Reflexology For Animals – Has reflexology helped you a great deal? If so, you might consider how your best friend (paws and all!) might benefit from the Eastern-inspired massage method. Translating the practice from hands and feet to paws is not too terribly difficult, but there are some key differences.
Of course, the main concept remains the same – reflexology relies upon the idea that everything is connected, though some physical, reflex, points link directly to areas and parts of the body more so than others. Through the stimulation of the nervous system, connective tissues, and muscles on the feet, hands, and ears, you can induce deep healing throughout every layer of the body – energetic and subtle included, including the physical. What begins as a physical sensation can eventually transform and ripple through the other layers of being.
The reflex points in animals are different from that of humans. For our dog friends, the following points might be of benefit:
Solar Plexus
Located on the bottom of their paws, just before the largest pad on their paws. Use your thumb pad to massage the area for a couple of seconds gently. This area can lessen stress and bring blood pressure into balance.
Diaphragm
This point is located on the paws, too (not near their stomach and lungs, no). Use one hand to support their paw while your free thumb pad rests on the first pad of their paw – the biggest pad. Move your finger across this area a few times on each paw. It can induce deeper breathing for your dog, which will relax them significantly.
Eustachian Tube
Below and between the pads on their paws, gently pinch the webbing between your fingers. Be extra gentle – more than you would be on yourself. These points can enhance detoxification, especially in the lymphatic system.
The Liver & Gall Bladder
To aid in detoxifying these areas, stroke the area just below their biggest footpad a few times over on each paw. These are major points for the detoxification of two hardworking organs.
Though rare, some reflexologists do know the reflex points for cats and dogs. So, if you feel inclined, you might begin to ask around and find an animal specialist in your area. Chances are if they are knowledgeable in a similar realm of complementary and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture or homoeopathy for animals, then they might have some information worth sharing on reflexology for our four-legged loved ones.
If you are thinking about sharing reflexology with your animal friend, consider how you can make the situation as comfortable as possible. Rather than pulling them into your lap right as they are running about and feeling a bit wild, work with them when they are a bit sleepy. They will be in a more receptive state if they are somewhat relaxed during the mini session.
Reflexology can only stand as a complementary therapy, so if your animal needs assistance for their condition and symptom, you should grant them other healing methods, too. For instance, if you are already treating your animal with conventional medicine, reflexology can greatly benefit them and enhance the healing occurring, but it cannot heal all on its own.
Check with your veterinarian prior to giving your animal reflexology, as it might not be the best fit for some animals. If your animal has arthritis or open wounds of any sort on its paws, then reflexology likely would not be recommended to them.
Another complementary or alternative medicine might be available, though, so it remains worth asking if your veterinarian has any wisdom to share on the matter.
Jayne Bennett
Aromatherapist, Alternative Health Practitioner