Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points, so called acupoints, along the body. The term "pressure" is misleading, since acupressure actually uses a very light touch.
Acupressure is an ancient healing art closely related to acupuncture and has been used for thousands of years. Without using needles, it has shown to be accepted very well by animals.

This non-invasive, deceptively gentle treatment can profoundly impact both humans and animals. Dogs are extremely receptive to acupressure as they understand the language of touch.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes the physical body as having a system of pathways of energy called meridians. Whenever the flow of life energy (Qi) is obstructed or is low, the body is more prone to illness. Those energy imbalances can be corrected by pressing certain places on the skin called acupressure points, there are 361 acupressure points located along these meridians.

The primary function of acupressure is healing, relaxation, and the continuous flow of energy throughout the body; this will bring the body back into its natural balance and let nature continue its course.

It IS a science, and there is nothing supernatural or magical about acupressure. Scientific studies have proven the existence of acupoints using electrical devices and the stimulation of these specific points causes the release of brain chemicals, endorphins, which relieve pain.

Benefits of acupressure:

relieves pain

relieves stress and tension

reduces blood pressure

increases energy

increases circulation

enables the body to relax deeply

can help reduce labour pains

addresses many specific disorders and illnesses (e.g. digestive disorders including diarrhoea and constipation, nausea, neck pain, shoulder and back pain, arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint pain, muscles aches and spasms)

relieves anxiety

balances the body

prevents disease

releases natural cortisone to reduce swelling

builds the dog's immune system

enhances mental clarity required for focus in training and performance

resolves injuries more readily by removing toxins and increasing blood supply

Acupressure does not substitute for veterinary medicine, but is an important avenue of treatment that complements Western Medicine. Fortunately, Western Medicine has begun to acknowledge the value of Eastern healing modalities.

Acupressure and chiropractic treatment:

Together those two modalities are very effective as with relaxing and toning of the back muscles, acupressure makes the spinal adjustments easier and therefore more effective with longer lasting results.

In fact, the two therapies were originally practiced together in ancient China.