Animal Massage
My personal experience in massaging my house rabbit, Maia, inspired me to study animal anatomy and bodywork, including canine massage with Paulette Gutchess in the USA and TellingtonTouch with Toni Shelbourne in the UK. I volunteered for many years with local animal rescue groups providing hands-on care and fostering. I am a former board member of the House Rabbit Resource Network, and specialize in small, companion animals.
I am also the former Legislative District Captain of the Humane Society of the United States, and a phone tree coordinator for the Texas Humane Legislation Network. As a grassroots volunteer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, I was sometimes called upon to assist animals during natural disasters. I am certified by the American Red Cross in CPR and First Aid, and am trained to provide emergency care to both people and animals.
Both pets and performance animals experience soft tissue damage in their daily lives just as humans do. Therapeutic massage provides significant relief, stimulates healing and promotes stress reduction and relaxation. Other benefits include:
- Enhanced performance by increasing range of motion, maintaining muscle tone and joint flexibility
- Increasing blood and lymph circulation
- Increasing oxygen to reduce musicle spasms
- Flushing metabolic wastes from muscles and joints
- Relieving discomfort from arthritis, lameness and hip dysplasia
- Improving disposition
- Preventing injuries
- Stimulating areas affected postoperatively
- Recovering from skeletal and muscular surgery or injury
- Relieving muscle pain by releasing endorphins
I also offer Reiki for animals, a great way to ease anxiety and stress, enhance recovery from injuries and surgery, and generally support a pet's well-being. Animals can also receive pre- and post-event massage for competition.
While not a substitute for veterinary advice, massage is a low-cost, safe, and natural supplement to an animal's care. Massage has no harmful side effects; it is non-invasive and supports the body's own healing process.
My approach is to involve the animal's guardian in the massage so that they can continue to help their pets at home. By massaging pets regularly, their companions can detect changes in their health sooner than they might otherwise. Sharing massage with animals is a great way for us to learn about ourselves, and touching strengthens the animal-human bond. Studies show that stroking a pet can even lower your blood pressure, increase self-esteem, and establish a feeling of well-being.
Animal massage is a win-win prospect.
Upcoming workshops:
None currently scheduled.
Contact Details
Soma Healing Arts
Brighton, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 236436
E-mail: soma@chandrabeal.com