As Catherine took a sweeping, cloverleaf turn onto the interstate she was thankful that she had thought to bring a travel-crate for Hugo, her new 9-week-old Saint Bernard puppy. She was taking Hugo home for the first time, and Hugo's tummy was not up to the ride - up came his little breakfast. Puppies commonly suffer from motion sickness, but older dogs can have their moments, too.
Those of us who have had the experience of a carsick dog might select a number of other words for the condition, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine regurgitation is considered "Rebellious Stomach Chi." Stomach Chi is the life-force energy that supports the stomach's ability to function properly. Stomach Chi is supposed to flow downwards, not upwards. If the Chi goes in the wrong direction, it is being "rebellious" and that's no fun for either dog or driver.
There are specific acupressure points that you can use before taking your dog in the car to help avoid having your dog experience rebellious stomach Chi. By applying pressure to these particular points, you are effectively helping your dog balance the flow of energy throughout his body so that his stomach Chi will flow in its natural direction - down.
[INSERT DOG CHART: MOTION SICKNESS / NAUSEA]
Acupressure has been used for 1000's of years for physical and emotional problems in both animals and humans. These simple techniques can resolve injuries more quickly, support the body before, during, and after surgeries, reduce swelling, minimize pain, help with calming, and immune system conditions. These are just a few of the issues for which you can use acupressure to help your animals.
Acupressure is always available and perfectly safe so you can perform a treatment whenever you suspect that travels with your dog might be a bit bumpy taxing his stomach Chi. Give it a try by just following the directions accompanying this article and consulting the acupressure point chart for Motion Sickness / Nausea. This will make for happier trails for both you and your best friend
Acupressure Treatment From Start to Finish
We suggest you perform the Motion Sickness / Nausea treatment within an hour prior to getting into the car. Of course, this treatment can be used for other times when nausea or stomach upsets are causing your dog discomfort.
An acupressure treatment is a comforting and healing experience for you and your animal. Start by finding a quiet, calm location, where your dog feels at ease. Breathe evenly and slowly while thinking about how you want your dog to feel. Once you have formulated your intention for the treatment, you are ready to begin.
[INSERT CANINE CHART: "CANINE BLADDER MERIDIAN" - Caption: To perform the Opening to an acupressure treatment, trace the Bladder Meridian using the heel of your hand, starting at the top of neck and gliding down your dog's body.
Opening
Gently place one hand on his shoulder, this hand serves as your "anchor" hand. Place the heel of your other hand at the top of his neck just to the side of his spine and stroke down his neck. Continue by smoothly stroking over his body down to his hindquarters, staying to the side his spine. Continue to stroke down his leg following the Bladder Meridian (see diagram above) line to the outside digit. Do this same stroking with the heel of your hand three times on each side of your dog. The Opening prepares your dog for intentional touch.
Point Work
For the Point Work phase of this treatment follow the Motion Sickness / Nausea Chart provided in this article. Start by resting one hand comfortably on your animal. Use your other hand to perform the actual Point Work. Hold a specific acupressure point for about 30-seconds up to one-minute. Two Point Work Techniques:
•§ Direct Thumb Technique: Gently place the tip of your thumb directly on the acupressure point at a 90-degree angle adding a little pressure.
•§ Two-Finger Technique: Put your middle finger on top of you index finger and then place your index finger at a 90-degree angle gently, but with intentional firmness, directly on the acupressure point.
Use whichever Point Work technique is most comfortable for you and your dog. The Two-Finger Technique seems to be particularly good for smaller dogs and the Thumb Technique for larger dogs.
Closing
To complete the acupressure session, repeat the stroking procedure described in the "Opening" phase of the treatment. With the heel of your hand, tracing the Bladder Meridian as shown above, stroke down your animal's body, starting at the top of the neck, just off the midline. Repeat the stroking three times on each side of his body just the way you did in the Opening. This procedure reconnects the flow of energy and establishes the new cellular memory.
NOTE: The Acupressure Session Chart that accompanies this article can be found - www.animalacupressure.com, click on Recent Articles
