A human massage therapist goes to great lengths to set the stage before a client arrives for a massage. Many considerations are taken into account, not least is the physical environment. The client need only recline and enjoy an hour of undivided attention. The setting is designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels from the moment the client arrives.
What about our canine friends? How does one set the stage for a canine massage?
Actually, conditions very similar to those that relax and de-stress a human have the same effect on a dog. It is desirable that the room or area temperature be at a comfortable level. It is more difficult to receive the full benefit of a massage if one is too hot or too cold during the session. Keep in mind that the optimum temperature for a Chihuahua may be a degree or two different than that for a more hirsute friend like a Portuguese Water Spaniel or an Old English Sheepdog. Similarly, lighting should be warm and cheery, but not glaring. Nobody likes a bright light in his face.
Aromatherapy, while not essential to an effective massage, can be calming to a dog in the same way it is to humans. An appropriate fragrance should also help the massage therapist relax and center, consequently maximizing the effectiveness of the massage. Lavender is commonly used for its well-known soothing effect on the nervous system.
However, other essential oils may be equally effective for other purposes. Eucalyptus and cinnamon are known to benefit dogs with respiratory problems. They may be placed in a diffuser individually or mixed before use. Stress, anxiety and depression respond to wild marjoram, especially when used in combination with lavender. Mint is used to improve digestion while rosemary is recommended for fatigue.
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A dog can be massaged standing or lying down as long as both the dog and Canine Massage Practitioner are relaxed and comfortable. | ||
Soft, relaxing music playing in the background serves a dual purpose. Dogs, like people, respond to rhythmic, soothing sounds. Classical pieces, Indian flute music, chants, new wave songs, Frank Sinatra ballads, and Reiki compositions are but a few styles of relaxing compositions that fit the criteria. There is even a Japanese CD available that is designed and marketed as relaxing music for dogs! Human and canine nervous systems are very similar. Sounds that are soothing and relaxing to a human will have the same effect on a dog. Tunes that start your toes to tapping will probably stimulate your dog. While such music might create a cheery, energizing mood, that is not the desired effect for a relaxing massage session.
Slow, relaxing music provides an additional benefit by setting the tempo of the massage. To be most effective, massage strokes should flow in a continuous pattern so that the transition from one stroke to another is like a finely choreographed ballet. There should be no long hesitations or abrupt shifts between strokes. Similarly, movement from one part of the body to another should be smooth and flowing. The intent is to balance the body and bring all individual elements to oneness-a whole. If massage movements are jerky and sporadic, the dog's nervous system will respond in kind. A canine massage therapist can use slow, relaxing background music to set the rhythm for a massage and to maintain slow-paced, fluid movements.C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.
c.suefurman@gmail.com
www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com
This article originally appeared in the March 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.