Pets Relax W/Touch Therapy

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Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

Pets relax with touch therapy

By Deanna Larson, dlarson

September 16, 2003

 

http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?

section=12 & screen=news & news_id=26578

 

Our animal companions get stressed living on the human planet. Some

react with serious behavioral issues or training blocks, and some

develop chronic health problems. Many of these issues can be improved

or healed with therapeutic touch.

 

Linda Tellington-Jones, creator of TTouch, is a pioneer in the field.

 

She developed the technique after discovering that resistance and

behavioral issues with horses were often caused by pain, soreness or

a fear of tension in their bodies. Her touch therapy addressed these

underlying causes while developing a deeper rapport that respected

the mind, body and spirit of the animal.

 

The results from Tellington-Jones' TTEAM (Tellington TTouch Equine

Awareness Method) were so astounding, she adapted the techniques for

companion animals (including dogs, cats, birds and rabbits), zoo

animals and wildlife.

 

" Touch works with the nervous system, " said Penny Case, a TTouch

practioner in the Nashville area. " It creates an entire new awareness

of the body. "

 

Pets can misuse muscles and harbor tension or stiffness just like

humans; for extremely anxious or sensitive animals, a simple grooming

session can be torture. TTouch combines specific touches, soft lifts,

and movement exercises that help release tension and increase body

awareness, according to ttouch.com.

 

The gentle movements, rooted in the Feldenkris method for human pain

relief, address a wide range of problems. But they also help animals

gain self-confidence (the method doesn't provoke typical fear

responses) and help them feel differently about themselves, Case

said.

 

" It allows the body to release pain and negative energy on a cellular

level, " she said.

 

Key areas are the mouth and hindquarters, Case said. In a typical

session, she starts with a gentle exploration of the whole body,

letting the animal be the guide. She feels for tense, tight or hot

areas — where there's pain, there's often heat — and notes where the

animal avoids her touch. Then she selects an approach for that

particular pet and its combination of issues.

 

Obviously, it's beneficial if an experienced practioner demonstrates

the movements (Case gives demos and workshops for small groups of pet

owners at their request). But each simple TTouch movement is complete

in itself, and it's not necessary for pet owners to understand

anatomy to be successful in speeding up the healing of injuries or

ailments or changing undesirable habits or behavior.

 

TTouch sessions are equally effective for humans and pets, deepening

their bond and improving communication.

 

" Applying massage helps you relax, " said TTouch practioner and

program coordinator Janice Fron. " [it] helps the animal … and the

person. "

 

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