The Basics of Pet Acupressure
While acupressure has been around for ages, it hasn’t been a part of veterinarian medicine for more than a few decades. However, scientific studies have shown that acupressure can be helpful for various deficiencies and illnesses that pets can have, so there’s no reason not to try it on your own Fido.
The idea behind acupressure is that when you stimulate specific pressure points on the body, it releases energy that can help with healing. When the energy flow is blocked, the body can’t be balanced and can lead to various health issues. This process is similar to acupuncture and targets the same areas but does so with the help of hands or an implement instead of needles.
How Acupressure Can Help Pets
There are many illnesses and issues that acupressure can help with on your dog or cat. A few of them include:
- Arthritis
- Asthma and allergies
- Chronic pain
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Injury recovery
- Lameness
- Reproductive issues
- Spinal conditions or injuries
- Surgery recovery
There are many different acupressure points that can be used on pets, and we’ll be sharing a few of the most useful below.
The Yang Tang Points
These pressure points can be found on each side of the eye where the skull has a small indent. It’s similar to the temples and would be the same area you massage when you have a headache. When you apply pressure to this area by massaging one side of the face with the thumb and the other with the fingers, it can help a pet relax and even fall asleep. The points are dedicated to pain reduction, focus, and calm.
GV-14 Point
This is one of the most important pressure points, and it can be found right below the point where the spine connects to the skull. Many of the life energy channels in a body are believed to be in this location. What you want to do is cup the base of the pet’s head and then use your fingers and thumb to massage both sides of the skull’s base. After your pet relaxes, you can use a thumb to provide direct pressure or to make circular massage motions.
Feet Pressure Points
Not all pets are going to enjoy having their feet manipulated, but if they allow it, it can be useful. Sometimes if you work down from the wrist to the feet, you can massage the toes and the space between them. The reason for this acupressure is to help heal chronic disease, improve blood flow, and ease arthritis pain. Applying a bit of pressure can be done in the same areas.
Are you interested in offering acupressure to your dog or cat? Try one of these pressure points and see how it goes. If your pet seems to enjoy the process, you can always try other areas of the body, depending on the pet’s level of health. It offers a great new way to bond with your dog or cat while keeping them happy.
Sources:
https://animalmedicalnc.com/project/acupressure-for-pets/
https://www.thewholepetvet.com/blog/benefits-of-pet-acupuncture/
https://www.luckypuppymag.com/how-to-use-acupressure-to-help-your-dog-flourish/