|
|
EQUINE/CANINE ACUPRESSURE MASSAGE Sports Massage and Therapeutic Massage for the Equine/Canine Athlete and Companion.
People have begun to incorporate this non-invasive therapy into the total health care regimen of their equine/canine athletes and companions. This healing art helps to relieve pain and enhance over-all wellness and performance of the amazing, gallant and dignified equine/canine athlete. Equines/canines are just like people. They experience bumps, bruises, injuries and trauma. They can experience life’s negative effects just like we can. These effects can include poor posture, muscle imbalances, decreased flexibility, headaches and poor circulation. Eventually things will cause a decline in the equine’s/canine's energy and over-all health. The lucky, injury free horse will still experience similar symptoms during the aging process. Therefore, massage has life-time benefits.
Massage not only feels good, it addresses on-going physical and emotional/dispositional problems throughout a lifetime and enhances overall health and well-being. The specific effects of massage depends on the condition of the equine/canine, purpose of the massage and associated techniques used. A sense of rejuvenation, regeneration, stimulation or refreshment usually follow the massage.
What comes to mind when you hear or read the word “MASSAGE”?
Many people might envision nothing more than a playful “rub-down” which they do for their pet regularly. Others might cringe at the thought of their beloved equine/canine being poked, prodded, whacked or in other ways be physically abused by an over-zealous wrestler type therapist. In reality neither of these concepts have any similarity to Sports Massage or Therapeutic Massage which is simply DELIBERATE AND FOCUSED TOUCHING. Each stroke is specific in pressure, direction and purpose. The therapist’s hands are assessment tools sensing heat, cold, bumps, tightness, tenderness and other irregularities not detected by the untrained. The hands send love and healing to the affected areas as the needed strokes are applied directly to the animal’s body. An important point to make here is that the affected area might not be the same place on the symptom is noted. Professional training provides knowledge of where the problem originates which might be far from the source of the symptomatic location.
MASSAGE is the manipulation of muscles and skin to promote increased circulation and healing to all organs and tissues. The therapist might, thus, detect problem areas that have been present on a very subtle level over a period of time that left unnoticed are potential serious problems at a later date.
As a complement to traditional medical care, massage can:
1. increase blood flow and shorten healing time
2. be an excellent remedy for joint afflictions and decreased range of motion
3. relieve pain and discomfort by releasing naturally produced endorphins
4. prevent formation of scar tissue
5. reduce swelling
6. aid older horses with chronic and degenerative disorders live a more peaceful life
What is Acupressure Massage?
Once again, like people, equines/canines have a series of points on most of the skin that, when pressed in a specific way, influence the balance of energy flow in the body. By stimulating these points with the indicated pressure and amount of time, the Acupressure Massage Therapist (trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine) can rebalance organs and energy throughout the animal’s body. Some acupressure points release endorphins that are natural pain relievers. Acupressure skills are not part of the typical massage training program. As a Certified Acupressure Animal Massage Therapist, Monica has skills that greatly enhance the therapeutic value of your animal’s health and healing.
Prevention: The focus of Sports Massage is prevention of future injuries and relief form muscular pain. Preventive maintenance is the intention when Monica gives your equine/canine a Full Body Massage. A Full Body Massage is addressing the body rather than individual parts leaving your equine/canine in vastly improved physical and emotional condition. Monica is releasing tension and allowing contracted muscles to release and relax.
SPORTS MASSAGE:
Pre-Event: Prepares the muscles for an event- warms and loosens by increasing blood flow to muscles. Increased oxygenation leads to enhanced performance and shorter recuperation time.
Post-Event: Loosens muscles and joints preventing accumulated stiffness and soreness by increasing venous flow and removal of toxic waste. Facilitates recovery by reducing build-up of fibrous tissue adhesions.
Maintenance: Contributes to over-all health and healing for optimal functioning and detects potential problems before they become serious.
GENERAL THERAPUETIC MASSAGE: Boosts circulatory and immune systems, which encourage increased circulation, muscle tone, digestion and skin tone. It can also improve disposition and life depression.
Convalescing and Aging: Particularly useful for horses with impaired heart or kidney function. As circulation is stimulated, toxins are removed from tissues and nutrients are supplied. Many older horses/dogs suffering from degenerative or chronic disorders benefit from the stimulating, tonifying effects of massage. Muscular cramps, early morning stiffness, arthritis, certain spinal disorders and some skin conditions will improve with regular massage. Aging and chronically ill animals get a new lease on life and feel more secure and comforted after an Acupressure Therapeutic Massage.
After Injury or Surgery: Gentle massage 1-2 days post surgery can help release anesthesia from the body. Two weeks after surgery, deeper massage strokes will promote healing. Healing after injury is greatly enhanced with reduced time of injury to heal and pain relieved quickly.
FOR LOVGEVITY AND OVERALL WELL-BEING
Contact Monica Self, CAAMT, CBT
to schedule an appointment
|
|