Acupressure
Acupressure: Points That Heal
by Amy Snow
 Chico
went flying off the back porch and landed
chin first on the stone below, knocking
himself out. The five-month-old yellow
Lab had spotted ducks on the pond 50 feet
away and in his exuberance forgot that
there was an eight-foot drop from the
porch to the craggy rocks. Carol, Chico’s
guardian, saw him mid-air from the kitchen
window and went rushing out to see where
he had landed. When she reached Chico,
she placed the tip of her thumb just below
his nose, right in the middle of his upper
lip and pressed gently, then again with
a bit more pressure. Chico regained consciousness,
wagged his tail, stood up, shook his whole
body, and went back to being his happy
puppy self.
Luckily for Chico, Carol had attended
a canine acupressure clinic a few months
earlier where she had learned basic acupressure
concepts and had practiced various techniques.
One technique included locating the first
aid acupressure points for shock, resuscitation
and consciousness (Governing Vessel 26,
known traditionally as “Middle of
Person”).
Acupressure promotes healing in the body
by stimulating specific points to resolve
blockages. Blockages cause imbalance along
energy pathways known as meridians. According
to traditional Chinese medicine, when
chi, the life force energy, flows smoothly
through the meridian pathways of a four-legged
or two-legged body, harmony is restored
and healing can occur.
Acupressure is perfectly safe, noninvasive,
always available, deceptively gentle and
extremely powerful. People have been using
acupressure to care for animals for at
least 4000 years. More than 230 generations
have recognized the benefits of this ancient
healing art and casework continues to
demonstrate that acupressure can enhance
overall health and emotional stability.
Specifically, acupressure can:
• Relieve muscle spasms
• Strengthen the immune system
• Enhance mental clarity and calmness
• Release natural cortisone to reduce
swelling
• Release endorphins that reduce
pain
• Remove toxins and increase blood
supply to hasten recovery from injuries
Acupressure
is particularly beneficial for animals
suffering from acute conditions
 When
Clay found Phoenix, an eight year-old
thoroughbred rescued from the racetrack,
he was in obvious distress. He was lying
down in his stall, sweating and kicking
at his sides. Clay checked Phoenix’s
gums; they were pale white. His stomach
was extremely distended.
Colic! This word strikes terror in every
horseguardian’s heart. Clay called
her vet and he came out immediately to
see if he could relieve the horse’s
suffering. After administering a pain
medication, the veterinarian left, hoping
that this treatment would do the trick.
As evening came, Phoenix’s condition
worsened. He became still and quiet, seemingly
resigned to dying. As a last resort, Clay
called her neighbor, Lisa, who has worked
with us for years, and she, in turn, called
us for help.
Over the telephone we were able to suggest
a course of treatment that was either
going to have immediate results or not.
Lisa performed the treatment and within
five minutes, Phoenix was up on his feet
and was passing a lot of gas. His gums
were pink again and his belly was no longer
distended. |
