Acupressure for animals

Acupressure, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, may be thought of as "Acupuncture without needles".

The body is viewed as an interconnected energy system, in which the body energy, known as "Chi" flows along pathways called meridians. Stimulation or sedation of points lying along these meridians moves the energy, balancing the Chi and relieving or preventing blockages and excesses that can cause discomfort, pain, and disease.

The Five-Element theory describes the relationship between points on various meridians in terms of their position in the cycles of creation and control/destruction. Meridian charts are used to identify points that show an excess or deficiency; the five- element chart helps to determine which points require sedation or stimulation to correct these imbalances. How-to manuals take you step-by-step through the process of using acupressure with animals.

Animals are keenly aware of themselves and their bodies; the recognize imbalances and often lick, scratch, or chew on acupressure points in an effort to correct them. They are responsive to both the touch of the practitioner and the intent behind the touch, at times turning or positioning their bodies to help guide the practitioner’s hands to the points that need attention.

Animals are very much aware of their bodies; once they have been introduced to massage, they recognize, remember, and appreciate this form of touch.

Massage does the same types of things for animals that it does for humans: increases circulation, flexibility, and comfort; provides emotional calming; and improves body awareness, general health, and overall well-being. It can also restore enjoyment of touch to animals whose history includes abuse or neglect; provide early detection of conditions requiring veterinary care, and deepenbonding and trust between animals and their caretakers. In hospice situations, massage can ease distractions such as fear, anxiety, and pain, allowing the individual to prepare for death with calm and dignity

Massage is not appropriate when there is a condition requiring veterinary care (shock, nausea, vomiting, fresh injury such as a break or sprain, etc.); it is also not appropriate when the veterinarian OR THE ANIMAL says “no”.

Acupressure utilizes the ame points and provides the same benefits as acupuncture. Through the use of finger pressure to activate the points acupressure can work to improve your animals health.

Acupressure is an ancient healing art. It has been used for centuries in the eastern cultures and has recently been accepted in the western world. Acupressure is a very gentle and noninvasive procedure that can profoundly impact both humans and animals. . The benefits of acupressure include:

1. 
   The release of endorphins needed to release pain
   





2. Removes toxins and increases blood supply to aid in the healing process
   





3. Enhance focus needed for training
   





4. Relieve muscle spasms
   





5. Release natural cortisone
   





6. Aid in building the bodies immune system
   

Acupressure works on the meridians in the body. These are made up of pools of energy, which are the acupressure points. By activating the points the energy is released and allowed to flow in the areas needed. By allowing the energy to flow the body can begin to heal. It is a great way to help promote health and wellness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back around 4000 years. TCM treats the mind, body and spirit as a single entity in harmony within itself and originally developed as a preventative form of treatment to maintain the health of humans and livestock. 4000 years later, Acupressure uses the basis of TCM to use the power of touch along key points on the energy pathways of the body called "Meridians" to identify where there is an imbalance, and then change the energy flow or Chi of the area to restore balance and health. It is similar to Acupuncture but does not use needles to stimulate the acupoints.

TCM strives to identify the cause of an ailment through looking at as many perspectives as possible to reveal the real root cause. It is a non-invasive and deceptively gentle process that can profoundly impact humans and animals. Acupressure for animals can be helpful for physical as well as behavioural or emotional issues and offers a way to actively participate in maintaining an animal's health.

There are key Acupressure points or Acupoints that can help with a variety of common ailments and also be used as a conditioning process including:-

1. 
   movement issues
   





2. respiratory issues
   





3. skin conditions
   





4. behavioural concerns
   





5. digestive issues
   





6. wounds
   





7. infections

Posted in: animals