Massage for your pet may seem like a frivolous thing to spend time and money on - at first glance anyway. Being that animals share the same problems and diseases as humans, doesn't it make sense that they would benefit from the same types of healing treatment? Massage has so many physical and psychological benefits for your animal that it should almost be an essential part of healthcare like grooming, feeding or exercising. 

 

Massage can be used at every life stage of your dog. There is almost no condition or situation that doesn't benefit from massage. 

 

Is your pet suffering from loss of appetitie? 

Are they sluggish and lack energy?

Do they suffer from anxiety?

Can they run up and down stairs like they used to? 

Are you and they not sleeping through the night?

 

There are just a few of the issues massage can address. If you are uncertain whether or not this type of treatment is right for your pet, please contact me and we can discuss. Remember, I am not a vet nor can I give any medical advice or diagnosis. 

 

Small animal massage is broken up into three general categories - Maintenance, Performance and Rehabilitation. 

 

Maintenance is probably the most common type of massage. The intent of this type of massage is to help a healthy pet stay healthy. It's primary goal is to decrease muscular tension. Other benefits include; decreased recovery time between workouts, release of metabolic waste products, decrease the chance of stress related injuries, stimulate the lymphatic system to improve immune function and prevention of chronic conditions. 

 

Performance massage is ideal for the owner who is asking a higher level of fitness from their pet like training or competition. The intent of this type of massage is to optimize current performance and assist in the animal in reaching their next level. Other benefits include; improving work efficiency, increasing proprioceptive skills and increasing flexibility. These improvements offer consistent performance, improved muscle memory and correcting poor postural habits. 

 

Rehabilitation massage is directed to any animal suffering from a recent illness or injury or in a debilitated state. The intent of the level of massage is to aid the body in reaching a state of physical equilibrium that will help with natural healing or will complement a treatment program already in place. Benefits from this type include; stimulating circulation, decreasing inflammation, helping the release of endorphins, increasing metabolism, assisting in healthy scar tissue formation and all the benefits in the Maintenance level too. 

 

SPECIFIC BENEFITS TO BODY SYSTEMS

Circulatory System:

• Encourages development of stronger cardiac muscle   

• Improves oxygen supply to the cells 

• Decreases blood pressure

•  Improves elimination of metabolic waste

Digestive System:

• Relaxes the intestinal muscles

• Stimulates peristalsis

• Improves blood flow to digestive tract

• Stimulates liver & kidney function

• Improves appetite

 

Muscular System:

• Relaxes or stimulates to relieve soreness, tension, stiffness & weakness

• Mobilizes soft tissue

• Improves joint flexibility

• Improves elimination of metabolic waste

Nervous System:

• Relieve pain

• Stimulates motor nerves

• Relieves restlessness & sleep disturbances

• Improves proprioception
   

Respiratory:

• Improves respiration

 

Lymphatic system:

• Drains stagnant lymph nodes

• Stimulates movement of lymphatic fluids

• Cleanses the body of metabolic waste
   

The Skin:

• Improves tone and elasticity

• Stimulates follicular oils & sebaceaous glands

• Improves quality of coat

• Removes dead skin & loose hair
   

Skeletal System:

• Improves alignment of skeletal structures without force

• Support Homeostasis – the balance of all body systems

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Reiki

Reiki for animals is essentially meditating with the animals, letting them lead in how much energy they want to use. I use it for animal who are injured, anxious and otherwise don't want to be physically touched. Sometimes it is used in conjunction with massage. 

 

I have studied and concluded an in-person training with the founder of Animal Reiki Source, Kathleen Prasad. I am now certified in this modality. 

 

Below is her code of ethics in using Reiki. Everyone should BE reiki - you can take classes from Kathleen and read ALL her books - www.animalreikisource.com

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Guiding Principles:

• I believe the animals are equal partners in the healing process.

• I honor the animals as being not only my clients, but also my teachers in the journey of healing.

• I understand that all animals have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects, to which Reiki can bring profound healing responses.

• I believe that bringing Reiki to the human/animal relationship is transformational to the human view of the animal kingdom.

• I dedicate myself to the virtues of humility, integrity, compassion and gratitude in my Reiki practice.

In working on myself, I follow these practices:

• I incorporate the Five Reiki Precepts into my daily life and Reiki practice.

• I commit myself to a daily practice of self-healing and spiritual development so that I can be a clear and strong channel for healing energy.

• I nurture a belief in the sacred nature of all beings, and in the value and depth of animalkind as our partners on this planet.

• I listen to the wisdom of my heart, remembering that we are all One.

In working in the community, I hold the following goals:

• I model the values of partnership, compassion, humility, gentleness and gratitude in my life and with the animals, teaching by example.

• I work to create professional alliances and cooperative relationships with other Reiki practitioners/teachers, animal health-care providers and animal welfare organizations in my community.

• I strive to educate my community in its understanding of the benefits of Reiki for animals.

• I continually educate myself to maintain and enhance my professional competence so that I uphold the integrity of the profession.

• I consider myself an ally to the veterinary and animal health community. I work to support their efforts in achieving animal wellness and balance. I honor other disciplines and their practitioners.

In working with the human companions of the animals, I will:

• Share information before the treatment about my healing philosophy, the Reiki healing system and what to expect in a typical treatment, as well as possible outcomes, including the possibility of healing reactions.

• Provide a clear policy ahead of time regarding fees, length of treatment and cancellation policy, as well as "postponement" policy, should the animal not want the treatment that day.

• Honor the privacy of the animals and their human companions.

• Share intuition received during Reiki treatments, with compassion and humility, for the purpose of supporting their understanding of the healing process.

• Respect the human companion's right to choose the animal's healing journey, selecting the methods, both holistic and/or conventional that he or she deems most appropriate, with the support and advice of a trusted veterinarian.

In working with the animals, I follow these guidelines:

• I work in partnership with the animal.

• I always ask permission of the animal before beginning, and respect his or her decision to accept or refuse any treatment. I listen intuitively and observe the animal's body language in determining the response.

• I allow each animal to choose how to receive his or her treatment; thus each treatment could be a combination of hands-on, short distance and/or distant healing, depending on the animal's preference.

• I let go of my expectations about how the treatment should progress and/or how the animal should behave during the treatment, and simply trust Reiki.

• I accept the results of the treatment without judgment and with gratitude toward Reiki and the animal's openness and participation in the process.