After reading YHD’s 3-part series on TTouch, I hope you have a better understanding about your own capacity to create health and wellness for your dog. Many people lead busy and stressful lives with sometimes very little time to spare for their canine companions. People sometimes believe they have to set aside a half-hour or a whole hour in order to properly massage their dog. Not so. It’s amazing how a basic massage stroke here and a TTouch there can have a cumulative effect on your dog’s sense of well-being, both physically and mentally.
In today’s article, I am going to cover the most basic massage stroke for animals–effleurage.
Effleurage stimulates the circulation of body fluids. These long, flowing strokes also enhance your dog’s sense of interconnection between body regions. Effleurage is often used as an introductory touch, familiarizing your dog with the sensations of massage. This stroke produces a feeling of calm and relaxation and prepares your dog for the rest of the massage session. It also works as a stand-alone touch to relax the body. Effleurage is one of the most common animal massage strokes.
How to do:
You can administer this stroke while your dog is lying down, seated, or even standing. If your dog is lying down, set the atmosphere of the location by dimming bright lights and turning off any distracting sounds from the TV or other electronics. You can even play relaxing music with slow and simple arrangements.
Ask your dog if he wants a massage. Get him used to the word “massage” and its association with something pleasant. Using the flat of your palms, slowly move each hand (one after the other) in long, flowing strokes along your dog’s body. Move in the direction of coat growth. A soft and relaxed hand can move over the contours of your dog’s body with greater ease. If you are working on one region of the body with one hand, lay the other hand on the torso with a passive yet supportive touch. Breathe deeply. Practice intent. Be in the moment. Your dog will pick up on a “busy mind”, so use this time to create a relaxing space for both you and your dog. If you set aside regular times for massage, pretty soon you dog will be coming up to you and “asking” for a session.
Watch this video demo of the Effleurage stroke:
Try this on your dog. What is her reaction? Notice the softening of the eyes. This is a sign of relaxation. Treat your dog to the positive sensations of canine massage.
