Animal Massage Guide » Alternative Therapies

Offering Reiki To Sheep

cattie — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:43:29 +0000

Many people would be surprised to learn that practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine not only focus on people’s pets, but also wildlife, zoo, and farm animals. It’s important to not forget about them, or take them for granted. They are living beings with feelings and emotions just like us, and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

This wonderful case study comes to us from Caroline Thomas, who was our featured practitioner in the Bach Flower Remedies post. Caroline, founder and owner of Animal Magic, lives and works in Chelmsford, England, where she practices a variety of complementary therapies such as Crystal Healing, Reiki, Bach flowers, Alaskan Essences etc. She is a Reiki Master, Bach Flower Practitioner, soon-to-be Animal PsychAromatica practitioner, and a founding member of SARA (the Shelter Animal Reiki Association).

Caroline is a long-time volunteer at Remus, a horse and farm animal sanctuary in Ingatestone, England, and this story takes place at the sanctuary.

In Caroline’s own words:

I woke up on a very cold day to howling winds and rain falling hard against my window. I was going to Remus and I needed to bundle up: when doing Reiki healing outdoors, you can quickly become too cold and start focusing on your own discomfort rather than the Reiki.

It was raining so hard that a river had burst its banks and the road to Remus was flooded. I kept thinking about the animals I was going to get to work with – there are so many wonderful animals at Remus including pigs, horses, goats, sheep, and cats.

I met up with Sue, founder of Remus. Remus is very open to holistic therapies, especially Reiki. Sometimes, Sue sends me a text message asking me to send Reiki to an animal or a situation. One of the many wonderful qualities of Reiki is that it can help even when I can’t be present in person.

We talked about the past week and I asked if any of the animals needed Reiki. Sue said, yes, three of the sheep, Guiness, Mum Sheep and Peep, were not well. All three were old and frail and suffering from chronic arthritis. As sheep are farm animals and part of the food chain, they don’t often reach old age, but these three had been lucky enough to end up at Remus and allowed to grow old with dignity. People think sheep are all the same and cannot think for themselves. I can assure you that they are all individuals with big or small characters. It is such a misconception that a herd of sheep are all the same.

I have offered Reiki to the sheep many times before, and they are very clear about accepting it or not. When I entered the sheep shed, all 20 sheep were looking at me as I walked through them to the sheep I was going to work on. The three of them lay in a circle in the middle of the shed. I’m not sure if they knew I was going to offer them Reiki or if this is what sheep do when they feeling poorly. Lying down is a vulnerable position for all prey animals.

I closed my eyes and asked them if they would allow me to offer Reiki. My intuition came back with a resounding yes; these three sheep were definitely in need of Reiki.

I centered myself and offered healing support to the animals, allowing them to take whatever energy they needed. While the Reiki was flowing, many of the other sheep entered this healing circle, staying for a short or longer time depending on their needs. Peep, Guinness, and Mum Sheep, lay peacefully in the energy while it ebbed and flowed. At one point Mum Sheep lay her head gently on the floor sighing as she lay. The Reiki treatment session went on for about 40 minutes. Naturally each sheep got up one by one and moved away from the energy.

It is important to remember that it is the animal who is in charge of their healing and not to force the Reiki onto the animal even though you have best intentions. Observing the animals’ body language and behaviour are also a key part of having a successful Reiki session.

Each time I have visited Remus, I have offered Reiki to the above sheep. I have observed that whilst offering Reiki, the other sheep have become more inquisitive of the energy and are quite happy to bask in the Reiki. They seem less fearful of my presence in their company and more accepting of the lovely Reiki energy.

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The Basic Massage Strokes

cattie — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 15:22:12 +0000

Today, we have a guest post from Jodi McLaughlin, who was our featured practitioner in the Acupressure post (where there is also a detailed description of an acupressure session she performed on her rabbit, Diego).

Jodi, a Certified Holistic Small Animal Massage Practitioner, is the founder of The Blissful Bunny Massage Workshops. She has written many articles on massage for rabbits, and has been featured in several books. I don’t have a link to her website here because at the moment, due to family obligations, her animal massage business has had to be put on hold.

Jodie’s post describes the basic massage therapy strokes and she talks about how to use them on rabbits, but these are the same strokes you would use on anyone, be it human or animal. You obviously would go a bit heavier on humans and very lightly on rabbits and other very small animals, but this gives you a great introduction to the strokes. Thanks for sharing this with us, Jodi!

The Basic Bunny Massage Strokes
by Jodi D. McLaughlin, NCTMB

Laying on of hands: While not technically considered a massage stroke, this is the oldest form of massage. This technique is mostly used when massage may be contraindicated or not accepted. Gently place the hands over the area of the rabbit’s body you wish to soothe, using very little pressure, less than 1 pound. Focus on the moment and breathe slowly. This light contact has therapeutic value in soothing emotional frustration, nerve irritation and inflammation. This is also a great way to begin a massage and connect with your rabbit, by simply laying your hands on the head, back or hips.

Effleurage: A long stroking movement. Imagine water gliding and rippling over the body. Use the whole hand, palms, thumbs, fingertips, or forearms. Repeated rhythmically with light or superficial pressure, this long flowing stroke has a lulling or hypnotic effect that leads to relaxation. This stroke increases circulation and lymph and prepares the muscles for deeper work by warming the tissues. Effleurage can be sedating to muscles and nerves, inducing sleep and decreasing pain.

Rock n’ Roll: This rocking movement is beneficial in synchronizing your breath with your animal as well as calming bunny. Picture a mother soothing her baby as she gently places both hands on baby’s back and rocks the baby lightly side to side. While bun-bun sitting comfortably, place both hands on the shoulders or mid-back, then slowly begin to alternate pushing the body left and right, slightly forward. Move slowly allowing the bunny’s body to flow back to center before rocking the opposite side. The slower the rocking, the more calming for bunny. Faster movements become a shaking stroke, used to increase circulation and invigorate bunny. Never use shaking strokes for more than a few moments as this stroke can be irritating to nerve endings.

Petrissage: This is a stroke used only on large muscles. French for “kneading”, petrissage releases tension and waste from muscles and improves circulation. Rhythmically pick up the muscle, lifting it away from the bone (thigh) and squeeze and roll the skin between your hands or two thumbs, either staying in one place, or moving gradually along the muscle group. (thigh/hip) The hands should create opposite C shapes. Imagine you are kneading dough to make bread. Ah, this is what bun-bun dreams of when she sits in the bread-loaf position! Actually, petrissage is also very beneficial as a sort of passive exercise for large muscles since it causes a contraction similar to active exercise of the thigh.

Compression: This stroke is used with or in place of kneading/petrissage. It has the same benefits but can be used on a smaller area. Apply a rhythmic pumping with the thumb, fingers, palm or fist (depending of the size of bunny) directly into the center area of the muscle. Compression also causes a contraction of the muscle belly creating tone.

Wringing: This is a wonderful stroke to use on the side/belly area of bunny or to cover larger areas such as the shoulders and hips. The hands are placed side to side on the body, with thumbs at 90-degree angle. Begin to slide the hands, alternating, as if to wring out a wet towel. You should be able to see the skin lift and slide between the thumbs. This stroke is very soothing when done smoothly and gently. This is a good way to gently rev up bunny’s circulation. It helps break up adhesions and is very similar to skin rolling.

Skin Rolling: This technique is also similar to T-Touch Tarantula or Pulling the Plow Stroke. Using both hands on just the skin layer, pretend you are rolling a cigarette in paper. The thumbs lift and roll the skin away from you, creating a mound of moving fur. Skin rolling is extremely beneficial in breaking up tiny adhesions caused by injections, dispersing fatty deposits, stimulating the circulation of the skin and all around skin tone. It can be done in various directions and lightly down the spine to stimulate the Bladder Meridian. Be careful to move smoothly and slowly so as not to over stimulate the nerve endings! This is the only stroke that can be done directly on the spine. Use this stroke over the shoulder area after giving injections.

Vibration and Friction: These strokes are very similar, except in pressure and benefit! Vibration is done with the fingers or hand quivering lightly over muscles. This will relax the nervous system, calm muscle spasms and activate the digestive system when done on the abdomen. Friction uses the same technique, except with a much deeper and smaller surface area being covered. Friction can be used to break up old scar tissue and adhesions as well as loosen joints and tendons.

Tapping: This technique of lightly tapping the fingertips over the fleshy areas of bunny is effective as an ending massage stroke to wake up the nerves and muscles. Integrate fluttering tapping movements with effleurage up and down bun-buns spine to refresh and alert him that his spa time is over…but the bliss continues.

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Alternative Health for Animals Classes And Workshops – June & July 2010

cattie — Sun, 16 May 2010 16:57:01 +0000

There are lots and lots of classes and workshops all around the country in the next few months – I think this is our longest list yet. Enjoy!

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month
June 25 is Take Your Dog to Work Day

As always, if you know of an event that belongs on this list, please contact me and I will add it.

CALIFORNIA

June 8-11: Equine Craniosacral Foundation Class, Santa Cruz, CA
4-day class introducing a physiological and intuitive understanding of CranioSacral work with horses. Instructor: Equine Craniosacral Workshops.

June 12: Beginning Animal Communication, Escondido, CA
Learn the basics of animal communication in this hands-on (mind-on) workshop. Instructor: Marta Williams.

June 12-16: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Berkeley, CA
4-day workshop for those interested in a TTouch career, and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge. Instructor: Kathy Cascade.

June 26: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Sacramento, CA
Half-day workshop (morning) at the Learning Exchange where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Marta Williams.

June 26: Medical Intuition & Energy Healing for Animals, Sacramento, CA
Learn how to scan an animal’s body to find imbalances and discomfort and how to use healing energy. Hands-on 1/2-day workshop (afternoon) at the Learning. Instructor: Marta Williams.

June 26-27: Animal Communication Workshop, Agoura, CA
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

July 10: Canine Massage Workshop, Sacramento, CA
Learn the basics of canine massage in this half-day workshop at the Learning Exchange. Instructor: Julianna Andersen.

July 18: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Cool, CA
Learn the basics of animal communication in this one-day workshop. Instructor: Marta Williams.

July 23-25: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, San Francisco, CA
2 1/2-day hands-on workshop with horses and dogs where you learn the basics of Healing Touch for Animals. Instructor: Carol Komitor.

July 30 – Aug 1: Introduction to Small Animal Acupressure – Pacifica, CA
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.

COLORADO

June 4-6: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Loveland, CO
3-day workshop where you will learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Raian Kaiser

June 6: Holistic Horse Day, Colorado Horse Rescue, Longmont, CO
One-day workshop where you will learn the foundations of the Reach Out To Horses Program (muscle testing, communication and more). Instructor: Anna Twinney.

June 9: Animal Communication Evening, Golden, CO
Learn the basics of animal communication with instructor Anna Twinney.

June 11-13: Introduction to Equine or Small Animal Acupressure – Larkspur, CO
Teaches you to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

June 14-17: Meridians & Specific Conditions – Larkspur, CO
Learn about the meridians, imbalances, key acupressure points and specific condition treatments along each of the meridians. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

June 14 & 21, July 12 & 26: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn the basic principles of essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also includes an intro to applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

June 19-20: Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
2-day workshop where you will learn more in-depth about essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also teaches you about meridians and applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

June 24 & July 29: Creating a Ceremony for Animals, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn the art of ceremony, sacred oils, plant brushings, herbal baths, and plants and how to use them with your animals. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

July 17 & 24: Canine Therapeutic Massage Seminar, Lakewood, CO
Learn the basics of canine massage at this two-part seminar. Instructor: Lizanne Flynn of Animals iView

July 24-25: TTouch for Calm and Confident Dogs, Fort Collins, CO
Learn the basics of Tellington TTouch to help dogs develop confidence and better cope with stress. Instructor: Kathy Cascade

July 30 – Aug 1: Equine Myofascial Release Seminar 1, Durango, CO
3-day hands-on seminar at Happenstance Stables where you will learn the basics of how to evaluate and treat pain associated with myofascial restrictions. Instructor: Tamara Rapier.

CONNECTICUT

July 16: Animal Communication Evening, Bethany, CT
An introduction to communicating with animals. Instructor: Anna Twinney

July 23: Animal Communication Evening, East Haddam, CT
An introduction to communicating with animals at Ray of Light Farm. Instructor: Anna Twinney

July 24-25: Reach Out To Horses, East Haddam, CT
2-day natural horsemanship (fundraising) clinic at Ray of Light Farm. Instructor: Anna Twinney

FLORIDA

June 5-6: TTouch for Dogs, Sarasota, FL
2-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Sage Lewis

June 12: Massage For Your Pet, Longwood, FL
Learn the basics of canine/feline massage. Instructor: Susan Fasold

ILLINOIS

July 24-25: Camelidynamics Workshop, Forreston, IL
2-day workshop at Willow Bend Alpaca Farms where you will learn the basics of camelidynamics. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

KANSAS

June 25-27: TTEAM clinic, Fontana, KS
3-day clinic focused on the Ageing, Senior and Rescue horse. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.

MARYLAND

June 5: TTouch for dogs, MD
Tellington TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

June 18-21: Equine Craniosacral Foundation Class, MD
A class designed to introduce a physiological and intuitive understanding of CranioSacral work with horses. Taught by Equine Craniosacral Workshops.

MASSACHUSETTS

June 19-20: Equine Osteopathy, Great Oak Farm, Berlin, MA
Two-day workshop where you will learn how to treat your own horse and recognize problems. Topics include: relaxing your horse, treat lameness, osteo-arthritis, stiff joints, sacro-iliac re-alignment, head carriage, backaches, etc. Instructor: Stephen Schwartz

MICHIGAN

July 10-14: Equine Myofascial Release Level I, East Lansing, MI
5-day course at Michigan State University where you learn the basics of Equine Myofascial Release. Instructor: Ruth Mitchell-Golladay.

MINNESOTA

June 11-13: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Dassel, MN
3-day foundation class at KCB Equine where you will learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Colette Bolster

July 7-12: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Minneapolis, MN
Introductory TTouch training (also part of the practitioner program). Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.

July 16-18: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Minneapolis, MN
This 2 1/2-day workshop teaches you the basics of Healing Touch for Animals (HTA). Instructor: Lynn Davis.

July 24-25: Equine Myofascial Release 1, Alexandria, MN
Two and half day workshop where you will learn the basics of Equine Myofascial Release. Instructor: Cathy Covell

MISSISSIPPI

June 25-27: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Senatobia, MS
Learn the basics of Equine Touch at this 3-day foundation class with instructor Colette Bolster

NEW HAMPSHIRE

June 6: Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Workshop Part 1, Monadnock Humane Society ,West Swanzey, NH
One-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTouch bodywork and tools working with your dogs and shelter cats. This is an experiential introduction and can stand alone or be combined with the Part 2 workshop on August 8. Instructor: Leea Foran

NEW MEXICO

June 30 – July 4: Tellington TTouch Method for Horses, Santa Fe, NM
Learn TTouch for horses at Goose Downs Farms south of Santa Fe. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

July 6-11: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Santa Fe, NM
6-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and companion animals. Part of the pracitioner training, but also open to anyone interested in TTouch. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

NEW YORK

June 5: TTouch Tips for Pets-About-Town, NYC
Learn the basics of TTouch at Animal Haven Rescue/Shelter in NYC. Instructor: Mary Bruce

OHIO

June 5-6: Camelidynamics Workshop, Mt. Vernon, OH
Learn the basics of camelidynamics at McFarland’s Llama Farm. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

June 19-20: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Animal Companion, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
2-day introductory workshop where you will learn how to do Jin Shin Jyutsu on yourself and yoyr pet(s). Instructor: Adele Leas.

June 22-24: Feline Massage, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
3-day workshop where you will learn feline anatomy, physiology of muscles, body language, personality traits, and adaptations of massage techniques. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy.

June 26-27: Animal Communication Workshop, Cincinnati, OH
Learn the basics of animal communication in this introductory workshop. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

July 19-22: Canine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
Learn about canine anatomy, body language, behavior, and different massage techniques in this 4-day introductory workshop. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy.

July 23-25: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, North Canton, OH
2 1/2-day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of Healing Touch for Animals. Instructor: Mary Beth Genter.

OREGON

June 19-21: Camelidynamics Workshop, Bend, OR
2-day camelidynamics workshop followed by a one-day shearing and fiber clinic at the Camelidynamics Training Center. Instructors: Marty McGee Bennett, Tracy Annis and Liz McDannold.

June 20-25: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Portland, OR
Introductory 6-day workshop both for those interested in TTouch as a career, and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge. Instructor: Debby Potts.

SOUTH CAROLINA

June 19: Canine Massage 101 – Camden, SC
One-day seminar where you learn the basics of Canine Massage.

TEXAS

June 5-9: TTouch with Dogs, Cats and other Companion Animals, TX
6-day workshop (both for those interested in a TTouch career and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge). Location TBA. Instructor: Debby Potts.

June 6: Homeopathy & Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine Workshop, Spring, TX
Half-day workshop at Rummy’s Beach Club where you will learn the basics of TCM, how homeopathy works, how the remedies are created, and how to use them. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

June 6: Crystal & Color Therapy Workshop, Spring, TX
Half-day class at Rummy’s Beach club where you will learn the history and benefits of crystals, how to use them on animals and how to make custom crystal essences. You will also learn about how to use color therapy with animals. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

June 12: Basic Animal Communication Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of animal communication at the Earth Sanctuary in Houston. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

June 27: Flower Essences Workshop, Houston, TX
Half-day workshop (morning) where you will learn how flower essences work, how to use them on animals, and how to make a custom flower essence blend. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

June 27: Animal Aromatherapy Workshop, Houston, TX
Half-day workshop (afternoon) where you will learn the basics about essential oils, how to use them on animals, and how to make a custom essential oil blend. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

July 11: Animal Communication Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of animal communication at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

July 18: Reiki I For Animals, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of Reiki for animals and receive the level 1 attunement. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way. NOTE: You must take the Reiki I for People before attending this class. The next one is scheduled on June 19 at Earth Sanctuary.

July 18: Nutrition and Kinesiology Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn about proper nutrition and the basics of using kinesiology to determine proper nutrition, topical products and to determine if your pet is allergic to a certain food or product. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

VIRGINIA

June 9-13: TTEAM Training with Horses, Middleburg, VA
Learn the basics of TTEAM for horses. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

VERMONT

June 5-6: Animal Communication Level 1&2, Westminster, VT
Learn how to communicate with animals in this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Barbara Janelle.

June 7-11: Tellington TTouch, Marlboro, VT
Tellington TTouch and animal communication workshop at Camp Gone to the Dogs, Marlboro College. Instructor: Barbara Janelle.

WASHINGTON

June 5: TTouch for Cats, Everett, WA
Introduction to TTouch for Cats at Everett Community College. Instructor: Shannon Finch

WYOMING

June 4-6: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Sheridan, WY
Learn the basics of HTA (healing touch for animals) at this 2 1/2-day hands-on workshop with dogs and horses. Instructor: Kim Thornton

June 21-26: TTEAM Training, Dubois, WY
Learn about TTEAM and starting young horses at Bitterroot Ranch. Instructors: Linda Tellington-Jones and TTouch Instructors Robyn Hood and Sarah Fisher.

July 4-11: Reach Out To Horses Clinic, Bitterroot Ranch, Dubois, WY
6-day workshop where you will become a certified Reiki practitioner (Level 2) and also learn how to effectively communicate with your horse. Instructor: Anna Twinney

CANADA

ALBERTA
July 3-4: Equine Healing Workshop, Cochrane, AB
2-day energy healing workshop at The Dawn of Equus Rescue & Sanctuary. Instructor: Margrit Coates

BRITISH COLUMBIA
June 6-11: TTouch for dogs, cats and other Companion Animals, Vernon, B.C.
6-day foundation and on-going course where you learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals. Instructors: Kathy Cascade and Robyn Hood.

June 13: Pawspoint Reflexology, Belcarra, B.C.
Learn the basics of reflexology for animals in this one-day workshop. Instructor: Yvette Eastman

July 13-14: Equine Healing Workshop, Kamloops, B.C.
2-day energy healing workshop. Instructor: Margrit Coates

ONTARIO
June 12: Animal Communication 1, Toronto, ON
Learn the basics of animal communication at this 1-day workshop at Cedar Lane Farm. Instructor: Christine Riedel Gagnon

July 3-4: Canine Touch Level 1, Toronto, ON
2-day workshop at Cedar Lane Farm where you will learn the basics of Canine Touch. Instructor: Raian Kaiser

QUEBEC
July 24-29: TTouch for dogs, cats and other Companion Animals, Rupert, QC
Learn the basics of TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals at this 6-day foundation and on-going training class. Instructor: TBD

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Events And Workshops – April & May 2010 Spring is finally here, and activity is picking up everywhere....
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