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.

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.

How to Obtain It: To obtain liability insurance, the best option is to join an animal massage association such as the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork. They provide their members with malpractice insurance options. In order to qualify to join IAAMB, you must be able to show that you have completed at least 100 hours in Animal Massage courses. Our massage certification courses are approved through IAAMB and will allow you to become a member. 

How Much Does it Cost? A typical policy in the USA is only $175 per year! The low risk involved in animal massage allows the insurance costs to stay low. Compare this to a human surgeon who spends an average of $15,000 per year on malpractice insurance. The level of risk will dictate the cost. 

Craniosacral therapy is a bodywork technique that addresses the craniosacral rhythm which is found in all animals.  This rhythm is similar to the animal's heartbeat, but is a result of the pumping of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) rather than blood through the heart. The CSF nourishes the Central Nervous System (CNS) and changes in its flow can directly impact it. CSF flows from the skull of the animal (cranium), down the spinal cord to the sacrum (hence the name craniosacral). Craniosacral therapists can enhance and correct the flow of CSF through specific techniques and protocols.

Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopathic physician who was fascinated by the structure and function of the bones of skull, founded Cranial Osteopathy in the early 20th century. He initially experimented on himself and found that he could influence his cranial rhythm (as well as cause or relieve illness) by putting specific pressure on certain cranial bones. In the 1970's Dr. John Upledger, another osteopathic physician, expanded on Dr. Sutherland's work after he became interested in cranial rhythm when he saw it first hand while assisting in an operation and noticing rhythmic movement of the patient's spinal cord. Dr. Upledger was able to develop techniques to directly influence this rhythm and had the opportunity to research the craniosacral system while working at Michigan State University. He later created courses to teach others how to perform craniosacral technique and today the technique is practiced by thousands of practitioners all over the world.

Numerous practitioners, including myself, began to practice the craniosacral techniques on animals and quickly realized that they can benefit from it just as much as people can. Animals also have a craniosacral rhythm that can become altered due to injuries and stresses. Animals who receive regular bodywork (massage and chiropractic) and have pattern of re-occuring issues (won't hold an adjustment, end up tight in the same areas shortly following a massage) can benefit from a combination of craniosacral therapy and other forms of bodywork. The craniosacral therapy will allow the animal to "unwind" the kinks and twists in their fascia that is caused from repeated stresses allowing their bodies to stay in alignment following a chiropractic adjustment or allowing the muscles and other soft tissues to remain less restricted longer following a massage.

Similar to humans, animals have multiple bones that make up their skull. These bones are attached by sutures, which are a specialized joint that allow for very subtle movements so the bones can expand and contract with the CSF pumping. These bones can become jammed or misaligned. This can be a result of birthing (the animal's skull can become compressed in the birth canal) or it can be the result of injury. Cranial bone alignment techniques allow the practitioner to make subtle movements in these bones which allow them to move more freely. This can help with anything from headaches and lack of concentration to decreased proprioception and attitude problems.

Practitioners who would like to add craniosacral therapy to their animal bodywork practice are welcome to enroll in our online certification course. This course covers a 10 step CS protocol, advanced techniques, cranial bone alignments and an energy healing technique.