massage for animals

People love touch and animals love touch. Touch is healing. Massage can help an animal in pain or just pure comfort. It has been researched that premature babies or any baby for that matter, grow at a faster rate with touch.

Animals have a need for touch. If their tummy is upset they will most likely roll over and expose their underside to you. They will soften under your hands and respond to the energy. Trust is developed through one’s touch.

When you touch your animal, be present. Being mindful is key. Your intent in your touch is also very important. Think and feel about the energy coming from your heart down your arms and into your hands. Project that energy out past your hands into their body and touching their heart. You will see the affects happening right under your touch. You can be still and light as a feather or apply a little more pressure. Watch the animals reaction to see what pressure of touch they respond to. Think about being a conduit for the energy and love passing from you to the animal. Take your time and connect.

Dogs, horses and cats love the area over their hearts massaged. They also love the area on top of their head between their ears rubbed in small circles. Many times a dog will moan with pleasure. Cats may start to purr and get a pleasurable look in their eyes. They will receive your touch and let you connect with them in a deeper way.

Linda Tellington-Jones developed the Tellington Touch for animals. Most people in the animal community are familiar with her work. Her grandfather taught her horse massage. The modality she teaches through Tellington-Touch has 20-plus hand positions combined with varying tempos, techniques and pressure. “T-touch is a language beyond words that deepens the appreciation and connection between humans and their animal friends”, says Linda Tellington-Jones. She also talks about awakening humans to the benefits of touch through their connection with the animal and how it can be a sael-help technique to reduce their own anxiety, pain, stress and tensions.

Touch is healing for all of us. Regardless if it is a 3 minute session to an hour session with your pet, you both will benefit from the mindful touch.

Barbara Tapella

www.mypetfirst.com and www.barbaratapella.massagetherapy.com

Touch can relax your nervous system

Did you know that just a slight intentional touch on your shoulder or back can help you get connected with yourself. Being more present in your body? We all love hugs right? Well, most of us! A fully "present" hug is worth a million bucks.

That is why we are attracted to people that actually touch us when having a verbal conversation. It can go hand in hand with what you are saying and people really FEEL that.

Julie and I were in a slight rear-ender one night a few years back. We got out of the car to meet up with the guy who rear ended us. He so upset with his actions, he apologized profusely. Julie and I could see that his nervous system was frantic, we both felt bad for him. Then Julie reached out and slightly squeezed his forearm as if to say "it's ok"...he visually calmed down. She combined that touch with "it's ok, are you alright?" She left her hand on his arm for 15 seconds or so and it was a kind touch. No harm was done to the car. One could feel the energy shift and my guess is that he released the trauma a little quicker as he drove off after we finished our interaction with him.

Guess what? He sent us flowers the next day, thanking us for being so understanding.

We felt as if our interaction with him was healing for all of us. I still remember seeing Julie's touch and reaching out to him and observing what his automatic bodily response was.

Reach out and touch someone...it makes a difference in their lives. Touch is healing.