Over the decades, the regulatory picture surrounding animal massage in the United States has been a bit like an etch-a-sketch, constantly shifting and frequently unclear. Individual states generally associate animal massage either with veterinary care or human massage, neither of which truly provides a satisfactory legislative definition for either consumer or practitioner. The precarious nature […]
Q&A: Healing Crystals (and more) for Shelter Animals
Today’s post is a reader question about healing crystals, in particular which ones to use with shelter dogs. Our experts weigh in on this subject, and also share a few other ways to help. Q: I’ve recently started working with crystal healing, mainly for myself. I work in an animal shelter, and am in charge of […]
Q&A: Keeping Horse Hooves Healthy
Today’s post is a reader question about horse hooves: Q: What is the healthiest way to take care of horse hooves? And is there any benefit to have your horse go barefoot for any length of time? If so, when? Lola Michelin, Northwest School of Animal Massage: For many years, this was my weakest area […]
Q&A: How To Get Rid of Fleas
Our experts answer a question about fleas from one of our readers: Q: Is there any way to get rid of cat fleas without using chemicals? Lola Michelin, Northwest School of Animal Massage: Yes, although it takes commitment and diligence and even then, results vary. Anywhere the cat spends time has to be heat cleaned […]
Q&A: How To Get Referrals from Veterinarians
Q: How can practitioners of alternative therapies get referrals from veterinarians? What can someone just starting out do to develop a relationship with a veterinarian (that will hopefully lead to referrals)? Building relationships and collaboration are important parts of any successful business, and when your business is complementary animal health, building those relationships with veterinarians […]
Let Your Reiki Light Shine
One of the courses we teach at Northwest School of Animal Massage is Reiki, an energetic modality tracing its origins to Japan. Although Reiki is not a massage modality, it is undoubtedly a valuable tool for anyone practicing massage. Anyone can learn Reiki and in fact, Reiki energy in its many forms is at work […]
Q&A: Working With Marine Mammals
Q: I would like to work in the aquatic area of massage or physical therapy with dolphins, etc. Where do I start and what kind of specialized training is available for that specific field? Answer by Cattie: What an unusual and very interesting question you ask! I forwarded it to Lola Michelin because I know […]
Animal Massage, Masajes Animales, Dongwu Anmo, Massage des Animaux
This past November, I had the good fortune to visit Guadalajara as a guest of the Jack Y Junior TV show. My hosts, Mary and Jaime, have taken their years of news broadcasting experience and created a show for pet owners in Mexico. Based on the lives of their own animals, their show explores different […]
Q&A: Treatment Options For A Dog With Pinched Nerve In Back
Q: Our dog has a pinched nerve in his back creating back leg weakness. We’re looking for treatment options. Lola Michelin, Northwest School of Animal Massage: Pinched nerves are serious business indeed and once your veterinarian has had the opportunity to diagnose the degree of trauma and the location, there are many therapies that will […]
What Is Manual Ligament Therapy (MLT) for Animals?
Manual Ligament Therapy is a revolutionary osteopathic massage technique that was developed by Arik Gohl after years of working on people with chronic muscle tension. MLT, as it is commonly known, is based on the work of Dr. Hugh Logan and the research of Dr. M. Solomonov PhD. I was immediately impressed with the fast […]