Massaging Ducks And Other Waterfowl

Today, I am looking for your help.

I love hearing from all of you who visit and read this blog. It is such a treat to get emails with comments and questions, and today I received one of the more unusual ones so far.

This question is from Leah, who is writing a book and is looking for information on massaging waterfowl. I personally have no experience whatsoever with massaging birds, so I’m posting her request, hoping that one of you have some experience and/or information for her.

Here is Leah’s email:

I am writing a novel that takes place in a zoo. One of my fictional characters gives massages to waterfowl. Would you be able to provide me with information on how someone would really massage a duck, for example I want my characters to be as real as possible. Thank-you!

Reply from Amy Snow, Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute:

Hi Leah –
Your book sounds interesting. Just wanted to note that there is Aviary Acupressure. When I was in England a few years ago, I was wandering through the used book sellers section of London and saw aviary meridian charts. Dumb me, I didn’t buy them. I’m not sure what goes on in my little mind at times like that. Oh well, another missed opportunity in a lifetime.

Despite my tragic oversight, I could tell you that there are acupressure points, AKA “acupoints,” specifically for birds. If you could tell me why the person is massaging the bird, I can give you some acupoints for the character in your book to use to enhance the massage. If that is of any interest to you.

Acupressure is like acupuncture, except we do not use needles, just our fingers. The purpose of adding acupressure to massage is to have the bodywork be more effective and more directed to the issue at hand, so to speak. Acupressurists are dealing with the balancing of the flow of energy and nutrients throughout the animal’s body; while massage is the manipulation of tissue — the two go together extremely well and address the health issues more directly.

Let me know if you are at all interested, or if it is too complicated, that’s fine. Just thought I would offer.

Regards,
Amy