Acupressure can help everything from depression to coughing!
The Northwest School of Animal Massage tells us,
"Acupressure is a safe, non-invasive modality developed thousands of years ago as an important aspect of Asian, especially Chinese, medicine. It uses precise finger or thumb placement and pressure over specific points along the body. These points follow channels, known as meridians which are the same channels that are used in acupuncture."
One of the concepts that sets Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) apart from other views of health is the notion of Qi. Qi or Chi is "life energy force". The health of the animal is a result of the correct movement of Qi in the body, and acupressure and acupuncture follow the path of acupressure points, positively moving Chi or Qi throughout the body.
This is why acupressure sessions can boost the immune system. This alternative medicine technique can be a wonderful part of veterinary care and a dog's body will benefit in endless ways.
What is Chi (Qi)?
It's referred to as "life force energy". All living beings have Qi and the normal movement of Qi encompasses all aspects of life, not only within us but also in nature.
What can acupressure do?
Animal acupressure can help:
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Relieve muscle spasms, balancing muscle tension
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Build the immune system
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Benefit chronic health issues
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Strengthen muscles, tendons, joints, and bones
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Stimulate the healing properties of the body
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Release natural cortisone to reduce swelling and inflammation
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Release endorphins necessary to increase energy or relieve pain
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Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance
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Resolve injuries more readily by increasing the blood supply and removing toxins
Canine acupressure can help with injuries, as well as pain associated with the lower back, shoulder blades, hind paws, hind leg, urinary or bladder, and knee joints. These areas all have meridian points that are positively affected by acupressure.
How does animal acupressure benefit our dogs?
A holistic veterinarian or licensed practitioner can perform acupressure on your dog. Senior dogs especially benefit from the practice. A few of those major benefits include:
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Anxiety reduction
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Supporting general wellness
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Disease prevention
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Alleviating back pain
Gentle pressure is applied during a typical acupressure session. How does it work? Well, if you have the acupressure points on the meridian chart, different points are aligned with various locations on the body. For example, the following points help with GI upset:
Cv 12 is known as the center of power and located midway between the sternum and navel, on the ventral (underside) midline. The ST 36, SP 6, Liv 3, St 45, GB 41 and Cv 12 points are all used to help with digestion!
Amy Snow, a Certified Acupressure Practitioner, with the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute studied at the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California and her classes are amazing. You can contact them about online classes and their meridian chart!
Also, consider this wonderful resource if you're hoping to take classes or achieve a certification - the Northwest School of Animal Massage or The NWSAM is a great organization for those inspired to learn more.
Have you tried acupressure with your animals? How did it go? Please leave a comment below and let us know!
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