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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.