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What is Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique?

2/1/2020

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Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique, also known as ANMR, is a body alignment technique for both small and large animals. It utilizes a specialized tool that enables the practitioner to put motion into the soft tissues surrounding and adjacent to the vertebral column and other joints. This creates a combination of neurological input and soft tissue releases that allows the animal's body to "reset" itself leading to an improvement in posture, range of motion and gait. 

Is this a Chiropractic Technique?

No, even though a tool is used that is similar to the Activator tool (a tool used in human chiropractic to perform Activator technique), this is not considered to be a chiropractic technique. Rather than using the tool to move bones, the tool is used to release soft tissues and provide neurological input through quick impulses. This technique is approved through the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and is considered to be a soft tissue technique.

Who can Perform this Technique?

This course and certification is available to anyone who is already certified in animal massage therapy or is a licensed Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician or Doctor of Chiropractic. Animal massage therapists find this technique to be a great addition to their practice, allowing them to address body mis-alignments quicker and more accurately than can be done with massage therapy alone. Veterinarians have began adding this technique to their practice to create additional revenue and offer clients with a non-medication, non-surgical treatment option for animals suffering from musculoskeletal issues. Many Doctors of Chiropractic have enjoyed adding ANMR to their practice to provide animals with effective and safe body alignment. State animal massage laws must be followed when practicing ANMR.

What Conditions can Benefit from ANMR?

Horses:
  • Back pain
  • Difficulty picking up correct lead
  • Head tossing 
  • Bucking/rearing
  • Difficulty pushing off hind end
  • Difficulty bending
  • Sticky stifles
Small Animals:
  • IVDD
  • Hip Dysplasia 
  • Luxating Patellas
  • Leg weakness
  • Difficulty jumping/getting up
  • Sore back and/or neck
  • Arthritis 

Ready to Learn More?

Click Here to Enroll in a Free Preview of the Course

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Can ANimals Benefit from Acupressure?

2/27/2019

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Acupressure is the manual stimulation of specific acupuncture points. Acupuncture was developed in Ancient China with references to acupuncture procedures dating back to as early as 198 BCE. Traditional acupuncture utilizes thin needles that are applied to specific points to stimulate the energy flow. Acupuncture medicine teaches that all people and animals have energy channels running through their bodies called meridians. The flow through these meridians can become altered due to trauma, stress and environmental factors. Acupressure is a way to influence these meridians without the use of needles.

Yes, animals can greatly benefit from acupressure!

Acupressure is becoming more common as an animal therapy option for both small and large animals. Animals suffering from arthritis, stiffness, organ dysfunction, allergies, weakened immune systems and other ailments can benefit from acupressure sessions.

Remember that acupressure (along with other forms of bodywork) should not replace veterinary medicine and you should always consult with your veterinarian before adding bodywork to your animal's health plan.

Want to learn more about acupressure?

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute in Colorado offers hands on and online courses in acupressure for both small animals and horses. They also sell high quality text books and charts. 
Click here to view the Tallgrass website
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Reiki Distance Attunements...Do They Work?

11/18/2018

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There are some Reiki professionals who frown upon distance attunements because they feel as though the Master is not able to transfer their energy efficiently to the student and therefore the student will not be able to adequately perform healing Reiki sessions. There are many different ways that Reiki Masters who teach online courses are performing distance attunements and some of those methods are more effective than others. In this article, I will discuss some of the distance attunements that are currently being performed and which method I feel to be the most effective. 

Non-specific, pre-filmed or pre-performed attunements

When reading negative articles or comments about distance Reiki attunements, this is normally the form of attunement they are referring to. In this scenario, the Reiki Master performs an attunement at the time they put together their online course, CD course or written course and send that attunement out into the universe so that their students can pick up on it when they are ready. Obviously this type of attunement is very non-specific and while I can not say that it is completely un-effective, I do personally believe that it is one of the least effective methods. 

Non-specific group attunements

During these distance attunements, the Reiki Master will normally pick a specific day and time that they perform their attunements every week. For example, it could be every Monday at 6 pm. The students who choose to tune in to the attunements at that time can do so. There is not direct communication between the Master and student. While these are not completely ineffective (many students experience waves of energy and other sensations during the attunement), I personally feel as though this is not the most effective way to perform a distant attunement. 

Specific, individual, scheduled attunements

This is the method of distance attunement that I utilize and in my opinion it is the most effective way to perform a Reiki distance attunement. When a student is ready to schedule their attunement, they contact me and we choose a time and day that works for both of us. Immediately before the attunement begins, I contact the student to make sure they are ready and I also contact them immediately following the attunement to let them know it is completed. Similar to performing a Reiki distance healing session, I utilize the distance symbol (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen) to project my energy to the student. I focus on their name and location to better hone in on them. The student is in a relaxed, meditative state and receptive and open to the energy I am sending. I follow a specific attunement protocol which varies depending on the level of attunement I am performing. I also utilize crystals to enhance the effects of the sessions (the crystals are chosen based on the student I am attuning). This is a very specific process, which in my opinion (which is based on the feedback I receive from students along with my intuition) is the most effective way to perform a distance Reiki attunement. 

Is there a right way?

Some Reiki Masters will say yes, but in my opinion there is not a right or wrong way to perform a Reiki attunement. Every student processes energy differently and will therefore have a different experience. There is not a right or wrong way to experience a Reiki attunement and the effectiveness of an attunement will always be subjective in nature. My personal belief is that if the Master and student both have the same intent, are focused on what they want to accomplish during the attunement and are open and positive, the desired results will happen.

What do you think? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.


LEARN MORE ABOUT MY ANIMAL REIKI COURSE
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How to Deal with Uncooperative Dogs During a Massage Session

11/2/2018

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If you are a canine massage therapist or student, you have likely had to deal with uncooperative dogs while trying to perform therapeutic massage and bodywork. This article will provide you with some suggestions to enable you to complete the session.

The Hyper Dog

Dealing with a dog that won't stay still? This can be extremely challenging for a massage therapist. 
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Pre-session Exercise

Have the owner exercise the dog before the session. Depending on the dog's energy level and any injuries present, this could consist of anything from going on a short walk to going on a long jog. Make sure you recommend a pre-session exercise that is appropriate for that particular dog.

Shorter Session Lengths 

Hyper dogs usually also have shorter attention spans. Be sure to make your treatment sessions shorter with these dogs and utilize massage techniques that require shorter durations.
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Take Breaks

If you notice that the dog is getting restless, take breaks through out the session. Allow the dog to move around the room or go outside for a few minutes and then continue with the session. Not only does this give them a break mentally, but it also gives their body time to process the work being done physically before going deeper. 

Utilize Relaxing Techniques

Utilize techniques such as acupressure (specific acupoints can help calm the dog), swedish relaxation massage and craniosacral therapy at the beginning of the session to promote relaxation. Once the dog is relaxed and enjoying the session, you can then incorporate other forms of massage and bodywork that they may have been apprehensive to initially. 
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The Aggressive Dog

Aggressive dogs are not only frustrating to try to work on, but they can be dangerous as well. Always make sure to use proper precautions such as muzzles and restraints when working on aggressive dogs. Here are some additional suggestions. 
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Walk the Dog

I have found that when I personally take an aggressive dog for a walk and work on our relationship during the walk (don't allow the dog to pull you, but rather have them walk calmly along side you, looking to you for guidance), it can completely change their behavior and allow me to work on them without any issues. It may take time to accomplish this, so plan to add an additional hour or so to your treatment scheduled time. 

Removing the Owner

Some dogs are aggressive when their owner is present because they feel protective of the owner or they may be picking up on emotions and concerns that the owner is projecting. Removing the owner from the room can often solve this problem and allow the dog to relax and enjoy the session.

Energy Healing

Utilizing forms of energy healing, such as Reiki, can allow you to start a session without having to touch or get close to the dog. Many times once the dog begins receiving the Reiki energy, they will calm down and allow you to begin using hands on techniques. 
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Have Many Tools in Your Toolbox

Being able to provide client's dogs with an array of different techniques can allow you to find the technique that will work best for that particular dog. Some dogs will enjoy hands on massages, while others will prefer less invasive forms of treatment such as craniosacral therapy, reiki and kinesiology tape. Having a lot of "tools" (modalities) in your "toolbox" can allow you to provide each dog with the best individual care possible. 

Want to learn more techniques?

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What is Animal Reiki?

10/30/2018

4 Comments

 
The Reiki technique was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui. This is a healing energy technique that utilizes life energy force that is transmitted from the practitioners hands. This technique was originally developed for people, but has been used frequently on animals as well. Dr. Angel is a trained Reiki Master she developed an animal healing symbol that she believes helps intensify the Reiki energy when working on animals. 
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Reiki energy can help an animal decrease pain, provide them emotion relief and allow their bodies to naturally heal themselves. While Reiki treatments do not replace veterinary medicine or other forms of animal bodywork, it can be very beneficial in working with all types of animals including those who do not want to be touched or are afraid of human contact. 

Those who practice Levels II and III Reiki are able to send Reiki energy over distances, allowing them to work on animals who are not immediately in front of them.

In Dr. Angel's online course, she teaches students how to perform Reiki healing on animals and provides them with the necessary attunements so that life energy can begin flowing freely through them. Only those who have undergone Reiki attunements are able to perform Reiki sessions.

How Does Our Course Differ From Traditional Reiki Courses?

While traditional Reiki courses are focused on human healing, our course is specifically designed for animal healing. The course covers equine, feline and canine behavior and handling, to better help our practitioners read an animal's body language. It also teaches our students an Animal Reiki symbol that enhances the healing energy when working on animals. Those who are human Reiki practitioners can benefit from taking this course as well as those who have never completed a Reiki course.

To learn more about Dr. Angel's course, click here. 
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Why You Should Support Your Dog's Immune System

4/10/2017

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Autoimmune diseases, cancer, allergies and other ailments are becoming more and more common in dogs. I recently saw a poster in a veterinary office stating that 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer.  That is an insanely high number! Many of these diseases develop when a dog's immune system is not able to cope with the toxins they are exposed to on a daily basis.  This article will list the most common types of toxins your dog has to deal with and ways to help reduce them.

Causes:

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  1. Food - The sad reality is that most dog food contains grains (which are not easily digested by dogs), animal by-products (such as feather, beaks, intestines, bowels and other things not used in human food products), preservatives and synthetic vitamins. All of these ingredients have been shown to cause stomach upset, allergies and sometimes more serious illness (including death). Fortunately, more and more dog owners are becoming savvy to this and as a result more good quality commercial dog foods are becoming available. Things to look for when purchasing a food is to make sure the protein source is one of the first ingredients and that it does not say "meal". For example, "chicken" listed as the protein source should mainly be comprised of chicken meat, whereas "chicken meal" will include or be solely chicken byproducts such as feet, beaks, feathers, etc. Also make sure that there is no wheat, corn or soy in your dog's food.  All of these grains are difficult to digest and get passed to your dog's large intestine for fermentation to break them down.  This leads to gas, stomach upset and inflammation. Many dogs are hypersensitive to grains and develop skin allergies when they are consumed. Also check for added oils in your dog's food. Oils such as canola, soybean and corn oil are inflammatory and should be avoided. 


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2.  Pesticides - Every dog is exposed to pesticides....both in the environment and in the form of a pill, topical liquid or flea collar.  Here in Florida, we get a lot of bugs due to the constant warm weather. Because of this, most homes and offices utilize a pest control service to decrease the amount of unwanted pests in homes and workplaces.  Many properties also get their lawns treated to decrease insects and weeds.  Dogs are low to the ground and constantly sniffing and tend to be more exposed to these pesticides than we are. On top of that, we also give them monthly heart worm preventative and flea and tick treatments (which are necessary for many animal owners here in the Florida due to the large number of mosquitos, fleas and ticks present). These chemicals have a cumulative effect in the dog's system and build up over time which can lead to hypersensitivities. 
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3. Vaccinations - I am not against vaccinations. I believe that they can prevent devastating diseases and are necessary and effective under the right circumstances. I am against over vaccinating though and most dogs get over vaccinated.  I recommend checking your dog's titer (a blood test that tells how many antibodies they have for a certain disease...the more antibodies present, the more protected against that disease they are if they should ever become exposed to it). If your dog has an adequate titer, then a booster vaccination is not warranted.  Overloading an animal's system with unnecessary vaccinations is taxing on their immune system and can lead to autoimmune disorders, hypersensitive and other ailments.
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4.  Water - Most people don't give much thought to the water their dog is drinking, however water can contain many harmful ingredients. Tap water can include chemicals such as fluoride, chlorine, lead, mercury, PCB's and other harmful ingredients.  Well water can be high in bacteria and algae, contain fecal matter, nitrates, radionuclides, industrial chemicals, and mineral salts. I recommend to give your dog either filtered water or bottled natural spring water. 

Solutions:


  1. Feed a grain free diet with high quality protein sources and no added "junk". Raw and grain free is ideal and there are some good quality commercial raw diets on the market now to make it easier for  you (check your local pet store's freezer to see what they have available). If you can not afford to do raw, then a high quality grain free food is your next best option. 
  2. Vaccinate only when necessary and use titer blood tests to determine if your dog needs a vaccination.  Also use common sense when vaccinating. Do not give your dog multiple vaccinations in one day and only vaccinate against diseases that your dog may become exposed to.
  3. Give your dog filtered water to decrease exposure to toxins and other harmful ingredients in tap or well water.
  4. Support your dogs immune system though supplementation! It is impossible to keep your dog away from all toxins, therefore it is necessary to provide them a supplement that can help their bodies optimally process those toxins and allow their immune systems to function normally.  When a dog's immune system is not working enough, they will suffer from diseases and illnesses that their body is not able to fight off.  When their immune system is working too hard, they will develop allergies, autoimmune disorders and hypersensitivities. A high quality immune support supplement can help balance out their immune system.
  5. Support your dogs immune system through bodywork. Massage, chiropractic, acupuncture and other forms of body work have been proven to boost the immune system, along with prevent other types of diseases and discomforts. Consider adding some form of bodywork to your dog's regular health care schedule.

Which Supplement Should You Give Your Dog?

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I recommend NuVet Plus. It is the supplement that I give to my own dogs (French Bulldogs who are prone to allergies) and that I also recommend to clients. This supplement is made from all human grade ingredients and is made in the USA. This supplement also comes with a satisfaction guarantee. If you're not happy with it for any reason, they will refund your money.  
LEARN MORE ABOUT NUVET PLUS
Interested in ordering NuVet Plus for your dog? Use the referral code 90024 when ordering online or over the phone.  1-800-474-7044 or www.nuvet.com
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    Author

    Dr. Angelique Barbara is the founder of Angel's Animals LLC, a company that has developed online animal bodywork courses for both owners and professionals.  Dr. Barbara's unique teaching style along with the dynamic layout of the courses allows people of different educational backgrounds from all over the world to benefit from her knowledge.

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