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Healing massage is used
to check your pet's well being. This type of massage should really
be done at least once a week. When massaging your pet gently, potential
problems
can be discovered early and corrective intervention established early
as well. Your pet will simply think of this healing massage as a more
thorough than usual petting session. Your touch should be always
gentle and comfortable. Always remember that your loving and
gentle touch deepens the bond between you and your pet.
If your pet has not been massaged before,
there are a few things to consider before you begin. First, and
most importantly, make the massage
into a game rather than something
that is tense and serious. Do not hold your pet down with force
or pressure. Massage your pet when he/she is lying down and relaxed. Work slowly and gently. Start by stroking
and petting wherever your pet most likes it, then do a few massage
techniques, followed by more stroking and petting. Once your
pet is used to your continued touch, extend
the massage time for longer periods
and do more actual massage techniques.
Giving A Powerful Healing
Pet Massage - In 6 Easy Steps
Technique:
Fingertip Massage - Hold two or three of your fingers together
and move your pet's skin in a small circular motion over the
muscles beneath the skin. As your pet becomes more relaxed, increase
the pressure, but never so hard that it hurts your pet, becomes
uncomfortable or scary. Use one hand for the massaging, with
your other hand gently holding your pet still until he/she becomes
completely relaxed. Speak quietly and gently to your pet during
the massage, letting him/her know that you are there and attentive
to his/her well-being. Now you are ready to begin...
Step 1: Foot and Paw Massage
Gently massage your pet's foot and
then the pads between them. Animals are foot shy, so move slowly*.
Step 2: Leg Massage
Next, starting just above the paw,
massage up the leg toward your pet's body. Work the hind leg
muscles and encourage your pet to relax and keep the leg limp*.
Step 3:
Abdominal Massage
From the legs move to the abdomen,
most animals will roll on their backs for this, or lift a hind
leg to begin. Cats may take longer to accept their stomachs being
touched. Make circular motions over the abdominal area, with
your two palms for larger animals, or your thumb and fingers
in a gentle squeezing motion with one hand for cats and smaller
dogs*.
Step 4:
Body Massage
Massage one side at a time, using large circular motions
from back legs to neck*.
Step 5:
Spinal Massage
Massage along either side of the spinal column, not on it, using
your middle and index finger or index and thumb. Release any
sore spots and note where they are. Don't forget the tail*.
Step 6:
Neck, Head and Ears
Massage these areas thoroughly
and spend more time where your pet seems to most like it. Massage
the neck on both sides of the spinal column, as for the spine.
Work around the nose, mouth and eyes being careful not to poke.
As for the ears, spend time stroking them from base to tip, or
gently pull them between fingers and thumb. Most animals like
being touched here*
*Taken from Ouida West,
in The Magic of Massage.
As with anything that is new for
your pet, please check with your veterinarian before beginning
a massage regimen.
 
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