excretion Phase**: The body actively eliminates toxins through natural processes such as sweating, urination, and defecation, preserving organ and cellular health.
2. **Inflammation Phase**: Toxins trigger an inflammatory response, indicating the body's effort to localize and remove harmful substances.
3. **Deposition Phase**: When elimination is insufficient, toxins start to accumulate in the ECM, potentially affecting tissues and organs.
4. **Impregnation Phase**: Toxins penetrate deeper into tissues, causing functional disturbances and the onset of chronic conditions.
5. **Degeneration Phase**: Continued toxin accumulation leads to irreversible tissue and cellular damage, manifesting as severe diseases.
6. **Dedifferentiation Phase**: This is the final stage where cellular integrity is lost, potentially resulting in malignant transformations.
Dr. Reckeweg’s work laid the foundation for antihomotoxic therapy, a treatment approach aimed at detoxifying the ECM and supporting the body’s self-regulatory mechanisms. His commitment to developing natural medications and innovative therapeutic methods led to the creation of Heel (Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH) in 1936, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to bridging the gap between conventional medicine and homeopathy. Today, homotoxicology is recognized and practiced in over 70 countries worldwide.
In veterinary practice, homotoxicology offers a holistic framework for treating animals by using homeopathic compounds to combat both endogenous and exogenous toxins. This approach takes into account the animal's unique physiological and environmental conditions, promoting overall health and resilience.
Homotoxicological treatment is tailored to each patient, considering not only the totality of symptoms but also individual characteristics. The goal is to support the body's natural detoxification processes and to restore balance by addressing the root cause of diseases rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
Bioregulatory medicine, an evolution of homotoxicology, integrates the concepts of toxin elimination and homeostasis regulation. It focuses on optimizing the body’s physiological networks—neuroendocrine, immunological, lymphatic, and cardiovascular—to enhance self-regulation and healing. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the need for comprehensive, multi-faceted treatment strategies.
In bioregulatory veterinary medicine, the use of multicomponent homeopathic medications is combined with lifestyle interventions, such as improving environmental and nutritional quality, to support the animal’s health.
Homotoxicology employs a variety of administration forms (drops, tablets, injectable solutions) and routes (oral, ocular, cutaneous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, periarticular, intra-articular and pericapsular).
A very interesting application form is on acupuncture points called Biopuncture, depending on the condition being treated. Biopuncture is a technique where bioregulatory agents are injected into specific body points or areas based on conventional and functional diagnoses. This method combines concepts from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as the use of meridians and acupuncture points, with modern medical principles. Scientific evidence supports the unique bioelectrical and histological properties of these points, enhancing the therapeutic effects of biopuncture.
The frequency and dosage of homotoxicological treatments vary according to the severity of the disease and the individual needs of the patient. Applications can range from weekly, every four days, to daily, with subcutaneous or intramuscular routes being commonly used. For biopuncture, it is recommended to apply 0.1 to 0.4 mL of the solution per point subcutaneously.
Homotoxicology and bioregulatory medicine provide a comprehensive and scientifically grounded approach to veterinary care. By addressing the underlying causes of disease and supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, these therapies offer a powerful alternative or complement to conventional treatments. They highlight the importance of understanding the patient as a whole, taking into account both internal and external factors, and offering a path to optimal health and well-being for animals.
Ozone and Mistletoe help dogs and cats fight cancer
Cancer is (frighteningly) occurring in dogs at younger ages than previously. About 50% of dogs over the age of 10 years will develop cancer. Cancer rates in cats are not as well known, but suspected to be similar to dogs. Pets get cancer about the same rate as humans.
There are many options for cancer treatment in dogs and cats, ranging from the more traditional medical approaches like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to Holistic approaches that we offer here at Fox Ridge Veterinary Clinic like Ozone and Mistletoe. Ozone and Mistletoe can also be used to support dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
Mistletoe Therapy For Dogs and Cats With Cancer
Wait! Is it the Christmas Mistletoe you're talking about??? Yes ! It is the Mistletoe couples smooch under at Christmas time!
Mistletoe (Viscum Album) has been used since 1917 for cancer treatment as a "warming therapy" to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. Mistletoe is a standard part of cancer treatment in Germany, Switzerland and South America today. It is frequently used along with chemo and radiation, but can be used a stand-alone treatment.
Mistletoe contains Lectins and Viscotoxins that fight cancer by stimulating the immune system to seek and damage cancer cells. It also decreases blood supply to the tumor and produces endorphin-like substances that decrease pain, stimulate appetite and improve the patient's quality of life.
Mistletoe is given by subcutaneous injection with a very small needle three times weekly. We can teach you to do this at home, or if you live nearby you can bring your pet in to the clinic for the injections.
Mistletoe can be used for all types of cancer (malignant or benign) and in any stage of the disease. It works best for solid tumors like Lymphoma, Bladder tumors (Transitional Cell Carcinoma), Liver and Lung tumors, Mammary tumors and Mast Cell tumors but can be used to fight any type of cancer.
Ozone Therapy For Dogs and Cats With Cancer
Ozone increases oxygen levels in the cells, providing more mitochondrial energy. Diseases like cancer are known as anaerobic diseases, which means they thrive in low oxygen environments. Ozone therapy increases the oxygen level in the body, making a less-favorable environment for the cancer.
Ozone can be used to treat any type of cancer in pets, including Mast Cell Tumors, Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma, Bladder tumors (Transitional Cell Carcinoma), soft tissue sarcoma and Nasal tumors.
Ozone is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory so it helps with pain and secondary infections.
Ozone is used for treating skin conditions, allergies, antibiotic resistant infections, pain, ringworm and non-healing wounds.
We offer rectal ozone insufflation. We can also teach you to give your pet rectal ozone insufflation at home with the purchase of the required equipment.
"All chronic pain, suffering and diseases are caused by a lack of oxygen at the cellular level." - Dr Arthur C. Guyton
Keep your fur-babies quality of life great!
Ozone and Mistletoe help improve your pet's quality of life as well as help them fight cancer.
Need more Info?
Check out our website www.Foxridgevet.com or call us at 630-859-0471 to set up an Holistic appointment with Dr Judy! We can also discuss herbs, diet, acupuncture and supplements during the Holistic appointment.
From IVAS.org:
Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for thousands of years to treat many ailments. The Chinese also use acupuncture as preventative medicine. Acupuncture is used all around the world, either along or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of conditions in every species of animal. Clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of both animals and humans, and the use of acupuncture is increasing. Acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work very well when it is indicated.
For Which Conditions is Acupuncture Indicated?
Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain. For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:
For large animals, acupuncture is again commonly used for functional problems. Some of the general conditions where it might be applied are the following:
In addition, regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. World-class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as a routine part of their training. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavor, such as racing, jumping, or showing, acupuncture can help them keep in top physical condition.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Although acupuncture has its roots in ancient times before modern scientific methods were available with which to study it, many important studies have been done to indicate how acupuncture works and what physiologic mechanisms are involved in its actions. Using functional MRI (fMRI), to examine 15 different points, the basic tenets of acupuncture have been proven. Those are that acupuncture is based upon the point selected, the method of stimulation, and the duration of stimulation. Stimulation of these points result in specific changes in the central nervous system. It was shown that acupuncture points that have pain relieving properties associated with them tend to activate specific pain-association brainstem regions. The National Institute of Health developed a consensus statement about acupuncture and its efficacy. NIH said that there was compelling evidence that acupuncture was useful in the management of osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain.
In western medical terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). Although many of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been studied, many more are still unknown. Further research must be conducted to discover all of acupuncture’s effects and its proper uses in veterinary medicine.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. The larger needles necessary for large animals may cause some pain as the needle passes through the skin. In all animals, once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable to some animals.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist. An animal’s condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals become lethargic or sleepy for 24 hours. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.
How Can My Pet Benefit from Acupuncture?
The success of the treatment will vary according to the skill of the veterinarian, the condition being treated and the number and frequency of acupuncture treatments. The length and frequency of the treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation (dry needle, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, etc.) that is used by the veterinary acupuncturist. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need several treatments.
How Safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture should never be administered without a proper veterinary medical diagnosis and an ongoing assessment of the patient’s condition by a licensed veterinarian. This is critical because acupuncture is capable of masking pain or other clinical signs and may delay proper veterinary medical diagnosis once treatment has begun. Elimination of pain may lead to increased activity on the part of the animal, thus delaying healing or causing the original condition to worsen.
In general, acupuncture can be effectively combined with most conventional and alternative therapies. Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists have the comprehensive training, knowledge and skill to understand the interactions between different forms of treatment and to interpret the patient’s response to therapy.
The American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
How Should I Choose a Veterinary Acupuncturists for My Pet?
There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:
Your veterinary acupuncturists must be a licensed veterinarian.
Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of veterinary acupuncture.
In most countries, states, and provinces, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer to animals. A veterinarian is in the best position to properly diagnose an animal’s health problem and then to determine whether the animal is likely to benefit from an acupuncture treatment, or whether its problem requires chemical, surgical, or no intervention.
Because of the differences in anatomy, and the potential for harm if the treatments are done incorrectly, only a properly trained veterinarian should perform acupuncture on animals. The proper training for a veterinarian would include an extensive post-doctoral educational program in veterinary acupuncture. The more your veterinarian knows about traditional Chinese philosophies and the western scientific basis for acupuncture the more you can be assured that your animals will be treated properly.
How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
In North America, The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society has been setting the global standard in veterinary acupuncture since 1974. The certification course in veterinary acupuncture taught by IVAS has the longest history of a comprehensive study of veterinary acupuncture in the western world.
IVAS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of veterinary acupuncture as an integral part of the total veterinary medical care delivery system. The Society endeavors to establish uniformly high standards of veterinary acupuncture through its post-doctoral educational programs and certification process.
The mission of IVAS is to provide, promote and support veterinary acupuncture and related treatment modalities through quality basic, advanced and continuing education programs; internationally recognized certification for veterinarians; and responsible research.
“It does not matter whether medicine be old or new, so long as it brings about a cure. It matters not whether theories be eastern or western, so long as they prove to be true”
Jen Hsou Lin, DVM, PhD
Because of the differences in anatomy, and the potential for harm if the treatments are done incorrectly, only a properly trained veterinarian should perform acupuncture on animals. Proper training should include an extensive educational program. The more your veterinarian knows about traditional Chinese philosophies and western scientific basis for acupuncture the more you can be assured that your animals will be treated properly.
© 2020 International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) PO Box 271458
Veterinary Acupuncture
One of the most effective and universal healing aids I use in my holistic veterinary practice is ozone therapy.
Ozone is a century old therapy that can help your dog with any inflammatory disease process. So I want to tell you about ozone therapy for dogs and explain how it can help with many health problems.
What Is Ozone?
Ozone is O3, meaning it’s made up of 3 oxygen atoms. For comparison, the air that we breathe is O2. The extra oxygen atom in O3 is less stable. This makes it more likely to react once inside the body.
You may have heard that ozone in the air is dangerous – so how is this different?
Atmospheric Vs Medical Ozone
Atmospheric ozone is produced by either lightening or UV radiation that splits oxygen molecules. This causes a single oxygen atom to join with O2 (oxygen) to make O3 (ozone).
On smoggy days, you will see “ozone alerts” when the ozone reaches a certain level. But in fact, the actual amount of ozone mixed in the smog is very small when compared to other pollutants that we see and smell. The reason you hear so much about it is that ozone is easier to measure than the other components of the smog layer.
When the ozone level goes up, so do the hydrocarbons and other toxins … but these are in much larger amounts and therefore much more toxic than ozone itself.
Medical grade ozone used for treatments is produced by passing pure oxygen through a generator that uses an electrical spark to split an oxygen atom off of the O2 molecules.
This free oxygen atom will combine with other O2 molecules and produce O3, which is ozone.
The First Ozone Treatments
Treating with ozone is nothing new. The first ozone generator was created by Nikola Tesla in 1896. It took some time for it to be more widely used as a medical treatment. Dr Noble Eberhart at Loyola University in Chicago began using it in humans around 1911. Ozone was used to treat conditions like:
In other parts of the world ozone is a mainstay treatment in human hospitals.
Ozone is an effective anti-inflammatory therapy. Since all disease begins with inflammation, this means it can effectively help treat any disease process. It’s also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal … so it can aid in treating any type of infectious disease.
And ozone is incredibly safe. There are no negative effects to using it in pets. I can even use ozone therapy even without a definitive diagnosis, because it can help with so many things without any risk or downside.
And that’s despite what the FDA says!
FDA Controversy
In 2019, the FDA declared that ozone is a toxic gas. They established restrictions on how ozone-generating equipment can be used. The FDA does allow ozone therapy in situations where it has proven safety and effectiveness.
And in fact, clinical research shows that ozone can help with many health conditions. These range from musculoskeletal issues to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease … and even cancer.
One 2020 study even found that ozone therapy improves COVID-19 treatments. It controls inflammation, stimulates immunity and protects from serious side effects.
I’ll tell you more about what research shows ozone therapy can help with, But first, let’s talk about how ozone works.
How Ozone Heals
In the body, ozone combines with amino acids and lipids to create compounds called ozonides.
These ozonides are what actually cause the biological effects of ozone. They can easily pass through cell membranes and exert their main effect … which is to improve energy production through improved oxygen utilization.
That’s why it’s so effective. Cellular degeneration often stems from an inability of the cells to use oxygen efficiently. So ozone therapy can improve the health and function of the body’s cells.
Cells’ ability to use oxygen depends on the amount of NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) that’s available to them. Ozone promotes an oxidation reaction that creates NAD from NADH. (NADH is NAD plus 1 hydrogen atom.) This then provides more energy that the cell can use to function optimally.
Once the cells have the proper amount of energy to work effectively, tissues in the body can heal. Ozonides are also very stable, lasting from days to weeks in the body. This prolongs the benefits of ozone long after the actual treatment.
What Can Ozone Help With?
Studies in humans and animals show that ozone therapy can have many positive effects in the body.
Antioxidant
Multiple studies have shown ozone’s antioxidant and anti-aging effects. It increases SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, the body’s most powerful antioxidant enzyme) and activates Nrf2 pathways that help the body repair cellular damage from oxidation.
Cardiovascular
O3 improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery, improves coronary artery disease and cholesterol levels.
Diabetes Complications
O3 helps heal foot ulcers and non-healing wounds. It can also reduce blood glucose levels.
Neurological
Studies show ozone may improve conditions like multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia.
Ear Function
Ozone can improve hearing loss and symptoms of vestibular disease.
Musculoskeletal
Ozone has been shown to help with herniated discs, osteoarthritis and spondylosis.
Gastrointestinal
O3 can increase overall GI health and has been shown to speed ulcer healing.
Liver
O3 helps with diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis. It also eases renal complications from hepatitis.
Bladder/Urinary
O3 helps manage chronic cystitis and reduces bacteria levels in urinary infections.
Inhibits Bacterial And Fungal Growth
Ozone can help manage any kind of infection. It’s even been shown to help eliminate MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection.
Immune system
Ozone reacts with polyunsaturated fats and other antioxidants. This helps activate various immune response mechanisms in the body. O3 stimulates cytokines, which are messenger cells that trigger the immune response.
Cancer
In vitro studies show ozone inhibits cancer cells from lung, breast and uterine tumors by 40 to 90% (depending on O3 dosage levels).
How I Use Ozone Therapy For Dogs
Ozone can treat a wide variety of conditions in pets as well. In my practice, I’ve found it helps with …
Because ozone helps create healthier cells in the body, it can benefit just about any health condition. It’s also a great maintenance or preventative measure to keep your dog in optimal health.
How To Give Ozone
I use several different methods to safely give ozone to dogs.
Via the blood: We draw a small amount of blood, mix it with ozone and re-inject it into either the vein or muscle.
Rectal insufflation: We deposit ozone gas directly into the colon to provide gastrointestinal support and help detoxify the liver.
Direct injection: We give local injections of ozone gas or ozonated saline directly around tumors, wounds or surgical sites, to promote healing.
Via the breath: Ozone can be breathed in after bubbling through olive oil so it’s not irritating to the lungs. This can help with nasal and respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, and cancer.
“Bagging”: Bagging an affected area of the body with the ozone gas to provide a direct external effect on wounds, skin sores and rashes or draining tumors.
Infused olive oil: We infuse olive oil with ozone to provide a valuable skin ointment that promotes wound healing.
Although ozone is not commonly used in conventional medicine, it can be a very effective treatment modality to help heal your dog, or prevent illness and degeneration. And, as I mentioned earlier, I’ve found it to be completely free of any harmful side effects
You can learn more about the benefits of ozone therapy at The American Academy of Ozonotherapy.
Specialized Care for Pets Across the U.S., Including Support for Cancer, Kidney, and Liver Health
As ancient wisdom and modern science converge, it becomes clear that optimal health begins in the gut. For pets, a balanced gut ecosystem is essential for overall well-being, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood and behavior.
Your Pet’s Gut Health is a Priority
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract does much more than process food. It is home to a complex community of trillions of microbes, including bacteria and yeasts, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microbes are crucial for:
When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to a range of health issues, including skin irritations, joint pain, and behavioral changes.
While symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea are obvious indicators of digestive issues, gut imbalances often manifest in subtler ways. These can include:
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for a veterinary examination and microbiome analysis to determine if dietary adjustments or supplements can help restore balance.
The Dangers of Leaky Gut Syndrome
One of the most serious consequences of chronic gut irritation is leaky gut syndrome. This condition occurs when the cell junctions lining the intestines break down, allowing harmful particles to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to widespread inflammation and various health issues, including food allergies, diabetes, and arthritis.
Innovative Microbiome Treatments by Dr. Bhatt
As our understanding of the microbiome grows, new treatments are emerging to help restore gut health. Probiotics are a popular option, introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut to support overall health. However, for more severe imbalances, advanced therapies like fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or ozone therapy may be recommended. Dr. Bhatt offers a uniquely developed set of protocols customized to each pet.
Dr. Bhatt utilizes microbiome therapy for several conditions, including:
By addressing these diverse health concerns through microbiome therapy, Dr. Bhatt’s customized protocols provide pets with a comprehensive approach to long-term wellness, drawing pet owners from across the U.S. seeking specialized care.
By maintaining a balanced digestive system, you can help prevent a wide range of health issues and promote your pet’s overall well-being.
To discuss microbiome-centered treatments with Dr. Bhatt to customize the best approach for your pet, click below:
Click Here
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has the power to boost immune function, increase resistance to infection, and protect against a wide range of diseases. But there’s an entirely different and largely unknown role of vitamin C, and that is its ability—when administered in very high doses by intravenous (IV) infusions—to kill cancer cells.
Vitamin C interacts with iron and other metals to create hydrogen peroxide. In high concentrations, hydrogen peroxide damages the DNA and mitochondria of cancer cells, shuts down their energy supply, and kills them outright. Best of all—and unlike virtually all conventional chemotherapy drugs that destroy cancer cells—it is selectively toxic. No matter how high the concentration, vitamin C does not harm healthy cells.
Lab studies reveal that this therapy is effective against many types of cancer, including lung, brain, colon, breast, pancreatic, and ovarian. Animal studies show that when human cancers are grafted into animals, high-dose IV vitamin C decreases tumor size by 41 to 53 percent “in diverse cancer types known for both their aggressive growth and limited treatment options.” Additionally, numerous patient case reports have been written up in medical journals.
Why IV Administration Is Essential
The only way to get blood levels of vitamin C to the concentrations required to kill cancer cells is to administer it intravenously. The body tightly controls levels of this vitamin by limiting intestinal absorption. If you took 10 g (10,000 mg) of vitamin C by mouth at one time, you would only absorb around 500 mg—and you’d get a serious case of diarrhea!
Intravenous administration, however, bypasses this control mechanism, and blood levels rise in a dose-dependent manner. For example, 10 g of IV vitamin C raises blood levels 25 times higher than the same dose taken orally, and this increases up to 70-fold as doses get larger.
The Future of IV Vitamin C
IV vitamin C is not a cure-all for cancer. However, it is one of the brightest lights on the horizon. Vitamin C may also be used in conjunction with other alternative and conventional therapies—in fact, when given on the same day as chemo, the two have synergistic effects.
For an article on Vitamin C therapy, click here
To purchase vitamin C, click here
Introduction
Have you ever felt that veterinary medicine is falling short and that we should be able to do more for our patients? How do we achieve true, lasting healing, accompanied by an exuberant quality of life?
Conventional medicine trained you to treat symptoms and lab results. As long as the presenting sign went away, then the treatment is deemed successful. The only way to achieve true healing, however, is to address the underlying cause of the symptoms; otherwise, they are destined to return. This is akin to pulling the fuse on the check engine light on your car when it illuminates. The light is no longer lit, but the reason that caused it to light up in the first place remains and will only get worse.
So What Does this Look Like in Practice?
I believe that the answer here is in how we look at our patients and their presenting condition. Instead of just focusing on symptoms and lab results, we need to look at the whole patient, including its environment. Taking the time to gain a complete history and information about the pet’s lifestyle and living conditions will provide valuable information into the causes of the symptoms we see.
All aspects of the patient, including physical, functional, emotional, and environmental will play a role in the development of disease.
Conventional medicine will provide you with a one-size-fits-all treatment plan for the sets of symptoms and lab results you find in your patient. Have you noticed how there are more and more tests, staging, and levels of diagnosis, each with its own treatment modality? It is as if medicine has become robotic; enter the diagnosis, symptom, or test result, and you get several differentials, and the associated treatments.
Healing should be an art; a dance between the patient and practitioner, exploring many treatment options and developing a plan suited for that particular individual and its circumstances.
This is the approach of Anthroposophic medicine, and I believe that its principles can provide a valuable outline in improving the health of our veterinary patients.
Anthroposophic Medicine in the Veterinary Practice
(Historical information on Anthroposophic medicine from https://www.anthromedics.org/)
Although Anthroposophic medicine (AM) was defined as a method of treating humans, its principles can be readily adapted to veterinary care and provide a superior approach to pet health.
Anthroposophic medicine was started in 1920 by Rudolf Steiner. The first book on AM by Steiner and Ita Webman , Extending Practical Medicine, is still available today.
Anthroposophic practitioners work to support the whole being, including the physical, functional, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects.
I believe that it is fair to say veterinary medicine has traditionally supported mainly the physical and functional aspects of the animal and only in recent decades is coming to realize the importance of the mental-emotional and spiritual aspects.
AM is patient centered and integrates therapies such as naturopathy, phytotherapy, homeopathy, ayurvedic and Chinese medicine along with necessary conventional care.
I believe it can be soundly observed that conventional medicine and modern pharmaceuticals are very useful in short-term or emergency care but can cause a great deal of harm when used in the long-term. The other therapies, which are better designed to balance the body and support its natural healing mechanisms, are much more appropriate for long term use. Unfortunately, these have fallen out of favor in much of modern veterinary medicine.
Rudolf Steiner’s approach has striven for a scientific and contemporary understanding of the aspects of life, soul, and spirit and the bridging of past and future, Ease and West, natural and spiritual science. Quoting from Extending Practical Medicine:
“It is not a matter of opposition to contemporary medicine, which works with the scientific principles and methods accepted today; we fully recognize its principles. [...] However, we add further insights, gained through other methods, to what can be known about the human being through today’s recognized scientific methods, and out of this extended insight into the world and the human being we find ourselves impelled to work also for an extension of the art of medicine.” (1, p. 7)
This integrative approach is not about creating additional specialization, but rather expanding on the specializations that already exist such as internal and emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, dermatology, neurology, and cardiology.
Anthroposophic Therapies
The prescription of medications in AM is based on the individual circumstances of the patient. Over 2000 specially produced medications from minerals, plant and animal kingdoms are used to support healing processes, mostly in a phytotherapeutic or potentized form. Anthroposophic medications are administered internally as dilutions, subcutaneously or intravenously as injections, or as inhalations.
High therapeutic value is also attached to external applications and body work. For animals, this would include compresses, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. Special attention should also be given to the home environment, considering the needs of the particular species, breed, and individual. For example, dogs are pack animals and not suited to being left alone for long periods of time; cats are more singular and independent and can exist more happily without ongoing company. Horses and cattle are roaming, grazing animals, not meant to live in small stalls or corrals eating scheduled meals. The animal food industry has caused much disruption in animal health by promoting diets that are not appropriate for the species such as plant-based diets for dogs and cats and dried, processed feed for grazing animals.
There are essential relationships between animals and the kingdoms of nature that are important for the art of healing. We are familiar with the effect on the heart of the medicinal plants Digitalis and Crataegus (Hawthorn), the pain-relieving effect of poppies and willow bark extract (“aspirin”), the blood pressure-lowering effect of Rauwolfia (Indian snake root) and the manifold effects of medicines derived from animals (such as ACE inhibitors isolated from snake venom).
In Anthroposophic Medicine, isolated “active substances” play less of a role than compositions of substances—be it in a single plant such as mistletoe, or in a composition of several medicinal plants—in addition to minerals, metals and animal components (such as from bees or ants). This is comparable to the effect of a symphony, which does not result from any individual tone, but from the composition created when musicians in an orchestra play together.
In the production of anthroposophic medicines, special attention is paid to the pharmaceutical process, which prepares the substances used so that they can be absorbed, then act in the organism. An active, regulation-promoting reaction of the organism is usually sought, which is triggered by the medicinal product. Anthroposophic medicinal products are produced according to the methods of anthroposophic pharmacy from the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms—either manufactured industrially or compounded individually according to a physician’s prescription. Their indication depends on the patient’s therapeutic needs.
External applications have been part of nature’s treasure trove of remedies since the earliest times. Leaves and plant fibres were not only applied to wounds, when the interior of the body partially opens to the outside, but also to injuries within the body, broken bones, cramps, fever or pain, where the immediate soothing effect of warm or cold wraps, baths and washes was used to relieve and heal discomfort. Traditionally, plant extracts, oils, gemstone trituration’s but also animal substances such as honey or quark were used externally.
At the Anthroposophia Foundation, we offer trainings on the following:
We will further offer mentorship from experienced anthroposophic practitioners and medical rounds to discuss cases.
Not only will you find a new approach to healing and the skills to use it, but you will also find a supportive community which will provide mutual support on your journey.
If you are ready for a change, join us today!
Lacey is an excellent example of the potential outcomes of integrative medical care. She was also my first ozone case and is an incredible example of the benefits of this amazing therapy.
Meet Lacey
Lacey presented as a 10-year-old Border Collie Mix with a recent cancer diagnosis. She had recently undergone surgery to remove a growth from her right hind leg. The biopsy had revealed an adenocarcinoma which was potentially aggressive with a high likelihood of regrowth and/or metastasis. The conventional options of chemotherapy and radiation were not appealing to Lacey’s guardian, and she asked me if I would begin Ozone Therapy on her instead.
A New Treatment Opportunity…For Me & Lacey!
At this point in my career, Ozone Therapy was something I had heard about, but had no formal training in, nor did I know anything about the equipment or treatment protocols. I told Lacey’s Mom I needed to learn more before I would feel comfortable treating her. She proceeded to tell me she had already spoken to her human physician, who happened to use Ozone Therapy on her patients and asked if I would be able to visit her clinic and learn the protocols she was using. In addition, if I agreed to treat Lacey, she would be willing to purchase the necessary equipment.
Well, I certainly could not refuse such a remarkable opportunity and felt I was clearly being guided to learn this modality. I made an appointment with the human practitioner headed out to learn more. After spending time learning about the equipment, they used and watching the technician administer the ozone treatments, I was comfortable enough to begin using Ozone Therapy on Lacey.
The Treatments
There are different ways to give ozone, and I used several on Lacey in order to provide her with the greatest chance of success.
In addition to the Ozone Therapy, Lacey was fed a raw diet with immune building supplements and received homeopathic remedies from a homeopathic veterinarian. I always believe in using multiple modalities to treat cancer; there is never a magic bullet.
Our Lacey
I treated Lacey twice a week for one year, at which time there was no sign of regrowth and Lacey was thriving! At this point, we began to decrease the treatment frequency, but I still saw Lacey and monitored her progress.
Lacey’s cancer never recurred or metastasized and she lived to her natural life expectancy.
Lacey is a wonderful example of what we can accomplish with natural treatment methods. Health is the natural state of the body, and the body will always try to return there. Our patients can be amazing teachers if we open ourselves to new ideas.
My Next Steps
After working with Lacey, I pursued further Ozone Training and integrated more of it into my practice. I found it to be a wonderful therapy, not only for cancer patients, but for any chronic illness or longevity support for our older patients.
In the clinic I began to use primarily IV Treatments, and eventually purchased a UVBI (Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation) unit to enhance the Ozone Therapy. On a practical note, ozone equipment is very affordable and pays for itself in just a few months. Any competent technician can be trained to do the treatments, freeing up the veterinarian to see other clients. So in addition to it being a very effective therapy, it is a wonderful profit center for the practice.
Your Next Steps
I recommend visiting the O3 Vets website for more information and training:
https://o3vets.com/
Additional information on Ozone Research can be found at:
https://aaot.us/
317 Church Street Phoenixville, PA 19460
hello@anthrofoundation.org
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Anthroposophia Foundation | 2024
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