Why do dogs need or benefit from massage?

Massage is physical therapy, as well as mind/spiritual therapy. It helps to rebalance the body to live and move in harmony and grace. Massage relieves pain and discomfort naturally by releasing the naturally produced chemicals (endorphins) in our dog’s and our own bodies. Massage is the manipulation of muscles and skin to promote increased circulation to all the organs and tissues in your dog’s body.

Massage Increases Blood Circulation

Each cell and muscle fiber in the body (canine and human alike) must be constantly bathed in fresh, oxygen-laden blood. This blood, along with oxygen brings the required hormones, nutrients and proteins, necessary for normal cell growth. As it circulates, it removes the waste products of cell metabolism and transports these wastes to organs in the body, which will filter them out. Blood normally flows around inactive muscles and through active ones. The varying pressures applied during massage help move the blood, thereby increasing circulation to all the tissues and cells in the body.

Massage Increases Lymph Movement

The lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells. White blood cells are the work force of the immune system. Whenever there is a need for them to be anywhere in the body, they must get there through the lymphatic system, which runs similar to the venous blood system. Massage not only moves the blood through the muscles and the lymph through the lymphatic system, but it also enhances the flow of Ch’i (energy) throughout the life force meridians (channels of the body).

Remember that the body is a conduit of bioelectrical and magnetic energy fields. This is acknowledged and has been used in every known human culture since the dawn of time. The phenomena of electrical impulses and magnetic lines of circuitry are the basis of acupressure points and meridian pathways. Meridian pathways are a series of points on the surface of the skin that, when touched, influences the balance of energy flow in the body. By touching, holding and stimulating specific spots on the surface of the body, we can utilize these pathways of energy channels to rebalance systems of organs deep inside. This is part of the discipline of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupressure points are spots that are pressed to release endorphins; the body’s own painkillers.

Massage is Nonverbal Communication

Even before language, the power of touch made contacts between humans and animals, both physical and spiritual. Deep levels of conscious and unconscious conversations can transpire with the simple touch. It is a way of expressing ourselves, both profound and elemental.

The sense of touch brings a oneness, comfort and tranquility. Psychologists have proven that touch is a “need”, just as important as food or water. I believe that the knowledge of canine massage is the most wonderful gift you can offer visually or hearing impaired clients because it enables them to communicate on a deep level by touch with their beloved service dogs.

Health Conditions and Well Being

You are the first line of defense for your dog; the best source in the treatment of your dog’s health conditions and well-being. By regular massage treatments, you can assess temperature, pulse rate and it’s quality. You can also measure the depth of respiration, dryness or oiliness of coat, and skin texture integrity. You can feel tightness in muscles and tendons, and the qualities of some bone interactions at the joints. These will all give you an excellent physical assessment of your dog.

On an unconscious level, you can sense dis-ease, fear or emotional instability. They are in the subtle body movements, which our hearts can read that elude our minds. Tapping into this conversation helps us become better facilitators for our dog’s balance and healing.

Also remember that older dogs who may suffer from chronic and degenerative disorders such as muscular cramps, stiffness, arthritis and some skin conditions will benefit greatly from regular massage therapy.