Acupressure: Points That Heal by Amy Snow

From Animal Wellness Magazine: Chico went flying off the back porch and landed chin first on the stone below, knocking himself out. The five-month-old yellow Lab had spotted ducks on the pond 50 feet away and in his exuberance forgot that there was an eight-foot drop from the porch to the craggy rocks. Carol, Chico’s guardian, saw him mid-air from the kitchen window and went rushing out to see where he had landed. When she reached Chico, she placed the tip of her thumb just below his nose, right in the middle of his upper lip and pressed gently, then again with a bit more pressure. Chico regained consciousness, wagged his tail, stood up, shook his whole body, and went back to being his happy puppy self. Luckily for Chico, Carol had attended a canine acupressure clinic a few months earlier where she had learned basic acupressure concepts and had practiced various techniques. One technique included locating the first aid acupressure points for shock, resuscitation and consciousness (Governing Vessel 26, known traditionally as “Middle of Person”). Acupressure promotes healing in the body by stimulating specific points to resolve blockages. Blockages cause imbalance along energy pathways known as meridians. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when chi, the life force energy, flows smoothly through the meridian pathways of a four-legged or two-legged body, harmony is restored and healing can occur. Acupressure is perfectly safe, noninvasive, always available, deceptively gentle and extremely powerful. People have been using acupressure to care for animals for at least 4000 years. More than 230 generations have recognized the benefits of this ancient healing art and casework continues to demonstrate that acupressure can enhance overall health and emotional stability. Specifically, acupressure can: • Relieve muscle spasms • Strengthen the immune system • Enhance mental clarity and calmness • Release natural cortisone to reduce swelling • Release endorphins that reduce pain • Remove toxins and increase blood supply to hasten recovery from injuries Acupressure is particularly beneficial for animals suffering from acute conditions When Clay found Phoenix, an eight year-old thoroughbred rescued from the racetrack, he was in obvious distress. He was lying down in his stall, sweating and kicking at his sides. Clay checked Phoenix’s gums; they were pale white. His stomach was extremely distended. Colic! This word strikes terror in every horseguardian’s heart. Clay called her vet and he came out immediately to see if he could relieve the horse’s suffering. After administering a pain medication, the veterinarian left, hoping that this treatment would do the trick. As evening came, Phoenix’s condition worsened. He became still and quiet, seemingly resigned to dying. As a last resort, Clay called her neighbor, Lisa, who has worked with us for years, and she, in turn, called us for help. Over the telephone we were able to suggest a course of treatment that was either going to have immediate results or not. Lisa performed the treatment and within five minutes, Phoenix was up on his feet and was passing a lot of gas. His gums were pink again and his belly was no longer distended. *Picture 1 (Governing Vessel 26) First aid acupressure point for shock, resuscitation and consciousness Next Page > Published in the Fall 2000 issue of Animal Wellness Magazine

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