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Canine Acupressure
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Acupressure
Acupressure is a
traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM) technique. Acupressure is a needle-free
form
of acupuncture, the ancient Chinese technique of treating disease and
maintaining
health. Acupressure targets the same energy points in the body as
acupunture but instead of needles, hands and fingers are used to apply
gentle pressures
and stretches. Acupressure
involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of
various
devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body. The goal of
practicing
any form of vibrational medicine is to restore, replenish and maintain
the
natural harmony and balance needed in animal and human to support
optimal
health and well-being. All animals (including humans) have”
Meridian
lines” These are pathways along which energy flows throughout the body.
Hands-on energy work has the particular benefit of having your energy
support your animal's physical health and emotional comfort. As an
animal guardian, trainer or healthcare practitioner, you can create a
deep and sustaining bond with an animal. This interactive, energetic
connection is deceptively gentle, yet extremely powerful for both of
you.
Acupressure is based on
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) an ancient eastern healing art
dating back
thousands of years. There is evidence that
acupressure/acupuncture
has been practiced since 2000-3000 BC. Initially it was used to
maintain
the health of livestock and also for the dogs kept protect them.
Many East Asian martial arts also make extensive study and use of
acupressure for self-defense and health purposes (chin na, tui na). The
points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or
incapacitate an opponent.
TCM is based on thousands of years of clinical observations.
Chinese medical thought developed around the idea of an entire
mind-body-spirit entity within a natural environment. Life energy,
called Chi, flows within the
body by way of interconnecting pathways known as meridians. Chi is the
life
spark, without which death will occur. It is present throughout the
whole
of nature. When Chi is in balance & flowing harmoniously within the
meridian system good health can exist. If Chi is out of balance or
disturbed then a Pattern of Disharmony will emerge & an opportunity
for illness or disease is created.
Any damage to these lines can lead to the energy becoming weak and this
can then lead to health problems such as muscle deterioration,
stiffness
and lameness. Damages meridian lines and weak energy can also lead to
anxiety stress and behaviour problems. Shiatsu can help by recognising
these problems early and treating the energy flow before it becomes
worse.
Skeletal-muscular problems can be alleviated and suppleness can be
returned to the animal. The immune system is stimulated and improved as
is the circulatory and nervous systems. Fitness can be increased and
the susceptibility to further injury can be reduced. Endomorphins (the
body’s own pain killers) are released which can help alleviate
behaviour problems and reduce stress. The animal receives “feel good”
emotions and relaxes and energizes.
Treatment takes place at your home as this is the place where
your pet will feel most relaxed and secure.
At the initial consultation a full history of the animal is taken. This
includes such details as the animal’s previous injuries and medical
interventions,
feeding, appetite, exercise and interaction with humans and other
animals
A detailed observation of the animal will also be made. Indicators such
as
differences in body temperature and muscle tone can help in locating
the
root of an energy block.
Point Work
Acupressure points can be used for calming, pain relief, and much more. The flow of Chi is closer to the
surface at certain points on the body. These points are called
Acupoints.
Acupoints used in treatment may or may not be in the same area of
the
body as the targeted symptom. Here the TCM theory of the
selection
of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating
the meridian system to bring relief by rebalancing yin, yang, and qi
(aslo
spelled chi).
Here
the Chi can be influenced with gentle pressure to restore balance and
release
blocks. Specific Acupoints are selected to restore a harmonious flow of
Chi throughout the animal’s body. Balancing the Chi energies creates an
environment
for optimum health and opportunity for healing.
The benefits of
Acupressure are far ranging.
Maintaining a balanced flow of Chi is essential to life and well being.
Our companion animals are expected to live a human dependent life.
While
not a substitute for professional medical care, acupressure can easily
be done at home to help create and maintain balance.
Living in such an environment can cause stress related problems both
behavioural
& physical. Acupressure can restore & replenish the life force
energy
& offset some of these stresses.
Specifically Acupressure can:
Build the immune system and balance energy, helping the animal to fight
infection and remain in good health Releases emotional blockages,
benefiting stress related conditions, fear, aggression and
hyperactivityAid muscular skeletal conditions including: Back pain, hip
dysplacia, arthritic and rheumatic conditions Help with digestive
problems such as stomach sensitivity and
inability to retain weight Resolve injuries more rapidly by removing
toxins
and increasing blood supply. Releases natural cortisones which reduce
swelling
Helps in pain relief by releasing endorphins. Acupressure is not
a
substitute for veterinary medicine
Conventional and eastern medicine's studies and clinical observation
have proven that Acupressure, Reiki, Jin Shin Energy Work, Flower
Essences, Essential Oils and other forms of vibrational medicine can:
Build the immune System
Relieve muscle spasms
Release emotional blockages
Strengthen muscles, tendons, joints, and bones
Replenish the animals physical and emotional energy
Release endorphins necessary to increase energy or relieve pain
Balance energy to optimize the body's natural ability to heal
Release natural cortisone to reduce swelling and inflammation
Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and
performance
Resolve injuries more readily by increasing the blood supply and
removing toxins
Acupressure and other vibrational medicine modalities offer you and
your animals the tools to affect natural healing and profoundly impact
your personal connection.
The above information is simply
informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a
veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own
veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may
depend on it.