Beyond Abandonment: Acupressure Helps

By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis, Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources.

How do you think you would feel if you were a child dropped off in the middle of New York City? Scared beyond belief, confused, distraught, totally disoriented, grief stricken? That’s most likely how a dog feels when he is abandoned. A dog is just about as defenseless and lost as a child when abandoned.

True, an abandoned dog’s survival instinct may lead him to a food source such as the garbage behind a restaurant, but that doesn’t mean he is not overwhelmed by his sense of loss and disorientation. If he is out on the streets or in a rural area for any length of time, his health will deteriorate due to poor nutrition, lack of shelter, and other basic physical and emotional needs. Of course, he could be severely injured by cars and other animals.

No one reading this article would be capable of abandoning a dog. It’s hard to understand how anyone can drop a dog off in a city, along a busy highway, or in a forest. How could a human be so cruel? Not only is it inconceivable to us, but it’s also infuriating! We are the rescuers and adopters of these dogs left by thoughtless people. We know how hard it is for the animal and all the training, loving care, and veterinary bills it takes to bring a dog back to being a happy member of our household. We also know that many dogs don’t make it back.

We all want to offer these dogs the best we can. Usually, we start with providing nutritious food at regular mealtimes to establish a level of expectation and routine. A place to rest and sleep gives the dog a sense of safety, which is so important after a dog has had to always be wary. Being able to exercise in a protected environment whether it’s walking on a lead or in a back yard helps relieve the dog’s fear and feeling of vulnerability. Some abandoned dogs may need training and help to become a welcome member of a family.

Rescued dogs can have a host of issues that need to be addressed. Often, it takes time, money, and a lot of love to “rehabilitate” these dogs. As a caring person, during the process of reconditioning you can offer a general acupressure session to address both physical and emotional issues. An acupressure session is non-invasive and safe and helps with bonding.

Acupressure Session

Conquering all the ills of an abandoned dog is a tall order. However, there are specific acupoints that are known to help with general health and wellbeing. A dog living on the streets and scavenging to survive often has problems with digestion. This is the first issue to address because food and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients are related to health, a sense of grounding, and contentment.

Another huge element in rehabilitation is addressing the dog’s fear, confusion, and disorientation as he struggles to survive. Selecting acupoints that can desensitize the constant fear he has endured will go a long way toward helping him relax and restore his feelings of wellbeing.

A general acupressure session for a previously abandoned dog should include acupoints that help with digestion, overall health and wellbeing.

Stomach 36 (St 36) is the go-to acupoint for all digestive conditions. It is known as the “Master point” for the gastrointestinal tract because, when stimulated, it enhances the entire digestion process including breaking down of nutrients to make them bioavailable. St 36 can contribute to a dog feeling grounded while also stimulating the immune system.

Pericardium 6 (Pe 6) and Triple Heater 5 (TH 5) can be held simultaneously. Pe 6 (known as the “Inner Gate”) is on the medial side above the wrist on the dog’s foreleg, while TH 5 (the “Outer Gate”) is on the opposite lateral side above the wrist. Together, these acupoints calm the spirit, support the Heart, and strengthen the body to ward off external pathogens. By holding these two points at the same time you are effectively balancing the dog’s internal organs and building his immune system.

Bai Hui point is a classical point for animals. Dogs usually love having it scratched. It is the “Point of 100 Meeting” and is called “Heaven’s Gate.” This point has the attribute of energizing the spine and hind limbs while also providing a profound sense of wellbeing in dogs. Some dogs actually dance when the Bai Hui point is scratched. It is on the sacrum along the dorsal midline.

A previously abandoned dog probably has health problems needing veterinary attention and possibly behavioral issues requiring professional consultation. By offering an acupressure session every third day you are bringing a team approach to help the dog recover from an experience he should never have had.

Acupressure offers you and your dog thousands of years of health and wellbeing. It’s safe, always available, and gentle yet powerful. Tallgrass has all the resources you need to learn and apply canine acupressure-massage. There’s an Online Training program especially for dog guardians, plus, ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure book, Meridian Charts, Apps, and a website with articles and blogs to get started here. Email: tallgrass@animalacupressure.com