Senior Dogs Need Acupressure
By Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis, Authors of ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure.
Even at 12-years old, Jake had the look of a handsome Golden. His oat was still soft and rich. His white face and telltale shorter gate were evidence that he was a healthy example of a senior-dog citizen. Jake’s naps were getting longer and when getting up and getting going she needed some coaxing.
The ancient eastern healing art of acupressure offers our senior canine companions’ relief from the aches and pains of aging. It is very common for a dog to suffer the same difficulties we do as the years go on. Over thousands of years, acupressure has proven to:
- Strengthen the dog’s immune system
- Lubricate joints to improve mobility
- Reduce inflammation associated with arthritis
- Enhance blood circulation for better overall functioning
- Release endorphins and natural cortisone to relieve pain and increase the dog’s comfort level.
An acupressure session ever three to four days with their favorite human goes a long way to having a healthy, happy older dog. Our senior canines want to do all the great things they used to do in their younger days, we just have to help them feel better doing it.
Acupressure Points to Support Senior Canines
Acupressure has shown to help relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis as well as many other issues associated with aging. Here is a selection of specific acupressure points that can help your dog.
Large Intestine 4 (LI 4) is known as Joining Valley, helps to alleviate pain especially along the forelimb, and supports the dog’s immune system.
Stomach 36 (St 36) the translation of its Chinese name is Leg Three Miles, is used extensively to aid digestion and promote gastrointestinal health while also regulating and tonifying blood and life-force energy. This acupoint is known to enhance the animal’s activity level and assist in the absorption of nutrients.
Gall Bladder 34 (GB 34) is also known as Yang Mound Spring. This acupoint has the attribute of influencing the strength and flexibility of tendons, ligaments, and joints. Additionally, it can reduce the atrophy of the older dog’s soft tissues.
Kidney 3 (Ki 3) traditionally called Great Stream, brings forth the original essence and energy of the animal which supports the dog’s basic constitution. This acupoint is often used to add essential energy during the winter phase of life.
By performing the “Senior Canine” acupressure session every five to seven days, you will be contributing to your elder dog’s health and well-being for all his years – which could be many or more.
Tallgrass animal Acupressure Resources is your one-stop shop for everything acupressure. Tallgrass offers convenient online training courses, books, manuals, and meridian charts. There’s hands-on training, blogs, articles and other resources available. Go to their website and see how you can help you dogs feel and be at their best! www.animalacupressure.com or email: tallgrass@aanimalacupressure.com
