THE CANINE SHIATSU ASSOCIATION

Shiatsu is a gentle touch therapy based on Chinese and Japanese medical systems and therapies. The word in Japanese literally means ‘shi’ finger ‘atsu’ pressure – this is how the practitioner works using pressure on the energy pathways of the Chinese acupuncture system in order to rebalance the flow of vital energy or ‘Ki’.

 

Shiatsu is a holistic therapy taking into account the whole person or dog - what is happening in their life, work and play, plus how the environment they are in impacts on how they are.  The main focus of attention is how to maintain harmony within the body and with the outside world.

 

This holistic principle of rebalancing ‘Ki’ helps restore health, vitality and wholeness physically, emotionally and psychologically, and creates a deeper sense of well-being with a more

harmonious feel for life.  

 

This network of ‘meridians’ exist in animals in addition to humans and those most commonly treated in this way are horses and dogs. Shiatsu has helped:

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•  elderly dogs with arthritic joints to maintain their mobility

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• young dogs to relax and cope with the stress of their growing, active lives

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• agility dogs with sprains and strains received by contact with agility equipment or falling off equipment receiving Shiatsu at shows as first aid treatment

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• dogs who have experienced trauma to relax and begin coping with life again

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Touch is a great healer and dogs know this.  Stroking a dog can be therapeutic for people; it is also beneficial to the dog.  Shiatsu is a gentle touch therapy that can help to improve circulation , heal faster, strengthen immunity, and general health and mobility into older age. Shiatsu helps dogs to become more aware of their bodies and so become relaxed and calmer.