About Acupressure - Wellness For All Creatures

Acupressure is a safe and gentle integrative therapy used to relieve symptoms from many common disorders. Unlike some forms of Western medicine, this therapy does not involve the use of any invasive techniques. A skilled practitioner simply uses their thumbs and fingers to exert light pressure to specific body points.

Acupressure is closely associated with other forms of Oriental medicine, such as acupuncture and shiatsu. The philosophy of Oriental medicine originated about the year 600 BC when Taoism was developed; beliefs that center on the human connection to nature.

It is believed the changes in nature (i.e. weather) impact human lives mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Oriental practitioners believe disease is caused by internal (emotional), external (weather) or other factors, including trauma or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Many changes impact the body on a daily basis and affect the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. Chinese medical theory sets forth to correct this balance and produce harmony within the body.

The initial intent of acupressure is preventive. In traditional Chinese medicine, we intend to maintain a free flow of Qi and blood so that the dog or cat remains healthy and able to fend off any potential internal or external invasions that could lead to illness. If the meridians flowing on a superficial level of the body suffer any kind of imbalance of Yin and Yang, the whole body can become compromised and allow pathogens to go deeper and deeper into the body. This is why it is so important to be able to detect meridian imbalances and to perform acupressure maintenance sessions. We are able to resolve issues at the meridian level before they penetrate into the body.

Energy flow governs wellbeing in people and animals alike. Within all living animals are meridian pathways. These life-force channels govern the functions of all body systems, such as the nervous, digestive, endocrine, vascular, lymphatic and reproductive systems. The way in which energy flows through the meridians presides over wellness or dis-ease. Meridian blockages can cause all kinds of dis-ease. However, when the life force flows through the meridians in a balanced way, health, harmony and happiness results.