the energy meridians beneath the skin. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles at these points, while acupressure uses fingers to apply pressure to the same points. Both modali- ties are widely known to assist in managing pain and anxiety. Energy Healing: Here, the practitioner improves the flow of energy in an animal’s body using a range of gentle and pow- erful natural therapies. During a treatment, the trained healer sends subtle energy through the hands to promote physical and emotional balance and healing. While conventional medicine follows the belief that treatments for disease or injury must be strictly biological, energy medicine works to restore the patient’s health by treating the mind, body and spirit in nonphysical ways. Energy healing modalities available for dogs include Rei- ki, qigong, Healing Touch and Tellington Touch. Cold Laser Therapy: Developed more than 20 years ago,
cold laser therapy has become a popular alternative treatment around the world for aches and pains in dogs. It directs highly concentrated coherent light waves to muscles, tissues and organs, reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. It’s also applied to disc and other spine-related issues. Low-level cold laser therapy is painless, noninvasive and takes only minutes. The effects are similar to those provided by non-steroidal med- ications, with negligible negative side effects. Hydrotherapy: The benefits of swimming are renowned.
When dogs swim, they feel a resistance to movement, which makes a vigorous five-minute swim virtually equivalent in energy expended to a five-mile run. Some dogs like swimming even better than running. Hydrotherapy, which includes ex- ercise on an underwater treadmill combined with swimming, is particularly helpful. The effect on senior dogs is especially dramatic, affording them a painless and enjoyable way to move about and exercise. Water’s natural buoyancy supports the dog, lessens stress on joints, facilitates greater movement and provides a safe and healthful form of exercise for those suffering injuries, disease or pain. The best choice of therapies for an individual animal will depend on the dog’s condition and recommendations by the family veterinarian. Selected and practiced properly, these complementary modalities can make a major impact in a canine’s physical and emotional well-being, while mini- mizing or even eliminating the need for medications.
Jennifer Kachnic is the author of Your Dog’s Golden Years: Manual for Senior Dog Care Includ- ing Natural Remedies and Complementary Options. She is a certified canine massage therapist, animal Reiki practitioner and certified therapy dog handler with the Ameri- can Humane Association. Learn more about this president of The Grey Muzzle Organization at
GreyMuzzle.org.
Ahhh... Springtime, Find Your Soul Mate!
J oin the largest
database of health-conscious and eco-minded, spiritual singles for FREE and manifest an extraordinary relationship!
Join for FREE at
NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com
Offering a Blend of Western & Eastern Medicine
• Acupuncture • Herbs
• Nutritional Therapy • Behavior Counseling • House Calls Available
651-429-4153
1524 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 Susan M. Swanson, D.V.M.
www.HolisticCatClinic.com
BECOME EMPOWERED!
Learning ways to Change your Life! Positive & Empowering Counseling Therapies
CALL TODAY! 763-270-0962 Counseling for A Better Life
Areas of Focus:
• Achieve Personal Goals • Anger Management • Anxiety Reduction • Marriage & Relationship issues • Positive Parenting • Stress Reducers • Grief Therapy • Chemical Abuse Awareness • Self-Esteem Building and more.
$20 OFF 1st Expires in 2 weeks
BetterLifeToday.net |
vicki@betterlifetoday.net 277 Coon Rapids Blvd. Suite 410
Session Coon Rapids, MN 55443 natural awakenings May 2014 23
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32