New Year’s Eve may be a time for resolutions and letting go of what doesn’t serve us. However, for your favorite four legged friends, New Year’s Eve may mean time apart from their humans and/or loud parties- all of which may contribute to added anxiety.
New Year’s Eve may be a time for resolutions and letting go of what doesn’t serve us. However, for your favorite four legged friends, New Year’s Eve may mean time apart from their humans and/or loud parties- all of which may contribute to added anxiety.
For anxious dogs and horses, acupressure (if used regularly) will help your dog and/or horse to trust your touch and relax a bit in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.
According to Equine Wellness, “Acupressure, like acupuncture, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It helps direct us in supporting a horse’s health by allowing life-promoting energy, called Chi, to flow unimpeded through his body, so all his internal organs can function properly.
According to TCM, we can influence the flow of Chi energy by stimulating specific pools of energy, called “acupoints”, located along pathways or channels known as meridians. These meridians form a network of channels that run throughout the horse’s body. If there is a blockage along a meridian pathway, then the energy in the body becomes imbalanced. Once an imbalance occurs, the affected portion of the body is not receiving the nourishment Chi provides, and the immune system may not be able to fend off illness.
As esoteric as this may sound, conventional medicine is coming to accept that Chinese Medicine has great value in building the immune system, accelerating healing after surgery or injury, reducing pain, enhancing blood circulation, and more.
Acupressure, as opposed to acupuncture, does not require needles. It is noninvasive, safe, and always available since we can simply use our fingertips to influence the pools of Chi along the meridians.”
Here are a few acupressure points to try out for yourself:
- Acupressure for Dogs- HT 1 (Heart-Relaxation Point)
- Sit near your dog. Have her lie next to you. If she’s too wound up, have her sit or stand instead. Gently stroke the armpit region with a flat hand, following the direction of the hair from front to back. After a few strokes, gently place your fingertips (no long nails, please!) or a Posture Prep Cross Fiber Groomer (for added benefit) in the armpit crease. Find the deepest spot in the center of the crease, about halfway from the front to back. Take a look at the photo for guidance.
- Now gently press and hold the point while breathing deeply. When you breathe deeply your body and mind relaxes. When you are relaxed it lets your dog know she’s safe and invites her to relax with you. Maintain pressure for 10 to 60
seconds or as long as your dog stays receptive. Then SLOWLY release pressure and finish off with a few more flat hand strokes.
- The more acupressure your dog receives, the quicker she’ll respond to your touch. If your dog is prone to anxiety, use this point regularly (daily if possible) so she becomes accustomed to it. Then in a time of stress, she will remember these quiet moments of connection and be able to relax more quickly.*
2- Acupressure for Horses- 5 Points Ever Rider Should Know
- The acupoints on the chart (left) are designed to help with generally balancing Chi throughout your horse’s body. These five points address common equine issues: digestion, physical flexibility, calming, the immune system, and spinal and hindquarter strength.
- Stomach 36(St 36), Leg 3 Mile, is the Master Point for the gastrointestinal tract. It enhances digestive functioning so the body can break down the nutrients from food and herbs, making them bio-available for absorption.
- Gall Bladder 34(GB 34), Yang Mound Spring, is the Influential Point for strengthening and increasing the flexibility of tendons and ligaments, and maintaining the body’s ability to move freely. Stimulating this point can help minimize physical injuries.
- Heart 7(Ht 7), Spirit’s Gate, offers the horse’s heart original essential energy to help clear his mind and generally calm his emotional state. This point can be used in any stressful situation or to enhance mental clarity necessary for training.
- Large Intestine 11(LI 11), Crooked Pond, is known as a powerful immune system strengthening point. It is also a Tonification Point — that is, it enhances the flow of blood and energy throughout the body. This point is commonly included in most health-maintenance acupressure protocols.
- Bai Hui, Point of 100 Meeting (also called Heaven’s Gate), is a classic equine point located on the dorsal aspect at the lumbosacral space. It benefits the hindquarters and spinal column. It can be used for arthritic conditions and lameness of the hips and hind legs, as well for overexertion and irregular estrous cycles.
Applying acupressure to your horse:
The underlying intention when offering your horse an acupressure session is to assist his natural ability to balance the Chi moving through his body.
- Using the soft portion of the tip of your thumb or a Posture Pre Cross Fiber Groomer (for ease on your hands), apply about one to two pounds of pressure on each of the acupoints on both sides of your horse’s body.
- Count to 30 slowly, and watch for energetic releases such as a softening eye, lowering head, exhaling, relaxing, or passing air – these are all indicators that Chi is flowing more harmoniously.
- Move on to another acupoint after the horse has demonstrated a release, or you have completed counting to 30 or feel it is time to move on.
- If the horse shows any signs of discomfort or irritation while holding an acupoint, try another point. If he continues to be agitated in any way, stop and try again another day.**
A big thanks to:
* Rover- Time and ** Equine Wellness for their educational contribution.
