Healthy Beast Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Oxfordshire

To accomplish this we have established an education centre that will provide animal healthcare professionals with:

Continuing education in integrated and holistic veterinary medicine.
A resource centre embracing all aspects of animal health and healing.
Support for relevant research, interdisciplinary enquiry and extension of ideas.

Integrate CPD Ltd
Horsehay Farm
Duns Tew Road
Middle Barton
OX7 7DQ
UK

T: +44 1869 349955
F: +44 1869 340969
E: courses@integrateCPD.com
W: www.integrateCPD.com

Veterinary Herbal Medicine is the study of plant-medicines and their therapeutic application in animal healthcare. The application of herbal medicines in human and animal healthcare has a long history that can be traced back millennia. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in herbal medicine from around the world. Traditional herbal knowledge is now being confirmed and updated by research, scientific insights and clinical experience. We believe that Veterinary Herbal Medicine will develop into a significant part of the emerging integrated veterinary medicine.

Our primary goal is to provide veterinarians with the knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively integrate herbal medicine into private practice. We envision an integrated animal healthcare system, where the most appropriate treatment options are selected from a wide spectrum of modalities, and healthcare professional collaborate for the benefit of the patient. Herbal medicine has a variety of clinical indications and can be used as both a complement and an alternative to conventional treatment options. Herbal medicine is strongly indicated as a first aid treatment; in chronically ill and immune-compromised individuals; in palliative and convalescent care; in psychosomatic and multi-systemic illness.

These courses are suited to veterinarians wishing to pursue an interest in herbal medicine, and integrated or holistic animal healthcare. After studying Veterinary Herbal Medicine , the new knowledge and skills can be applied in a number of ways - integrate herbs into your existing veterinary practice; go on to specialise as a veterinary herbalist; pursue a career in teaching or writing; develop research possibilities; explore opportunities in industry or develop a passion for herb gardening.

All our courses adopt a balanced and integrative educational approach. Herbal medicine today is a synthesis of traditional herbal wisdom and modern scientific knowledge. Our approach is to present all perspectives, while emphasising the knowledge and skills required to professionally integrate herbal medicine into modern practice. Vets are acquainted with the broad evidence-base for the use of herbs in modern medicine - research studies, clinical trials, case studies and traditional use.

Explore the history and development of herbal medicine and consider the philosophies and medical models underlying the great herbal traditions of the world. Discover how veterinarians are integrating herbal medicine into clinical practice, and the roles veterinary herbalists are playing in research and industry. Hear how animals are naturally medicating themselves with herbs in the wild.

The study of Botany provides important tools for the veterinary herbalist. Acquire a working knowledge of botanical terminology, taxonomy, plant morphology and physiology, and learn how to identifying and gather herbs on regular herb walks. Learn how to design and create your own culinary and medicinal herb garden and go on field visits to famous herb gardens.

Biochemistry and pharmacology are foundation sciences in herbal medicine. Explore the theories explaining medicinal plant activity. Uncover the complexity of plant biochemistry and learn about the structure, properties and functions of the chemical constituents of herbs. Investigate the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of herbal medicines and look at the ways herbs affect an animal's physiology. Consider the toxicology of herbal medicines, their contra-indications and potential side-effects. Compare the actions of herbs to pharmaceuticals and learn about herb-drug interactions.

Visit an herb processing facility and learn how to assess the quality of herbal medicines. Evaluate the effects that various growing, harvesting, processing and storage techniques have on herb quality. Explore the ways of formulating herbs for veterinary use, and learn how to determine the appropriate dosages. Gain experience at creating herb poultices, decoctions, and herbal creams. Discuss the details of setting up your own herbal pharmacy. Learn about the various regulatory bodies and relevant laws affecting the practice of Veterinary Herbal Medicine.

Explore the role of reflective practice, research and clinical audits in veterinary practice. Examine the personal and professional challenges of being a veterinary herbalist. Examine the vet/client/patient relationship and develop more effective communication and counselling skills. Discuss the process of successfully integrating herbal medicine into veterinary practice.

Explore the relationship between diet and herbal medicine. Examine the basic principles of the various nutritional models and how they apply to animals. Discuss possible interactions between foods and herbs, and how to use food as a preventative medicine and to support herbal therapy. Learn about the role of nutraceuticals in veterinary medicine.

Discuss the issues surrounding the conservation and sustainability of medicinal plants. Critically assess the various sources of herbs including wild crafting and commercial suppliers. Learn about the substitutions available for endangered herbs. Visit local herbal and conservation habitats.

Materia medica is the core subject in veterinary herbalism. Examine individual herbs and discuss the botanical, pharmacological, pharmacognostic and therapeutic aspects of each, along with its clinical indications, contraindications, formulation and dosage. All the herbs are discussed from a modern scientific and traditional therapeutic perspective, with additional understanding from relevant clinical experience and research. During the practicals, experience the taste, smell, feel and unique medicinal properties of various herbs for yourself.

This section deals with the clinical application of herbs in veterinary medicine. Adopting a systems approach, common diseases and syndromes are explored by means of case studies. Learn how to select appropriate herbal remedies, individualise treatments, modify prescriptions and evaluate a patient's response to treatment. Explore ways of integrating treatment strategies by modifying drug treatments, introducing nutritional changes and other treatment strategies. Learn how to dose appropriately in different individuals and different species, and recognise side-effects and adverse reactions. Explore complex disease patterns and learn how to prioritise goals - addressing symptoms as well as underlying causes of disease.

Become acquainted with the wealth of resources available to the veterinary herbalist - Internet, books, email lists, suppliers, etc. Review the growing evidence-base for Veterinary Herbal Medicine and learn how to access clinically relevant information quickly and easily.

All course participants receive complete course notes. Supportive study material and handy reference guides for the individual herbs and herbal formulae are provided. A sample of each herb studied is supplied for reference. All topics discussed have accompanying list of suggested reading and resources. An email-based study group provides ongoing support.

The Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association (VBMA) is a group of veterinarians and herbalists dedicated to developing responsible herbal practice. The VBMA would like to accredit courses offering training in Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Integrate will be applying to have our courses accredited by the VBMA as soon as they are able to offer the service.

The VBMA currently offer certification in Veterinary Herbal Medicine . The VBMA acts as an international certifying body for veterinary herbalists, seeking to provide animal guardians, farmers, and veterinarians with a standard of competency by which to choose a veterinary herbalist. The requirements to qualify for the VBMA's Certification of Competency in Veterinary Herbal Medicine include a 75% pass in the theory and practical exams; submission of three case studies to publication standard. Veterinary herbalists who are certified will earn the title Certified Veterinary Herbalist (CVH). Please see the VBMA website for more information - www.vbma.org.

Fees include all field trips, course materials, lunches and teas. VAT is not charged for non-UK students. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit/debit card or bank transfer. Please give us a call to discuss terms if you would like to spread out the cost of the course by making monthly payments.

The registration form is available in PDF format on our website. Return the completed registration form, together with the course fees, to secure your place on the course. Places on the course will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, so please register early to avoid disappointment. A confirmation pack will be sent to you when we receive your registration information. This will include confirmation of registration, a receipted-invoice, syllabus and reading list, directions to Horsehay Farm and a list of local accommodation.

Horsehay Farm is the setting for all of Integrate's courses, and provides an ideal combination of resources for an exceptional learning experience.

Horsehay Farm is set in the heart of England, in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. The farm has an abundance of flora, fauna, streams, ponds, hedgerows, woodlands and large unspoilt meadows. The farm's resident domestic and companion animals include goats, sheep, dogs, cats, horses and an assortment of exotic animals including parrots, bearded dragons and tortoises.

Integrate's courses are held on the first floor of the Centre. Here the open-plan layout, large windows with views over the surrounding countryside, and comfortable furnishings create a relaxed and spacious feel. Facilities include a spacious conference room, a comfortable library area, the latest audio-visual and multimedia equipment. The kitchen provides delegates with fresh, wholesome, organic lunches and snacks.

Courses are non-residential. A list of local B&B's and hotels will be sent out with the confirmation pack on registration. Please book in early to avoid disappointment. Discounts are available to delegates at certain times of year. Please enquire when booking. Further information is available on the website - www.integratecpd.com.

If you have any queries regarding our courses or registration, please contact the office on +44 (0) 1869 349955, or email us on courses@integratecpd.com.

This prospectus describes the facilities and courses that Integrate intends to offer for 2007. However, Integrate reserves the right to cancel, suspend or modify in any way, the details contained in this prospectus. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this prospectus in correct at time of print, no responsibility can be taken for any inaccuracies. All course fees quoted are for 2007 and are subject to change.