Animal Massage Guide » Acupressure

Events And Workshops – April & May 2010

cattie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:19:55 +0000

Spring is finally here, and activity is picking up everywhere. I think we’re all feeling more alive and ready to expand our horizons this time of year. There is an abundance of opportunities to learn everything from animal massage to Shamanic healing in the next few months; this is the longest list of classes and workshops yet.

April is ASPCA’s Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month
May 2 – 8 is Be Kind to Animals Week
May 16 – 22 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week

And this one I have to mention because I would LOVE to attend (but I can’t):

May 22 – 5th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition, Imperial Beach, CA. The proceeds will benefit the San Diego Police Department’s Canine Unit.

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

ARIZONA

April 17: Holistic Horse Day, Tucson, AZ
Learn the basics of muscle testing and how to communicate with your horse at Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary. Instructor: Anna Twinney.

April 18: Animal Communication Day, Tucson, AZ
Learn the basics of animal communication at Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary with instructor Anna Twinney.

April 23-24: Reiki I & II, Tucson, AZ
2-day Reiki certification class at Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary. Instructor Anna Twinney.

CALIFORNIA

April 10-11: Animal Communication Workshop, Manhattan Beach, CA
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

April 17-18: Reiki for Horses & Energy Medicine Workshop, Lompoc, CA
Learn Reiki (day 1 is a Reiki Level I certification class) and the basics of other energy and vibrational healing methods as well as applied kinesiology at Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary. Instructor: Cindy Rackley

May 8: Animal Communication, John Muir Hospital, Concord, CA
Beginner level half-day animal communication workshop with Barbara Martin.

May 29-30: Reiki I & Animal Reiki Training: The Basics, Santa Rosa, CA
Learn the basics of Reiki and how to use it on both humans and animals. The workshop is held at BrightHaven, a holistic care facility for senior and special needs animals (50% of the class fee is donated to them). Instructor: Kathleen Prasad

COLORADO

April 3 & 26, May 10 & 24: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
One-day class where you learn the basics of essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also includes an intro to applied kinesiology.

April 11 & 18: Animal Massage Seminar, Lakewood, CO
Two-part canine massage seminar at Ted Terroux’s Canine College where you learn the basics of anatomy and small animal massage. Instructor: Lizanne Flynn of Animals View.

FLORIDA

April 16-18: Shamanism for Animals, New World Wellness, Kissimmee, FL
3-day workshop where you will learn about Shamanism and Shamanic healing; how to do a Shamanic journey; meet your animal healing Spirit team; connect with your power animal(s) (and learn to retrieve a power animal for someone else); experience an open-ended Shamanic healing for an animal; and journey into the afterlife for an animal. Instructor: Carla Meeske.

Note: Last day to sign up for this workshop is March 15

HAWAII

April 7-11: Reach Out To Horses, Kauai, HI
5-day natural horsemanship clinic with instructor Anna Twinney

May 16-18: Equine Touch Level I, Maui, HI
3-day clinic where you will learn the basics of Equine Touch.

ILLINOIS

April 9-11: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Chicago, IL
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

INDIANA

May 21-23: Introduction to Small Animal Acupressure – Elkhart, IN
Teaches you to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories underlying acupressure. Instructor: Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

MASSACHUSETTS

May 2: Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Workshop, Worcester, MA
A one-day introduction to TTouch for Dogs and Cats at Bancroft School of Massage. Learn the basic bodywork, tools and movement exercises of Tellington TTouch. Bring your dog. Instructor: Leea Foran

MARYLAND

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.

MINNESOTA

April 16-18: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Minneapolis, MN
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

MISSISSIPPI

May 15-16: Animal Communication Workshop, Hattiesburg, MS
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

NEVADA

April 24-25: Animal Communication Workshop, Carson City, NV
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

NEW JERSEY

April 25-27: Introduction to Equine or Small Animal Acupressure – Pittstown, NJ
Teaches you to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories underlying acupressure. Instructors: Amy Snow and Kim Bauer from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

NEW YORK

April 17-21: Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Foundation Training, NYC
5-day workshop (both for those interested in a TTouch career and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge) at the New York Open Center. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.

May 22-23: Animal Communication Workshop, Long Island, NY
Introductory workshop where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney.

OHIO

April 9-12: Canine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
4-day introductory canine massage workshop. Learn about canine anatomy, behavior, body language and several different massage techniques. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy.

April 30 – May 2: Equine Myofascial Release Seminar, Midland, OH
3-day hands-on seminar at Happenstance Stables where you will learn the basics of Equine Myofascial Release. Instructor: Tamara Rapier.

May 1-2: Animal Communication, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
2-day animal communication workshop where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Maggie Bunce.

May 3-8: Equine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
6-day introductory equine massage workshop where you will learn equine muscle anatomy, several different massage techniques, and general equine wellness. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy.

PENNSYLVANIA

April 16-18: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Philadelphia, PA
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

April 30 – May 2: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Philadelphia, PA
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

SOUTH CAROLINA

May 16: Equine Massage 101 – Camden, SC
One-day seminar where you learn the basic principles of Equine Massage/Muscle Therapy. Instructor: Joyce Falese

TEXAS

April 10: 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.

April 11: Reiki I For Animals, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of Reiki for animals and receive the level 1 attunement. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

April 17: Emotional Freedom Technique Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn how to use EFT on people and animals and through a surrogate. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way.

April 18: Homeopathy & Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine Workshop, Houston, TX
This class will teach you the basics of TCM, how homeopathy works, how the remedies are created, and how to use them. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

April 18: Crystal & Color Therapy Workshop, Houston, TX
This class will teach you the history and benefits of crystals as well as handling them, use them on animals and make crystal essences. You will also learn about the healing properties of colors and how to use them with animals. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way.

May 23: 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.

May 25-27: Equine Touch Level 1, San Marcos, TX
3-day clinic where you will learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Dr. Ivana Ruddock

VIRGINIA

April 30 – May 2: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Richmond, VA
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

WASHINGTON

May 21-23: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Olympia, WA
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

May 22-23: Camelidynamics Workshop, Kennewick, WA
2-day basic camelidynamics (TTeam-based bodywork method for camelids) clinic at Sandollar Alpacas in Kennewick. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

WISCONSIN

April 9-11: Introduction to Equine Acupressure, Monroe, WI
Teaches you to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories underlying acupressure. Instructor: Kathi Soukup from Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA
April 17-18: TTouch For You and Your Horse, Vernon, B.C.
Learn the basics of Tellington TTouch for use on your horse, dog or human family members. Instructors: Robyn Hood and Mandy Pretty

ONTARIO
April 6-9: Equi-Bow Level 1, Puslinch, ON
Learn the basics of Equi-Bow (a blend of Bowen, CranioSacral and Feldenkrais technique for horses). Instructors: Cheryl Gibson and Simone Usselman-Tod

April 10 & May 15: Info Session Days, Darcy Lane Institute, London, ON
Learn about a career in Equine Massage and get information about the program at Darcy Lane.

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Alternative Healing Modality: Acupressure

cattie — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:04:49 +0000

Today’s post is about Acupressure. We had a number of classes in it when I was at Bancroft, but I have to confess that at the time, I was so focused on learning massage that I found it a bit overwhelming to look at health from a TCM perspective, which is pretty different from the way you’re used to looking at and diagnosing illness in the West.

One experience I had in those classes really stood out in my mind. At the time, I had had a cold for several months, with a cough that was so bad that I had broken a rib just from coughing! I mentioned it to our teacher, who asked if I had lost someone close to me recently. I was stunned by the question: my Mom had passed away 5 months earlier and there was no way she could have known that. Turns out the lung meridian is connected to grief. Interesting, isn’t it?

Since then, I have studied acupressure further on my own on a sort of leisurely basis, and frequently use it on myself for things like headaches, colds, soreness, stomach bugs, low energy, etc. It really is amazing how well it works. A great book if you want to try it out on yourself is “Tsubo” (see book recommendations at the end of this post). I pull that out whenever I have something that needs treating.

What Is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing method which has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years, and has slowly but surely been gaining acceptance here in the west as well.

It is based on the theory that energy (“chi”, “qi” or “ki”) is constantly flowing in the body, along 12 main pathways called “meridians”. Each meridian is connected to a certain organ, and has a symmetrical “twin-meridian”, mirrored on the other side of the body. For example, the stomach meridian runs from a point right under each eye to the lateral edge of the nail of the second toe on each foot.

When the flow of energy gets blocked, from stress, trauma, injury or even negative thoughts, problems arise. We don’t feel well and are more susceptible to illness.

The acupressure practitioner deals with these blockages by using finger and palm pressure on certain points (“acupoints”, there are more than 400 of them) along the meridians, where the energy is closest to the surface, to improve the flow of chi and restore health. To decide which points to work on, the practitioner goes through a whole list of things, known as the Eight Principles. To explain all that would take up too much space here, maybe I’ll do a separate post on that at some point.

Meet Jodi McLaughlin

Today’s case study comes from Jodi McLaughlin, a Certified Holistic Small Animal Massage Provider, Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and the creator of The Blissful Bunny Massage Workshops. She has written many articles on alternative healing for rabbits, (don’t miss her other guest post on AMG – The Basic Bunny Massage Strokes) and she was also featured in Lucile Moore’s books, “Touched by a Rabbit” and “The Care of Special Needs Rabbits: Traditional and Alternative Healing Methods”. (Note: Jodi is currently taking a break from treating animals due to family obligations).

Jodi has spent many years working on both animals and humans, but one rabbit in particular touched her life in a very special way. Jodi met Diego Cinqo De Mayo Rivera in 2003, and it was love at first sight. Diego was paralyzed at around 6 months of age and Jodi started working with him 4 months later (and continued to work on him for 5 years). He briefly regained use of his hind legs but arthritis and nerve/soft tissue compromise caused the return of the hind leg paresis.

I have included a Pdf here, because the post would be way too long otherwise. It is a full record of an acupressure treatment for those of you who are interested in how Jodi decided which points to work on, and how Diego reacted to it.

I’m very thankful to Jodi for agreeing to let me publish all this on Animal Massage Guide. Here is Diego’s story in Jodi’s own words:

Diego’s Story

Diego was born sometime in 2002 at an animal hoarders home in Mar Vista, CA and was rescued (along with 400 other rabbits) in a SPCA raid the same year.

On May 5th, Cinqo DeMayo, 2003, Diego, just a very young bunny, was being bonded in the lobby of the No-Kill L.A shelter he had been taken to. The story goes that he got too excited and slipped on some water, injuring his back. Because he was only a shelter bunny, he was given a brief exam, xray, single dose of pain med, and put back in a cage. His back was not broken but there was obvious soft tissue damage to the mid spinal area.

A friend of mine, Bona Tucker, had opened a rabbit shelter, and since Diego could no longer be bonded or available for adoption, he was sent to Bona’s home rabbit sanctuary where he languished in a small pen with all the other un-adoptables.

September of that same year I was in Animal Massage School in Ojai, CA and met Bona. During a tour of her sanctuary I saw the most beautiful little gray “American Chinchilla” rabbit. He had huge chocolate brown eyes and just an aura that said “here I am” even as he sat amongst gobs of poop in a corner of a pen with his back to me. His hind legs were twisted from paresis but he could still maneuver quickly around his pen. I fell in love and knew I would be back to take him home where I could foster him and try all my new bodywork techniques.

He proved to be a true California rabbit. Our opinionated “Vitamin D” bunny loved the sunshine, fresh ocean air, and organic herbs my beach cottage offered. Massage, Tellington Touch, Acupuncture and Acupressure treatments gave him improved mobility but over time complications from his injury caused incontinence and frustration.

We ordered a custom made Doggon Wheels cart in September ’04. After a short adjustment period, he understood the benefits of the cart and laid patiently on the grooming-massage table while I hooked him into his “chariot”. He took off running as soon as his powerful front legs hit the floor. We nicknamed him “Ben-Hare” which says it all about his amazing personality and stamina.

We gave him daily baths, bodywork, regular bladder expression, fresh cranberries and other herbs for his urinary and immune system. When we moved to the Amish countryside of P.A., Diego bonded with our blind bunny Tabby and friend Berry.

Along the way he was filmed for a BBC show, “American Hot”, written about in my various animal massage articles, taught me and many others all about “the world of special needs rabbits” and even he himself wrote an article on the trials and races of driving a “chariot”. He became known as “Ben Hare, Diamond D, Vitamin D, Diego Rivera, The D-Man, and The little Dude.”

Diego’s disability and my struggles to understand it lead me to Amy Spintman, Educator of The San Diego Chapter of The House Rabbit Society. After a few phone conversations, Amy founded the highly respected Disabled Rabbit List on Yahoo. Diego became an ever present sage to many up and coming “differently-abled” bunnies around the world. Diego was also immortalized in Lucile Moore’s books, “Touched by a Rabbit” and “The Care of Special Needs Rabbits: Traditional and Alternative Healing Methods”.

As July [of 2008] approached, Diego was experiencing more and more health challenges, finally succumbing this morning to the always looming complications from his original spinal injury. We learned yesterday that his body was in the final stages of kidney failure and his digestive system had begun to shut down from the physiological stress. Diego was with me on the futon early this morning, snuggled into a warmed wrap, as he started the journey out of his little earth fur suit. Rick and I held him and told him we would be ok and he soared away, presumably to find Tabby at the Rainbow Bridge. More than likely he is munching on some herbs in a celestial garden somewhere contemplating his next move, “diff-abled” no more.

To those people who believe rabbits should be housed in a hutch at the end of their yard, or next to the garage, out of sight and mind, I say, look at the incredible life of a little 4 lb bunny and all he offered to the world. He was the most amazing animal Rick and I will ever know and we were honored to assist him during his stay here on earth.

He had a wonderful quality of life and the most amazing bond with me that I have ever experienced with an animal. As I always tell people, he was a Buddha in a bunnysuit.

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Events And Workshops – February & March 2010

cattie — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:32:52 +0000

With the holidays behind us, activity is picking up quite a bit. Here are the events and workshops in February and March that I have been able to find, but as always, if you know of an event that belongs on this list, please contact me and I will add it.

ARIZONA

February 12-14: Introduction to Equine or Small Animal Acupressure – Gilbert, AZ
Teaches you to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and gives you an understanding of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts and theories underlying acupressure. This class is immediately followed by the intermediate class “Meridians & Specific Conditions 1&2″, February 15-18 at the same location. Both classes are taught by Tallgrass Animal Acupressure.

CALIFORNIA

February 13-14: Animal Communication Weekend, Paseo Poco, Santa Ynez, CA
Two-day animal communication workshop with Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses.

March 19: Demo of the Tellington TTouch Method for Horses, CA
Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

March 20-24: TTEAM Training with Horses, CA
Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

COLORADO

February 20-21: Reiki I & II Certification, Golden, CO
Two-day Reiki certification class with Anna Twinney of Reach Out To Horses.

February 22, March 10 & March 24: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
One-day class where you learn the basics of essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also includes an intro to applied kinesiology.

February 26, March 9 & March 23: Creating a Ceremony for Animals, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
In this one-day class, you will learn how to how to use plants and essential oils as a blessing and healing practice for your animals.

March 19-21: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Denver, CO
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

FLORIDA

February 4-5: Animal Communication Workshop, Lake Worth, FL
Two-day animal communication workshop with Anna Twinney (hosted by The Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage).

February 26-28: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Jacksonville, FL
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

HAWAII

February 21-27: TTouch for You and Your Horse – Kona, HI
Six-day class with a one-day break for a boat ride/dolphin swim. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones.

MASSACHUSETTS

February 6: Introduction to Canine Massage, Bancroft School of Massage, Worcester, MA
One-day class which teaches you basic anatomy and massage techniques to use on your dog.

NEW YORK

February 12: Introduction to Tellington TTouch, NYC New
Introductory class at the New York Open Center. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.
February 13: TTouch for Cats, NYC New
Half day workshop at the New York Open Center where you will learn the basics of TTouch for cats. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.
February 14: TTouch for Dogs, NYC New
One-day workshop at the New York Open Center where you will learn the basics of TTouch for dogs. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton.

March 26: Introduction to Animal Chakra Healing, NYC New
Learn the basics of chakra healing at this evening workshop at the New York Open Center. Instructor: Margrit Coates

March 27: Hands-on Healing for Animals, NYC New
Learn how to get “in tune” with your pet(s), read their non-verbal messages, distance healing, work with the chakras, spiritual first aid techniques, ease the suffering of terminally ill animals and cope with loss. One-day workshop at the New York Open Center. Instructor: Margrit Coates.

OHIO

March 26-28: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Cincinnati, OH
Two and half day workshop with dogs and horses where you will learn the basics of The Komitor Healing Method.

SOUTH CAROLINA

February 13 & March 21: Equine Massage 101 – Camden, SC
One-day seminar where you learn the basic principles of Equine Massage/Muscle Therapy.

UTAH

March 25-27: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Animal Companions, Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT
Workshop where you will learn the basics of Jin Shin Jyutsu, an energy healing method that helps balance the body, mind and spirit.

WASHINGTON

March 10-19: The Heart of Canine Hydrotherapy – Level 1 & 2 Combined, Sequim, WA
Learn Canine Water Therapy, massage techniques, and explore animal communication.

CANADA

ALBERTA
February 13-18: TTouch for Companion Animals, Calgary Humane Society, Calgary, AB
Foundation (and on-going) TTouch training with dogs, cats and other companion animals. Instructors: Robyn Hood and Kathy Cascade.

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