People often explore many different avenues of health, from prescription medication to diet and exercise plans to alternative and holistic options. Why not do the same for our animals? This fall and winter, we will be featuring articles from Melanie Hampton, owner of Serenity Pet Massage. Melanie will share information about alternative treatment options for pets that she uses in her practice.

In this first article, Melanie explains the basics of pet massage and Reiki and how each of these practices can improve the overall health and wellbeing of your pet.

Massage for our animals?

The history of massage therapy dates back thousands of years to ancient cultures who understood and believed in its medical benefits for humans. Massage helps people cope with and alleviate the effects of stress, physical ailments, and emotional imbalances. Now, we are finally using massage to comfort and help our furry friends!

The benefits that dogs get from massage are similar to the benefits that we get. Massage relieves stress and postoperative pain and reduces anxiety, muscle tension, and pain. Massage increases range of motion, lowers blood pressure, and promotes relaxation.

Massage should be thought of as preventative medicine.

Think about changing the oil in your car or brushing your teeth, animal massage works much the same way. You’re making a small investment to prevent larger costs in the future. Massage is not a “cure-all” or a replacement for veterinary care, but when used in conjunction with regular exercise, good nutrition, and regular wellness checks, massage therapy can be a vital tool in increasing the quality of our pets’ lives.

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is an energy healing treatment that works holistically, on the whole body, mind and spirit. Massage works on the physical body, whereas Reiki works with an animal’s energy system. The healer acts like a bridge to bring wisdom, guidance, and healing to living things of the earth. An energetically balanced body allows an animal, even one with a serious injury or illness, the ability to care for and heal itself more efficiently when relaxed.

Reiki treatments are used to relieve stress and pain, induce relaxation, release emotional blockages, and accelerate natural healing. Reiki has been clinically studied with humans and scientifically proven to work. Quite often, I will incorporate both techniques during a session, especially if a dog is very anxious, to help them relax and get the most out of their session.

I am trained to work with dogs, horses, and cats. Scroll down to see some examples of pet massage and Reiki during sessions.

Our best friend’s health and companionship is priceless!

Melanie Hampton

Serenity Pet Massage
Registered Veterinary Technician
Certified Canine and Equine Massage Therapist
Healing Touch for Animals – AP® and Reiki Practitioner
Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist
Pet Tech Instructor
Certified Canine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner

(919) 436-3306
melanie@serenitypetmassage.net
www.serenitypetmassage.net

Find Serenity Pet Massage on Facebook.

*The top left photo (horse) and bottom photo were taken during a Reiki session.