TCM is an incredibly complex system of diagnosing, preventing and treating illness – it’s not something you learn in a weekend workshop and dabble in on the side. It can be quite difficult to wrap ones head around the whole concept, and I’ll be the first to admit that I struggled with understanding and grasping it all in our acupressure class at Bancroft. But Amy and Nancy explain TCM, Yin/Yang, Zang Fu, etc. really, really well, and after reading this book, I feel like I finally “get it”. I found myself nodding and thinking “oh, ok, now I understand” often while reading it.

The authors also cover some of the history behind the origins and development of TCM, which is both interesting and helpful when learning. I always find that knowing why something is done a certain way (rather than just being told “it’s the way it is”) really helps me both remember and understand it.

The book opens with an intro about the origins of dogs and how they developed into the animals we know them as today, and then goes into several chapters about TCM, breaking it down into smaller components, explaining what each is and how it works, all with helpful examples of how a TCM practitioner would look at a particular imbalance to determine what the problem is and how best to treat it.

Topics covered include universal law, law of integrity, chi, disharmony, Yin/Yang, five-element theory (with a very helpful chart of which element corresponds to what), Zang Fu, meridians, and how to use “cun” measurements to find the correct points on your dog.

Chapter seven is a big chapter, covering the Zang-Fu organ systems and the meridians in detail. Each meridian has an intro, a detailed list of its functions, health and emotional issues connected to it, and an explanation of its location. And for each, there is an illustration of the meridian and important points outlined on a dog. Some also have a photo of a dog with the meridian outlined, which I thought was particularly helpful, because for me at least, it is not always easy to locate them on your own dog.

Chapter eight talks about the assessment tools, i.e. TCM diagnostic methods – The four examinations, the eight principles, and the patterns of disharmony. The authors explain why each assessment is done and what the findings can tell a practitioner (with helpful examples). The chapter ends with a great list of TCM concepts that give you a quick overview/reminder of each, which is hugely helpful.

Chapter nine takes you through an acupressure session from start (finding a good spot, asking your dog for permission, etc.) to finish (what to look for in your dog after a session), covering things like opening, finger techniques, how to use the Association points to assess the organ system, the Alarm points to figure out how deep an imbalance goes, how to work on Source points, closing the session, and what to feel for all along the way.

Chapter ten lists many different common conditions from emotional (grief, fear, etc.) to physical (arthritis, diarrhea, hip dysplasia, conjunctivitis, etc.) to some more general in nature (aging, strengthening the immune system) and outlines which points to work for each. The book ends with a glossary of both anatomical and TCM terms and a bibliography.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in learning about TCM in general, and acupressure for dogs in particular. And if you’re planning to take one of Tallgrass’ introductory acupressure workshops, I’d say read this beforehand and you’ll be way ahead of the curve.

Related posts:

1. AMG Book Review – A Dog Lover’s Guide To Canine Massage I hope you all had a fantastic summer with sun...
2. AMG Book Review – The Well-Connected Dog The Well-Connected Dog by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis Today,...
3. Introduction To Small Animal Acupressure Today’s post is a review of a DVD I recently...

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June is Adopt a Cat (American Humane Association) and Adopt a Shelter Cat (ASPCA) month

June 24 is Take Your Dog To Work Day

July 15: Basic Animal Communication, Homer, AK
Learn the basics of animal communication at Windhorse Ranch. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

July 16: Nutrition and Kinesiology, Homer, AK
Learn about proper nutrition and the basics of using kinesiology with both humans and animals. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

July 17: Emotional Freedom Technique, Homer, AK
Learn how to use EFT on people, animals, and with a surrogate. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

July 18: Flower Essences & Aromatherapy, Homer, AK
Learn the basics of flower essences, how to use them on humans and animals, and how to make a custom flower essence blend at this half-day (morning) workshop. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

July 19: Homeopathy, Intro to TCM, and Crystal & Color Therapy, Homer, AK
Learn the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, crystal and color therapy, how homeopathy works, how the remedies are created, and how to use them. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

June 11-12: TTouch for Dogs, Van Buren, AR
Two-day workshop where you learn how to use TTouch to help your dog become confident and calm. Instructor: Kathy Cascade

June 8-14: Equine Acupressure Level One, Fulton, CA
6-day course where you learn the basics of equine acupressure and get an overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Instructor: Diana Thompson (Equinology)

June 10-11: Level 1 Animal Reiki, Watsonville, CA
2-day workshop at Pregnant Mare Rescue (50% of proceeds will be donated to them) where you learn the basics of animal Reiki. Instructor: Leah D’Ambrosio

June 11: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Sacramento, CA
Half-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Marta Williams

June 11: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Sacramento, CA
Half-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Marta Williams

June 11-12: Equine Myofascial Release 1, Anderson, CA
2-day seminar where you learn the basics of equine myofascial release. Instructor: Cathy Cowell of Motion For Life

June 21-28: Canine Body Worker Certification Course, Petaluma, CA
8-day Caninology certification course (canine massage) at Dairydell Canine. Instructor: Beverly Adams (Caninology)

July 23: Equine Acupressure and Massage, Fulton, CA
Learn the signs and causes of colic in horses, and acupressure and massage techniques that can help at this 1-day workshop at Hands on Horse Care. Instructor: Diana Thompson (Equinology)

July 23-24: Animal Communication, San Diego, CA
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Donna Eubanks

July 30-31: Reiki Level I & Energy Medicine, Lompoc, CA
2-day workshop at Return to Freedom where you learn Reiki level 1 and get an introduction to energy medicine. Instructor: Cindy Rackley

July 31: TTouch For You And Your Dog, San Diego, CA
Four-hour introductory workshop on TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Linda Troup

June 9: Animal Communication Evening, Golden, CO
Introduction to animal communication. Instructor: Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses

June 9-12 & July 8-11: Canine Massage Level 1, Castle Rock, CO
4-day certificate massage class (with required pre and post course work). Instructors: Shelley Sheets and Isadora Mielikki of Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage

June 13 & July 12: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also includes an intro to applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

June 18-19: Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
An in-depth look at working with the basic principles of essential oils and how to work with animals using them. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

June 23 & July 21: Creating a Ceremony for Animals, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn how to use essential oils and plants with your animals. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

July 16: Animal Communication Evening, Bethany, CT
Introduction to animal communication at . Instructor: Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses

July 23: Animal Communication Evening, East Haddam, CT
Introduction to animal communication at Ray of Light Farm. Instructor: Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses

June 1-4: Canine Massage Level 1, Ft. Myers, FL
4-day certificate canine massage class (pre and post course work required). Instructor: Kelly Legarreta of Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage

June 4: Animal Communication, Apopka, FL
Half-day basic animal communication workshop at Florida Draft Horse Rescue. Instructor: Jo Maldonado of Centers For Animal Therapies

June 11-12: Introduction to TTouch for Companion Animals, Boynton Beach, FL
2-day workshop where you learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals. Instructor: Kathy Lehman

June 18: Animal Communication, Mims, FL
Learn the basics of animal communication at this half-day workshop at HorseSisters. Instructor: Jo Maldonado of Centers For Animal Therapies

June 25 & July 28: Introduction to Canine Massage, Sarasota, FL
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of canine massage. Taught by Abundant Life Massage

June 4: Fundamentals of Animal Massage, Honolulu, HI
Learn the basics of animal massage and stretching at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Angela Dinsmoor

July 22-24: Wildlife Communication Retreat, Driggs, ID
Learn how to communicate with wildlife at this 3-day weekend retreat at Earthfire Institute. Instructor: Penelope Smith

June 12: Level 1 Animal Communication, Algonquin, IL
Learn the basics of animal communication in this one-day class. Instructors: Mary Butler and Linda Epstein

June 10-18: Equine Body Worker Certification Course, Chevy Chase, MD
9-day Equinology certification course (a mix of equine sports massage, soft tissue release, stretching, and point therapy) at Meadowbrook Stables. Taught by Equinology

June 1: Equine Acupuncture Lecture, Methuen, MA
Learn how acupuncture can make a difference for your horse at this evening lecture at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm. Lecturer: Dr. Sarah Grayboys, Parrott Equine Associates

June 10-11: Animal Reiki I, Medfield, MA
2-day workshop at the Holistic Wellness Center (organized by New England Pet Hospice) where you learn the basics of animal Reiki. Instructor: Kelly McDermott-Burns

June 18: Equine Sportsmassage, Medway, MA
One-day workshop at Rising Star Equestrian Center where you learn the basics of Wilson Meagher equine sportsmassage. Instructor: Jo-Ann Wilson of Wilson Meagher Sports Therapy

June 24-26: How To Communicate With Animals, Stockbridge, MA
3-day workshop at the Kripalu Center where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Penelope Smith

July 16: Reiki Level 1 for Animals, Bancroft School of Massage, Worcester, MA
Learn the basics of Reiki and how to use it with animals. Instructor: Becky Thereian

July 17: Intro to Canine Massage, Worcester, MA
Half-day canine massage workshop at Bancroft School of Massage, both for those thinking of a career in animal massage and those who just want to learn to massage their own dog. Instructor: Becky Thereian

June 3-5: TTEAM with Horses, St. Paul, MN
Learn the basics of Tellington TTouch for horses at this 3-day workshop at the U of M Leatherdale Equine Center. Instructor: Lucie Leclerc

June 25: Tellington TTouch for Dogs, Bloomington, MN
Learn the basics of TTouch and how to use it on dogs. Instructor: Sage Lewis of The Dancing Porcupine

June 25: Animal Communication I, St. Paul, MN
One-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Lena Swanson

July 8-10: Introduction to Small Animal Acupressure, Woodbury, MN
Learn the basics of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories and how to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

June 25: Introduction to Animal Reiki, Kansas City, MO
Become acquainted with Reiki for animals at this hour-long event at Changing Leads Equine Rescue (all proceeds go to the rescue). Instructor: Camille Pukay

June 26: Tellington TTouch For Dogs, West Swanzey, NH
One-day hands-on workshop in TTouch for Dogs at the Monadnock Humane Society. Instructor: Leea Foran

June 3-5: Equine Myofascial Release I, Wrightstown, NJ
3-day seminar where you learn the basics of Equine Myofascial Release at this 3-day hands-on workshop. Instructor: Tamara Rapier.

July 31: Pet Massage, Haskell, NJ
Learn the basics of canine and feline massage strokes at this workshop. Instructor: Michael Croes

June 9-14: Introduction to TTouch for Dogs, Cats and other Companion Animals, Santa Fe, NM
6-day workshop where you learn the basics of Tellington TTouch for small animals. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

June 11: TTouch For Rescued And Adopted Dogs, Santa Fe, NM
One-day introductory workshop where you learn the basics of the Tellington TTouch method specifically to help ease behavioral issues in adopted and rescued dogs. Instructor: Jessica O’Donoghue

June 21: Demonstration of Tellington TTouch for Dogs, Santa Fe, NM
Evening event where you will learn more about TTouch. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

June 24-26: Tellington TTouch for Horses, Galisteo, NM
Three-day equine TTouch workshop at Goose Downs Farm. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

June 18-19: Animal Communication, New York, NY
Learn the basics of animal communication at this 2-day workshop at the Open Center. Instructor: Amelia Kinkade

June 12-18: PetMassage Foundation Workshop, Toledo, OH
7-day foundation workshop where you learn the basics of animal massage, anatomy, physiology, ethics, and marketing. Taught by PetMassage, Ltd.

June 24-26: Feline Massage, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
3-day workshop which covers feline anatomy, muscle physiology, body language, and massage techniques. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

June 27-30: Canine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
4-day introductory canine massage workshop where you learn canine anatomy, different massage techniques, and general canine wellness. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

July 15-18: PetMassage Foundation Workshop, Toledo, OH
4-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal massage, physiology, anatomy, ethics, and marketing. Taught by PetMassage, Ltd.

July 17-22: Equine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
6-day equine massage class. Learn equine muscle anatomy, general equine wellness, as well as several different massage techniques. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

June 18-20: Camelidynamics Workshop, Bend, OR
2-day basic camelidynamics (TTeam-based bodywork method for camelids) clinic. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

July 1: Animal Communication Level 1, Nashville, TN
One-day seminar where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Barbara Janelle

July 16: Introduction to Animal Reiki, Knoxville, TN
An hour-long introductory talk about Reiki for animals at Horse Haven. Instructor: Carrie Dorsey-Higdon

July 30-31: Reiki and Reiki for Animals I, Knoxville, TN
2-day workshop at Horse Haven (50% of proceeds go to them) where you learn the basics of Reiki for animals. Instructor: Carrie Dorsey-Higdon

June 11-13: Equine Touch Level 1, Pampa, TX
3-day class where you learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Suz Anne Kurten

June 18: Nutrition and Kinesiology, Houston, TX
Learn about proper nutrition for dogs, cats and horses, and the basics of how to use kinesiology with both animals and humans in order to determine proper nutrition and discover allergies. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

July 24: Reiki I For Animals, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of Reiki for use on animals. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way. NOTE: You must take Reiki I for People before attending this class. The next one is scheduled for July 10.

July 31: Fundamentals of Animal Massage, Kanab, UT
One-day workshop at Best Friends Animal Society where you will learn the basics of animal massage and stretching. Instructor: Lola Michelin of NWSAM

June 6-11: TTouch, Marlboro, VT
Learn about Animal Communication, Tellington TTouch, and Therapeutic Touch at Camp Gone to the Dogs. Instructor: Barbara Janelle

June 25-26: Animal Reiki I, Chelsea, VT
Learn the history of Reiki, different hand positions to use on humans, and how to use Reiki on animals at this 2-day workshop at The Hooved Animal Sanctuary. Instructor: Kelly McDermott-Burns of Heart Song Reiki

July 30-31: Camelidynamics Workshop, Brandon, VT
2-day basic camelidynamics (TTeam-based method for camelids) clinic at Maple View Farm. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

June 4: Tellington TTouch & Essential Oils, Charlottesville, VA
Learn the basics of how to use TTouch, body wraps and essential oils to reduce stress, fear, anxiety and tension in dogs. Instructor: Sandy Rakowitz of One Heart Healing Center

June 24-26: Animals And Essential Oils, Charlottesville, VA
3-day intensive course where you learn the basics of essential oils and how to use them with all types of animals. Instructor: Melissa Shelton, DVM

June 4: Reiki Level I, Enumclaw, WA
Learn the basics of Reiki in this 1-day class. Instructor: Cindy Rackley

June 4-5: Canine MLT Foundation Course, Redmond, WA
Learn the theory and science of Manual Ligament Therapy™ and how to use it on dogs. Instructor: Lola Michelin of NWSAM

June 4-5: Connected Riding with an Introduction to TTouch, Ridgefield, WA
Learn the basics of Connected Riding and Tellington TTouch for horses. Instructor: Mandy Pretty

June 12: Fundamentals of Animal Massage, Redmond, WA
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal massage and stretching. Instructor: Lola Michelin of NWSAM

July 16: Tellington TTouch for Dogs, Seattle, WA
One-day introductory workshop where you learn the basics of TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Lori Stevens

July 16: Animal Communication, Enumclaw, WA
1-day workshop where you learn the basics of communicating with animals. Instructor: Cindy Rackley

June 10-12: Introduction to Small Animal Massage, Grafton, WI
Learn the basics of small animal massage at this 3-day workshop. Instructor: W. Bruce Bregenzer of Blue Sky School of Professional Massage & Therapeutic Bodywork

June 25-26: Camelidynamics Workshop, Manitowoc, WI
2-day basic camelidynamics (TTeam-based bodywork for camelids) clinic at RobAsia Alpaca Ranch. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

July 9: Animal Communication Level 1, Open Heart Ranch, WI
Learn the basics of animal communication at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Wendy Wolfe

June 13-18: TTEAM For Horses, Dubois, WY
Learn the basics of Tellington TTouch and starting young horses at this 6-day workshop at Bitterroot Ranch. Instructors: Linda Tellington-Jones and Robyn Hood

July 4 – 11: Reach Out To Horses Workshop, Dubois, WY
Learn Reiki Level I & II (and become a certified practitioner), and how to communicate with horses at this 8-day workshop at Bitterroot Ranch. Instructor: Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses

ALBERTA
June 9: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Dog, Red Deer, AB
1-day workshop at the Red Deer & District SPCA where you learn the basics of how to use Jin Shin Jyutsu on yourself and your dog. Instructor: Adele Leas.

June 11-12: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Equine Companions, Red Deer, AB
2-day workshop at Energy Effects where you learn the basics of Jin Shin Jyutsu and how to use it on yourself and your horse(s). Instructor: Adele Leas.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
June 24-27: Connected Riding and TTouch, Vernon, BC
4-day workshop where you learn the basics of Connected Riding and Tellington TTouch for horses. Instructor: Mandy Pretty

June 25-26: TTouch For You and Your Horse, Vernon, B.C.
2-day workshop where you learn the basics of TTouch for use on your horse. Instructors: Robyn Hood and Mandy Pretty

July 7-12: Introduction & Ongoing TTouch Training for Companion Animals, Vernon, BC
6-day foundation and on-going course where you learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals. Instructors: Robyn Hood and Kathy Cascade

July 16-17: Connected Riding and TTouch, Vernon, BC
Learn the basics of Connected Riding and Tellington TTouch for horses at this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Mandy Pretty

July 23-24: Equine Healing, Langley, B.C.
2-day workshop at Silver Star Stables where you learn how to use healing energy with horses. Instructor: Margrit Coates

July 24-29: TTEAM and Starting Young Horses, Vernon, B.C.
Learn how to start a young horse under saddle with the help of TTouch for horses. Instructors: Robyn Hood and Mandy Pretty

QUEBEC
July 23-28: TTouch for Companion Animals, Rupert, QC
Introductory and on-going practitioner TTouch training where you can take either a one-day class (July 23), a two-day weekend workshop (July 23-24) or the entire 6-day course. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton

July 30 – August 4: TTouch with Horses, Lascelles, QC
Learn Tellington TTouch for use on your horse. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton

ENGLAND

Cambridgeshire
June 11 & July 9: Stretching and Mobilisation, Wittering
One-day workshop at Grange Farm Equestrian Centre where you learn the basics of equine stretching and mobilisation. Instructor: Emma Overend

June 22-24 & July 13-15: Equine Touch Level 1, Wittering
Learn the basics of equine touch at this three-day workshop at Grange Farm Equestrian Centre. Instructor: Emma Overend

July 30: Feline Zoopharmacognosy, Wood Green, Cambridge
Learn how to interpret the response of cats to minerals, dried herbs, macerates, and essential oils, as well as the animal’s preferred way of taking them (topical, inhaled or orally). Instructors: Jane Harrup & Christinia Lines

Cheshire
July 16: Horse Owner’s Massage Workshop, Crowton
One-day workshop at Rocking Horse Farm where you learn the basics of equine massage. Instructor: Sue Palmer of Holistic Horse Help

Cornwall
July 16-17: Camelidynamics, Porkellis, Helston
Two-day workshop at Carthvean Farm where you learn basic camelidynamics, llama husbandry and handling. Instructor: Julie Taylor-Browne of Carthvean Alpacas

Derbyshire
July 23-24: Camelidynamics, Eastmoor, Chesterfield
Learn basic camelidynamics, llama husbandry and handling at this two-day workshop at Game Lea Farm. Instructor: Julie Taylor-Browne of Carthvean Alpacas

Essex
June 1-3: Equine Touch Level 1, Roxwell
Learn the basics of equine touch at this 3-day workshop. Instructor: Kate Prowse

June 12: Equine Shiatsu Level 1, Ingatestone
Learn a simple equine shiatsu routine to use with your horse at this half-day workshop at Remus Horse Sanctuary. Instructor: Kate Granger of Equibliss

July 9: Animal Crystal Workshop, Ingatestone
Half-day workshop at Remus Horse Sanctuary where you learn about the healing powers of crystals and how to balance your animal’s chakras with the help of a pendulum. Instructor: Caroline Thomas of Animal Magic

July 17: Remus Charity Annual Indulgence Day, Ingatestone
Lectures and demos of equine shiatsu, animal aromatherapy and animal healing. Bring a photo of your pet and have an animal reading done.

Gloucestershire
June 25: Introduction to Essential Oils, Overtown Farm, Cranham
Learn the basics of essential oils and how to use them with animals. Instructor: Pauhla Whitaker

July 1-7: Animal PsychAromatica Level 1, Overtown Farm, Cranham
Learn how to use essential oils with dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals. Instructor: Nayana Morag

Herefordshire
June 10-12: Equine Touch Level 1, Ledbury
3-day basic Equine Touch workshop. Instructor: Emma Knowles

Lake District
June 25-26: Animal Communication, Windermere
2-day workshop where you learn the basics of animal. Instructor: Amelia Kinkade

Leicestershire
June 12: Equine Massage, Costock, Loughborough
Learn about the muscular skeletal system of the horse, as well as massage techniques, stretches and pilates type exercises for horses. Instructor: Gillian Higgins of Horses Inside Out

Norfolk
June 12: Animal Magic Foundation Class
Learn the basics of Animal Magic (chakras, crystals, dowsing, anatomy, communication, and more). Instructor: Niki Senior

July 23: Animal Communication, Norwich
Learn how to connect and communicate with animals. Instructor: Niki Senior

North Lincolnshire
June 25-26: Foundation Course in Canine Communication, Broughton
Learn the Amichien® Bonding method and the basics of animal communication at this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Jan Fennell

Northamptonshire
July 16: Horse Owner’s Massage Workshop, Daventry
Learn the basics of equine massage at this one-day workshop at Holistic Equitation Centre. Instructor: Sue Palmer of Holistic Horse Help

Northumberland
June 24-26: Equine Touch Level 1, Morpeth
3-day workshop where you learn the basics of equine touch. Instructor: Chris Wyllie

Oxfordshire
June 2 & 30: Equine Merishia Massage, Chinnor
Hands-on one-day practical (pre course work required). Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

June 3 & July 1: Canine Merishia Massage, Chinnor
Hands-on one-day practical (pre course work required). Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

June 25: An Introduction to Applied Zoopharmacognosy, Chinnor
1-day introductory workshop where you learn about Zoopharmacognosy (how animals themselves select plants and plants extracts as medicine) and how you can assist your non-foraging animals in doing so by offering them essential oils and plants to choose from. Instructors: Sophie Xi-Zeta and Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

July 9: Equine Muscles, Movement and Stretching, Chinnor
Learn about the major muscles by painting them on live horses. Also includes passive stretching techniques. Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

July 9: Sound and Color for Wellbeing, Chinnor
Learn how to use sound and color to enhance wellbeing in both people and animals. Instructors: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies and Terry Shubrook

July 17: Animal Communication, Chinnor
Learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Lizi Angel of Canine Mind

Somerset
June 18-19: Equine Laser Therapy, Catcott
Learn both the technical and practical side of how to use laser therapy on horses to address skin, nerve, muscle, lymphatic and circulatory issues. Instructor: Lotty Merry

July 15-17: Equine Touch Level 1, Glastonbury
3-day basic equine touch workshop. Instructor: Lyn Palmer

July 23-24: Canine Zoopharmacognosy
Learn how to read the response of an animal to dried herbs, macerates, essential oils and minerals, and the animal’s preferred way of taking them (inhalation, orally or topically). Instructor: Caroline Ingraham

July 28-29: Touch for Health Kinesiology 1, Catcott
Learn the basics of using kinesiology (muscle testing) to help with a variety of issues. Instructor: Jo Rose of Rose Holistic Therapies

South Devon
July 23-24: Animal Communication, Brixham
2-day workshop at Southdown Farm where you learn the basics of how to communicate with animals. Instructor: Christine Tetau

Surrey
June 11: Equine Zoopharmacognosy, Guildford
1 or 2-day workshop where you learn how to make gels and to interpret the response of a dog to essential oils, dried herbs, minerals and macerates. Also learn how he/she prefers to take them (orally, through inhalation or topically). Instructor: Caroline Ingraham

July 30: Canine Laser Therapy, Cobham
Learn basic canine anatomy, how issues can affect the dog’s behavior and gait, and how to use laser therapy to address a variety of issues. Instructor: Lotty Merry

West Sussex
July 15: Introduction to Canine Massage, Horsham
Learn the basics of canine massage at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Julia Robertson of Galen Therapy Centre

July 17: Massage and the Arthritic Dog, Horsham
Learn basic canine anatomy, how arthritis affects the body and mind, and massage techniques and stretches that can help. Instructor: Julia Robertson of Galen Therapy Centre

Yorkshire
June 25: Equine Zoopharmacognosy
Learn how to read the horse’s response to dried herbs, macerates, essential oils and minerals, and the animal’s preferred way of taking them (inhalation, orally or topically). Instructor: Caroline Ingraham

June 26: Canine Zoopharmacognosy
See above
Instructor: Caroline Ingraham

July 2-3: Communicating with Animals Intuitively Playshop, Puttenham
Learn how to communicate with animals intuitively. Instructor: Julie Lines of Voice of the Animals

SCOTLAND
July 19-27: Equine Body Worker Certification Course, Dunfermline, Fife
9-day Equinology certification course at Wester Deanhead Equestrian Centre. Instructor: Debranne Pattillo of Equinology

July 22-24: Equine Touch Level 1, Roberton, S.Lanarkshire
3-day workshop where you learn the basics of equine touch. Instructor: Sue Grout

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2. Holistic Animal Health Events & Workshops – USA, Canada & UK – April & May 2011 Winter is pretty much done, and I saw the first...
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I have been a fan of their book “The Well-Connected Dog” for a long time (and written about it before on this blog, click on the book title to go to that post) and I’m equally fond of this DVD. It gives you a really nice overview of the concepts of TCM and shows you how to find important points on your pet, and also how to do an acupressure health maintenance treatment.

Amy and Nancy talk about everything from chi and what it does, the history and benefits of acupressure, yin/yang, meridians, acupoints, to how to do an assessment of the dog, choose a location, ask the dog for permission and do a treatment.

The walkthrough of how to do a treatment covers opening, a simple way to select points to work on, the association points and the conditions they relate to, how to work on them (finger work techniques), and finally how to close the session.

Getting a visual overview of how to find specific points is incredibly helpful. It is described in the book, but it can be tricky to do on your own the first few times, and seeing it “live” really helps.

I loved that the entire DVD is set outside on a sunny summer day, and that other animals are allowed to wander in and out of the picture. I watched this DVD the first time after a really stressful day at work, and it was very calming and soothing. A great way to unwind while learning something useful.

This DVD is, as the name says, a great introduction to small animal acupressure and the concepts and theories behind it. I think it is the perfect companion to The Well-Connected Dog, because, as I mentioned above, the book is great, but seeing how to find the points makes it so much easier, and once you are done watching the DVD, you will want to know more, and then the book is there for you.

And if you want to learn even more, I highly recommend taking one of their workshops, which are held all over the country (and world). Check the latest Events and Workshops listing for upcoming classes here in the US, and the school lists for Canada, Australia, Europe and the UK), for upcoming Tallgrass workshops in your country (I am in the process of putting together updates for all the lists for 2011).

Related posts:

1. AMG Book Review – The Well-Connected Dog The Well-Connected Dog by Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis Today,...
2. Alternative Healing Modality: Acupressure Today’s post is about Acupressure. We had a number of...
3. Acu-Dog – A Guide To Canine Acupressure Today’s post is a long overdue review of the latest...

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