Dog massage; a powerful medicine!
Canine Myofacilitative Therapy (Professional dog massage/myotherapy) has been recommended by veterinarians and animal care experts across the world.
Leslie Williamson, Senior Lecturer.
Difference between massage and patting.
Many times, I will hear people say that massage is really no different to patting. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Patting a dog is a way of showing affection or rewarding the animal for good behaviour. Patting does not activate circulation. Massaging on the other hand uses controlled and deliberate techniques to improve circulation and overall wellbeing.
Research confirms that each and every cell of the body responds to massage through the stimulation of the circulatory system and the relaxation response of the body’s tissue. The combination of a relaxed body and improved circulation offers profound results.
Massage techniques that are applied.
One of the most powerful massage strokes you can use is called effleurage. It is implemented through a relaxed open hand and a gentle application pressure. Some of the other techniques used include kneading, skin rolling, petrissage and stretching.
What are the benefits for dogs?
Each and every dog can benefit from the application of massage. Learning the simple yet powerful technique of effleurage your dog will enjoy improved health and wellbeing.
How do you open the door to this exciting career?
These techniques and others are taught within the Professional Certification of Canine Myofacilitation course. Students also learn to identify and address contraindications, as well as when it is safe to proceed or whether it is not recommended to apply treatment.
Canine Myofacilitation is not just massage it connects a Canine and owner on a level where other therapies just miss. It’s for your Dog, and it’s for you. Massaging a dog with your hands builds a further deeper connection, instead of using a massage machine that leaves you detached from their body. Massaging with your hands gives both dog and owner a release of serotonin and dopamine this can only happen when achieving a state of homeostasis (being in a state of harmony) and this is shared when massaging is done through tactical touch
Complementary therapies are gaining popularity as more and more people seek natural solutions that offer more than a ‘quick fix’. Using the complementary model, various aspects of Canine health may be observed and improved upon from a wholistic perspective to improve a Canine’s wellbeing.
“Massage is the study of anatomy in braille” – Jack Meagher
