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Soulpet Healing & Hospice
Animal Acupressure & Massage
Acupressure and Massage services to help reduce stress, pain and support your animal's Mobility and Quality of Life.
Acupressure for Animals
Acupressure is similar to Acupuncture in that it helps to balance the flow of energy, or Chi, in the body by stimulating various Acupoints located just under the skin's surface. Both of these natural healing practices are based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and their use with both animals and humans goes back thousands of years.
In TCM, we focus on restoring balance in the body. When a body is healthy, it is considered to be in dynamic balance --- all systems are working together in harmony to support the various organs, blood and lymphatic flow, muscles and tendons and even the emotions.
When a body experiences illness, pain, dysfunction or an emotional condition such as anxiety, anger or depression, that is an indicator of an imbalance somewhere that needs to be addressed.
The body is constantly striving to keep itself in balance. It WANTS to heal itself and it has the capacity to heal itself when given the right support. That is part of how Acupressure works -- it helps to remind the body of its own healing potential by bringing attention and energy to different points along "meridians" or energy pathways, and gently encouraging improved flow of Chi. It is a very gentle and safe modality, and also very powerful as it can help address a wide range of issues as well as being used for preventive care to maintain health and vitality.
During an Acupressure assessment, we consider the ENTIRE animal -- their physical and emotional condition, as well as how they interact with their environment. From physical apperance to movement, to eating habits, hot/cold preferences, personality, etc., we look at all of these factors as part of a whole. It is truly a Holistic approach to healing.
Tui Na Massage for Animals
Tui Na is a TCM based massage practice that integrates the benefits of other massage techniques such as improved blood flow, flexibility, reduced pain and muscle tension, etc. with the stimulation of Acupoints along the various energy meridians of the body. The specific techniques used and pressure applied will vary based on the area of the body being worked, the animal's preferences and temperament, and the goals for the session.
Advantages of Acupressure vs. Acupuncture for Animals:
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Can be better tolerated by animals who are sensitive to needles or who have difficulty staying still for prolonged periods of time.
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Many beneficial acupoints that would not be tolerated by an animal using needles can be accessed using gentle fingertip pressure or massage (i.e. on abdomen, head/face and on paws).
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Because the practitioner maintains contact with the animal throughout treatment, they can quickly feel changes and responses to the different acupoints and make adjustments to the session based on that information.
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Acupressure and Tui Na (Acupressure Massage) can be easily combined to meet the unique needs of each animal.
What to Expect during an Acupressure/Massage Session:
An Acupressure session typically lasts between 30-45 minutes and should be done in a quiet environment without a lot of distractions. Animals should not eat a meal or exercise/play vigorously right before a session. Typically, each session will focus on a more narrow set of concerns or a particular imbalance identified. This allows the body to put more energy into healing the issues with the highest priority instead of splitting its attention to all areas at once. If there are any contraindications or new health concerns at the time of the session that have not yet been assessed by a veterinarian (i.e. fever, open sores, acute pain, lymph node swelling etc.) , you may be referred to your vet before proceeding.
I do not use treats in my sessions, as this can be distracting for the animal, and a successful session is an interactive experience between the practioner and the animal. They are an equal partner in their care. Your pet will receive the most benefit when they are able to be relaxed and focused inwardly on their own healing process.
Prior to an initial session, there will be a brief consultation via email or phone to gather more information and answer any questions you have. Payment can be made via Paypal and must be paid in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will not be refunded.
In-Person Animal Acupressure / Massage Session - $75 (available in Milwaukee/Wauwatosa, Wisconsin area only)
How Can Acupressure or Massage Help My Pet?
Acupressure and Massage are holistic modalities that can help address a wide range of issues -- both physical and emotional. They are also excellent ways to help maintain wellness. Sessions can be tailored to each animal's current condition as well as temperament. Common benefits of Acpuressure or Massage:
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Increased Blood and Lymphatic flow in the body
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Decreased muscle tension / increased flexibility
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Reduced pain
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Improved mobility
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Decreased anxiety or reactivity
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Better immune system function
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Improved GI system function
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Enhanced relaxation response
Acupressure and Massage are Not a substitute for veterinary care and no diagnoses or medical recommendations will be made related to a session.
