Canine Massage - Some PointersBy Debbie Betts
Certified Bach Flower Practitioner, Homeopath, Canine Massage Therapist and Reiki Master and Teacher
Massage is the oldest health care procedure: It is noted that the first thing we do when we feel pain is to grab it and rub, this has been done since the days of our early ancestors, even before herbs were given or gods were prayed to. The basis of this and other therapies (homeopathy, acupuncture) is that there must be balance in our “whole” constitution, meaning mind, body and spirit (soul). Massage is one of the most powerful ancient healing arts.
Canine massage increases the blood supply, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells while at the same time absorbing and removing waste. Massage benefits muscle tissue by helping to prevent lesions, loosen and stretch muscles, tendons and ligaments. It helps increase range of motion, elasticity, extensibility, moving freely and gaining strength.
Regular massage sessions help young dogs cope with postural deformities by keeping joints nourished and lubricated to maintain or increase range of motion of joints. Mild postural deformities can be helped and possibly prevented as the massage stimulates the blood circulation to the bone. Massage aids in removal of waste products from body’s tissues. A slight effleurage massage affects the flow of blood and helps the heart work. It helps blood flow in veins to carry away waste products such as used proteins, lactic acid, toxins and CO2). If a dog has any viral or bacterial illness, e.g. kennel cough, a massage may overwhelm the immune system and by you doing the massage it may cause additional risk of transferring the disease to the next animal. For heart conditions which may cause respiratory problems, use light, short sessions so as not to increase blood circulation which makes heart work harder.
There are many beneficial effects of massage on the integumentary system. Blood circulation increases causing skin to be better nourished and waste removed more efficiently. The glands, especially sebaceous gland, will be stimulated, therefore excreting more sebum to keep skin soft. Massage improves texture and durability of hair to increase shine and softness. Sweat glands are stimulated to increase sweating which rids the body of excess salt, urea, water, proteins and toxins. It also aids in the removal of dead skin cells so the skin breathe easier, new cells replenish the old and are fresh and healthy.
Massage breaks down adipose (fat) tissue. Heat is produced by massage which helps to soften the fat. Increased circulation helps in absorption of fat and increased metabolism of surrounding tissues to burn it up. Solid fat deposits are softened and broken down.
When working on the nervous system, there are many strokes to be used, such as: Vibrations, percussions and friction strokes. To help relax the nerves you can use effleurage movements which have a soothing effect and helps increase relaxation.
Massage also helps to improve the human and animal bond: It creates trust, relaxation, well being, comfort with the owner. Physical touch is very soothing and helps settle/comfort an animal that may have been abused, neglected or lonely.
Why is psychological health important in rehabilitation process: Stress results in lowering the body’s immune system, therefore allowing a foothold for disease such as bacteria and viruses to enter. Massage reduces physical and mental components of stress to keep the body balanced. It also reduces pain and helps increase the range and strength of injured areas so the dog feels re-energized. This makes for a happier dog able to cope with more walks, play, stairs, etc.
When using massage for palliative care, for example cancer, you should use light massage so as not to increase the rate of cancer cells which a regular massage would do. For Epilepsy, a deep massage may trigger epileptic seizure as it works on nervous system, therefore light gentle massage may improve well being and ease muscle tension. For Heart conditions, light, short strokes are used so as not to increase blood circulation and making the heart work harder.
NEVER use massage for acute pain and inflammation until the pain, heat and inflammation is resolved.
Never massage in areas where there is mange, hot spots, pus inflammation or ringworm as the area can become severely aggravated. Never massage when the temperature exceeds 38.5C +/- as massage may potentially help spread the infection deeper in the body. Never massage when there is infection or contagious diseases as it will overwhelm the immune system and the therapist may carry some bacteria or virus to the next animal, eg. Kennel cough, distemper. Never massage when bitch is in season as it may result in haemorrhaging. Never massage after surgery as the blood and lymph vessels may have been severed, therefore it may result in haemorrhage, you may massage 2 weeks after surgery or removal of sutures. Never massage during pregnancy over the abdomen an n low back as the fetuses could be disturbed and labour may be triggered early.
Overall, massage combined with other natural healing methods may make your dog life a long and healthy life.
Soul Mates Holistic Services is owned and operated by Debbie Betts. While living in the Greater Toronto area of Southern Ontario, Debbie trained in various areas of homeopathic and holistic healing. Located in Flamborough, for the past 6 years, she will be relocating to Mt. Stewart in Prince Edward Island in May 2007. The new contact information will be on her website. As a Bach Flower Practitioner (BFP), General Homeopathy Practitioner (Di Hom), Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCM) and Reiki Master and Teacher, Debbie developed an interest in extending her training and expertise to service animals as well as people. Debbie began working with complimentary healing therapies more than 5 years ago and has continued to develop her expertise through training and certification. Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Channeling, Crystal and Colour Therapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage, Women's Health, Animal Communication, as well as Tellington Touch for Animals are some of the areas in which Debbie is qualified. Her expertise with animal holistic healing and therapies is evident in her qualifications as a practitioner of Advanced Veterinary Homeopathy (Di AHom); Bach Flower Practitioner (BFP); Certified Canine Massage Therapist (CCM) and Reiki Master for animals.
Soul Mates offers qualified healing alternatives in non-invasive, low-stress treatments for people and their pets. Their focus is on helping people learn to deal with stress, emotional upheavals, and overcome physical pain. Contact information: soulmatesholistic.com or send an email