Did you know that shiatsu offers great benefits to both the physical and mental health of humans and animals alike? Discover the beneficial properties of shiatsu for animals
“Miraculous” is shiatsu for the health of animals too, as it strengthens the immune system, treats many pathological conditions and provides well-being, among other things.
The art of shiatsu, as shiatsu therapist Marilie Roumie informs us, is a health treatment that emerged in its entirety in Japan. The word “shiatsu” literally means “finger pressure”. It comes indirectly from acupuncture, where it was applied in the traditional form of Japanese massage.
“Because it is considered a holistic therapy, it successfully addresses both the physical and psychological problems that animals experience, just like humans.
It has been shown that shiatsu can calm the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and then stimulate blood and lymph circulation, reduce stress and soothe pain.
The aim of this approach is to get to the root of any problem and address the cause, taking into account the current symptoms,” explains Ms. Roumie.
The therapist, as Ms. Roumie explains, uses his or her thumbs, fingers, and/or elbows to apply pressure and stretching to the therapist’s entire body, with the goal of ensuring physical and mental well-being.
“By applying pressure on acupuncture points (tsubos) in the body, the energy pathways, called “meridians”, are activated, thus promoting the flow of vital energy – also known as “chi”.
According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), obstructions to the flow of chi can contribute to a wide range of diseases.
It is very important to add that shiatsu benefits all animals, at every stage of their lives, and we do not have to wait for a pathological or psychological problem to occur to apply this treatment to them.
The basic philosophy of shiatsu is prevention, with the aim of maintaining flexibility and generally improving the life, health and longevity of the animals,” says Ms. Roumie.
In which cases can shiatsu be applied
The shiatsu practitioner states that, in addition to strengthening the immune system, mobility and general well-being, shiatsu is particularly helpful in the successful treatment of many health conditions: muscle pains – tension (back, lower limbs, back), injuries due to stress, arthritis, weakness, digestive disorders, hormonal disorders, skin and respiratory problems. It also effectively relieves animals from stress, nervousness, depression, low mood and phobias.
Signs that animals are enjoying the treatment
“Our beloved four-legged friends (pets, equines) love shiatsu because it is a gentle and non-invasive treatment.
Shiatsu therapy can last from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how easily our pet cooperates and how receptive they are to the treatment.
There are signs by which the therapist can tell that the animals are relaxing and accepting of his or her treatment, such as lying down and letting go, starting to lick.
Simply because animals are different from one another, they also express themselves differently. For example, dogs start sitting and as soon as they relax, they lie down. When I start working on their body, on the areas of pain or energy blockages, they lick and, some, yawn.
Equines (like the horse) usually start licking and then yawning. However, getting them to lie down at the end is a great success, because horses don’t do that unless they feel confident and secure. It has happened to me many, many times that after finishing the treatment, after a while they lie down and go to sleep.
It has also happened to me – in both cases (dog, horse) – that the animals themselves show me where they feel discomfort, or tell me ‘I don’t want any more’, but also thank me with a look or a kiss,” says Ms. Roumie, adding: “It’s fascinating how they find a way to communicate! We therapists just have to be able to read the signs.”
“Our beloved four-legged friends (pets, equines) love shiatsu because it is a gentle and non-invasive treatment.
Shiatsu therapy can last from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how easily our pet cooperates and how receptive they are to the treatment.
There are signs by which the therapist can tell that the animals are relaxing and accepting of his or her treatment, such as lying down and letting go, starting to lick.
Simply because animals are different from one another, they also express themselves differently. For example, dogs start sitting and as soon as they relax, they lie down. When I start working on their body, on the areas of pain or energy blockages, they lick and, some, yawn.
Equines (like the horse) usually start licking and then yawning. However, getting them to lie down at the end is a great success, because horses don’t do that unless they feel confident and secure. It has happened to me many, many times that after finishing the treatment, after a while they lie down and go to sleep.
It has also happened to me – in both cases (dog, horse) – that the animals themselves show me where they feel discomfort, or tell me ‘I don’t want any more’, but also thank me with a look or a kiss,” says Ms. Roumie, adding: “It’s fascinating how they find a way to communicate! We therapists just have to be able to read the signs.”
When do the results of the treatment start to show?
According to Ms. Roumie, once the treatment is completed, it will take 1-2 days for the body to absorb the changes felt, and begin to balance. Then the owner will also notice the effectiveness of the treatment, and the initial improvements (such as less stress, more relaxation, better movement and flexibility), as well as an improvement in the animal’s mood and energy.
The frequency of the treatment, says the shiatsu therapist, is discussed with the owner and adjusted according to the type and degree of the problem each animal is experiencing.
How contact with animals is made
Perhaps, you are wondering how an animal can be left in the hands of a stranger, and even enjoy it. The approach is “with love and respect! The first thing I want to achieve is for them to like me, and then trust me. At first I talk to them – it is, of course, something I do throughout the treatment. It may sound funny to you, but sometimes I sing to them, too! Especially to the horses. Then, while I’m talking, I start touching them all over their bodies, and I observe how they react. If I see that they don’t like something I’m doing, I stop and focus somewhere else until they let go. Then I go back to the previous point, again watching their reactions. I use my five senses to get information, and I work on their body as much as they are receptive to it,” Ms. Roumie clarifies, adding: “In the areas that are disturbed, with a lot of patience I manage to let them let me apply the therapeutic movements. I feel that they let me because deep down they know it’s good for them. I want them to like and have fun during their treatment, and together I want to do effective work. At the end of each session I thank them with a pat, or a kiss, whatever each animal allows me to do.”
Mrs.Marily Roumie has a Master’s degree in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from the University of Nottingham (England), a diploma in Equine Shiatsu from the School of Equine Shiatsu (England) and holds the “T.E.C.A.R EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE (VEGA 2CH)”, for the use of the T.E.C.A.R machine, from the company BAC.
He worked at the racetrack and in equestrian clubs, such as: AIAA, IOVOP, IOV and MEGA SPORTS. She practices the profession of shiatsu therapist for animals (horses, dogs, cats) in Greece and abroad and is also a specialist in TECAR therapy applications. She cooperates with veterinary clinics such as “TierklinikLusche”, “Equine Sports Medicine Services” (Samorin, Slovakia), the veterinary center “Care Vet Clinic” of Mr. Christos Ktenas. Also, in Athens he cooperates with the veterinarian and homeopath, Mary Varnava.
He is a member of the EQUINE SHIATSU ASSOCIATION (tESA) and of Ippothesis (Panhellenic Association for the Protection of Equidae).
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