Could massage therapy help your horse?

Is your horse suffering from an injury or strain? Horse massage therapy may be able to bring relief and support healing. Or perhaps your horse is showing physical wear and tear from years of riding or tack that didn’t fit quite right, unbeknownst to you. Maybe your horse’s shoes were a little wrong. Whatever the reason, your horse may be sore, lame, engaging in new negative behavior or just not performing up to par. Maybe your horse needs a good massage or a series of equine massage therapy sessions.

Recently, alternative medicine enthusiasts have been rapidly spreading the word on the medical benefits of horse massage for their own horses. There has been research that supports the benefits of equine massage for health and performance. Like countless others, you might find that horse massage from a trained, experienced horse massage therapist could produce dramatic change in your horse.

So, what’s involved in horse massage therapy?

Equine massage therapy- evaluation and plan

Experienced horse massage therapists do not usually start with the massage sessions right away. Just like any other regular consultations, they begin with a health inspection of the horse before the equine therapy procedure is applied. Evaluation of the horse can include observing its physical attributes, stance, movements, and reactions to specific stimuli. All of these aspects are essential to the therapist’s implementation of the overall program he or she will be using for the horse. The massage sessions will typically start after this initial evaluation. A series of horse massage sessions including bodywork sessions and exercises will be put into play.

Types of horse massage therapy

The horse massage therapist may use acupressure points, similar to acupuncture points without the needles, when they conduct a horse massage. Others may do deep tissue work, touch your horse very lightly but effectively, use exercises, light, heat, herbs or oils, energy work such as reiki or other methods.

What you can expect from horse massage

The equine massage therapist will usually provide you with a comprehensive report of the horse’s initial evaluation and what things need to be targeted by the message therapy sessions. The report will also include observations and results from the massage therapy sessions. Whether it is a simple horse massage or a series of complex bodywork sessions, the therapist should provide you with an explanation and rationale for the massage work. The expected results should be explained to you in full detail as well.  Sometimes the results can be dramatic after the first session. Other times, many of the benefits will not be obvious for a few days or sessions. As sessions progress, you may expect your horse to show more relief and increased performance. When therapy is complete, you may also receive a post program evaluation of your horse’s performance and condition.

When should you check with your vet?

While horse massage can produce dramatic change and relief in your horse and also optimize your horse’s performance, some instances do not benefit by horse massage. You should always consult your veterinarian first to determine what is wrong and if equine therapy might help.

Get involved with your horse’s massage treatment

There are some therapists who would request your presence at the horse massage sessions as well. This is highly recommended. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and to observe how your horse is being a treated. The therapist may show you exercises to do with your horse or other pointers for your horse’s care.

What should you look for in a horse massage therapist?

Make sure the horse massage therapist you choose is trained, experienced and licensed according to your state’s laws. Some states only allow veterinarians to conduct horse massage, others require vet supervision and/or permission, and some allow licensed or unlicensed people to conduct horse massage. Check your state’s requirements. Check the therapist’s references. Certainly, make sure you are comfortable with the horse massage therapist before allowing them to work with your horse. It would be good to discuss with the therapist your goals for the massage therapy- a particular problem your horse is experiencing, general well-being of the horse or improved performance in competition.

Share your experiences with horse massage with us in the comment section below!

Learn more about the benfits of reiki for animals.

Here’s to your horse’s best natural health!

Val Lovejoy
Reiki Master and Animal Reiki Master
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com

Does your Dog Need a Massage?

Why you should consider a massage for your dog

If you know you can appreciate a well delivered massage from time to time, why shouldn’t you allow your pet to have the same privilege?  In the Western world, massage may at first seem like a basic method of relaxing muscles and reducing tension.  Eastern beliefs carry the benefits of massage much further by utilizing specific acupressure techniques.  If you have ever had an acupressure treatment, you surely recognize the unbeatable results you experienced.  This helpful treatment is not just for people.  Dog massage has been popular in the Eastern world for centuries, but now the Western world is beginning to grasp the benefits as well.

Beginning your dog’s massage

If you are interested in taking your pet in to get a treatment, it is important you understand the procedure of dog massage.  A typical acupressure session begins with simple observation.  The licensed practitioner will monitor your dog’s movement, posture and other behaviors and make notes on a chart.  These important marks of patterns on the body will act as a cue for the practitioner as he begins the work.  Before they actually begin, they will ask your dog permission by speaking softly and lightly touching the animal to make sure he is comfortable.

Important stages in a dog massage

The dog massage begins at this point with a process called The Opening.  The practitioner will run a hand down the length of the canine’s body, from the eyes to the hind foot along an energy meridian, opening the energy flow in the whole body.  The Point Work begins after preparing the dog for the treatment.  This is done with the skilled hands of the practitioner, bringing balance and healing to your pet.  The Closing is the final step, performed to complete the treatment session.  It is same as The Opening—the message therapist will run a hand from the eye to the hind foot of the dog.  This closes the session, leaving the dog feeling relaxed and refreshed.  Depending on the animal itself, age, genetics and the condition being treated, a session can last from 20 to 60 minutes.

As you begin uncovering the wonders and benefits of dog massage, you will realize that your discoveries come from your and the practitioner’s intuition rather than anything specifically based one scientific theory.  Sometimes there are patterns of pain distribution that have no explanation from a Western standpoint and yet can gain successful treatment from Eastern remedies.  Open your mind to the idea of dog massage and begin seeing the results.

What experiences have you had with dog massage?

Share in the comment section below.

Learn more about animal massage and animal reiki healing.

May your beloved dog enjoy the very best natural health!
Val Lovejoy
Reiki Master and Animal Reiki
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com

Animal Massage – Help Your Pet Feel Better

Sometimes after a busy day at work, nothing sounds more relaxing than getting a nice massage.  What about your loyal pet?  You may have never thought about it, but they could benefit from receiving a good rub down as well.  Animal massage may actually help your dog, cat, horse or other animal to live longer, healthier lives!  Pet owners are leading the popularity of animal massage as they look for more options for their beloved pets to be healthier, stronger and live longer.  Many pet owners are looking for remedies other than western medicine, and many veterinarians are responding by learning alternative healing techniques.

Acupressure and acupuncture points influence animal massage

China is home to the leading culture of acupuncture and acupressure.  These methods for treating many ailments date back thousands of years with a history in treating everyone from humans to livestock.  These healing methods are considered an art and a science by many practitioners. The difference between them is that acupressure uses the same theories as acupuncture, simply with the use of hands instead of needles.  Eastern healing techniques stem from the belief that every living thing is born with Chi, or energy, in their body.  The amount of Chi is depleted as you age, become ill, suffer from an injury or face a traumatic event.  Acupressure and massage are the means by which the flow of Chi can be restored to a person or animal.  Animal massage has begun to take off in popularity as people have seen the positive effects it has on them.

How animal massage works

As Western culture begins to grasp the benefits of acupressure and animal massage, it becomes easy to understand why the method works.  Stimulating certain acupressure points releases endorphins, can reduce pain, cause relaxation of muscles and promote highly oxygenated blood to flush toxins out of the problem area.  The ideal use of acupressure is as a preventative measure to maintain good health.  A professional practitioner will perform maintenance sessions with your pet every one to four weeks to keep them in top health.

How animal massage helps your pet

The power of animal massage is quite intriguing.  By utilizing the skills of an experienced practitioner, your pet can benefit from a healing method that can benefit a number of both acute and chronic conditions.  The number of recommended sessions for your pet will vary depending on the problem being treated, current age, lifestyle and genetics of the animal.  Receiving this rewarding treatment for your loyal pets will help you in your desire to promote a long healthy life for them.

Also, read about animal reiki and how this popular healing method can support pet’s health.

Please share your experiences with animal massage in the comment section below.

Blessings for your pet’s best natural health.

Val Lovejoy
Reiki and Animal Reiki Master Teacher
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com

The Power of Reiki for Your Pet’s Natural Health Care

Reiki is a healing treatment that is painless and gentle.  Additionally, it delivers a powerful healing punch to humans and animals alike.  In fact, animal Reiki is possibly more effective on pets than people because animals have a higher energy frequency in their bodies than people.

What is Reiki?

The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words, Rei (ray) translating to “universal consciousness” and Ki (key) meaning “life energy.”  The ancient method was restored to practice in Japan and is now gaining popularity in the Western world, as well.

Animal Reiki is a versatile treatment with the ability to treat both chronic and acute physical pain, mental instability and emotional trauma.  Reiki treatment is based on the idea that there is a line of energy running through every living thing.  This means that Reiki can provide help to anything that is alive.  Areas of energy gather into metaphorical pools in certain areas of the body, known as chakras.  Humans have seven chakras while animals share these seven with an additional eighth chakra.  Physical, mental or emotional pain and trauma can block off chakras, inhibiting the flow of energy to other areas of the body.  Reiki is a treatment designed to open up these blocked channels and restore balance to the flow of energy throughout the body.

The benefits of an animal reiki healing session for your pet

The benefits of animal Reiki can be seen immediately, even during the session itself.  The animals can become relaxed during treatment.  They may even fall asleep!  Sometimes the opposite effect takes place and the animal is energized and invigorated from the treatment.  Different reactions are the result of each specific animal and the problem that is incapacitating them.  A Reiki healing session can vary in length from only five or ten minutes to well over an hour.  The difference depends on how much healing the animal needs and how responsive they are to the treatment.

An animal reiki healing session ends when the animal has absorbed all the energy it instinctively knows it needs and slowly gets up and walks away.  Many times an animal that has just completed treatment will say “thanks” with a nose nuzzle or gentle lick.  It is truly fascinating to watch a session and observe the flows of energy opening up and being restored to a healthy level.  Remember that while the benefits of animal Reiki are undeniable and are sure to support the best natural heath of your pet, it should be used as a complimentary remedy alongside regular veterinary care.

Share your experiences with animal reiki for pet in the comment section below.

Read more about alternative healing for pets.

May you and your pet enjoy your best natural health.

Val Lovejoy
Reiki and Animal Reiki Master
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com

Lack of vitamin D linked to heart disease and other health problems

A body takes certain nutrients to function at the highest level possible.  To help take care of your body, perhaps you are looking into different supplements you should take in addition to your diet and exercise routine.  Recent studies have unveiled the importance of vitamin D in keeping you healthy.  Before these studies, it was never known how closely related a lack of vitamin D and the risks of deadly heart disease are.  These previously unrecognized relationships are being uncovered now.  The time has never been so apparently important to consume vitamin D supplements.

Fifty percent or more of people may have vitamin D levels that are too low

Linked with heart disease are other risk factors including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.  Several comprehensive studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D led a person to be two times more likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke or other condition connected with heart health than a person with higher levels of vitamin D.  Deficiency of this important nutrient is at a staggering level—50 percent of adults and children who are otherwise completely healthy have low levels of vitamin D.  There could be several reasons for this, one of which is a decreased amount of un-sunscreened time spent in the sun.  This is a difficult one to argue, however, because spending too much time in the sun can lead to sun burning and skin cancer.  There are other methods you can take to get your vitamin D, including taking vitamin D supplements.

Lack of correct sun exposure levels can lead to dangerously low vitamin D levels

While the most natural source of vitamin D is from the sun during the more intense hours of the day, like 10 a.m. to 2 pm, there are other, safer ways to get the nutrient.  Vitamin D supplements can deliver the precise amount of vitamin D you need without danger of overexposure to the sun.  The recommended dosage for those younger than 50 years old is 200 international units (IU) and more as you get older, up to 600 IUs if you are over 70 years old.

Foods rich in vitamin D

As you try to continue to care for your body, consider the importance of vitamin D supplements in your diet.  Focus on eating particular vitamin D rich foods as well, like salmon, sardines, dairy foods and fortified breakfast cereals.  If you suspect you have a vitamin D deficiency, there are blood tests that can be done to screen whether you have any risks at your level.  It is easy to restore high levels of this vital nutrient in your body by careful sun exposure, eating the right foods and taking daily vitamin D supplements.

Iodine is another little known nutrient that is vital to your health.

Iodine- the secret supplement for healthy weight

Many people have the goal of losing weight.  Did you know that iodine supplements can help keep you from gaining excess fat and pounds?  It does not work alone to do this, but rather iodine stimulates the production of an essential hormone that acts as a body fat reduction tool.  This hormone, which many people trying to lose weight are already familiar with, is called the thyroid hormone.  The thyroid gland is situated at the base of the neck and is responsible for maintaining proper body weight.

Iodine, thyroid and metabolism

The body does not need over excessive amounts of iodine to trigger the thyroid gland.  The absence of it, however, has a highly negative effect on the body.  The thyroid plays a critical role in accelerating the body’s metabolism rate.  Metabolism refers to such aspects of digestion as the rate of food absorption to the biochemical reactions in the body that produce the end products of food and convert it to energy.  When thyroid production slows, it directly inhibits the rate of your metabolism.  One of the most obvious side effects of a slow metabolic rate is obesity.  People with thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism, are more likely to become obese.  Taking iodine supplements may be an astonishingly simple way to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Negative effects of too much iodine

Anyone who has a low natural iodine production in their body can counter it by taking iodine supplements.  This will balance the level of iodine in your body if you take the proper amount.  As stated above, the body really needs a small amount of iodine to be successful, so over consumption of iodine supplements could also be a negative thing.  Too much iodine can cause damage to body tissues and cells, so for safe consumption, consult a doctor.  He or she will be able to assist you in determining a dosage level over a certain period of time.

Additional weight loss tips

Along with the consumption of dietary supplements, it is important for anyone looking for visible weight loss results to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.  Taking supplements is one step towards producing measureable results.  It is also important to understand that iodine supplements are designed to help you maintain your current weight and prevent weight gain.  To lose even more weight, consider using green tea diet supplements and other supplements such as omega 3 fish oil.  However, for thyroid stimulation and maintaining a healthy body weight, iodine supplements may be just what you need!

Folic Acid- the B vitamin you must know now

Dietary supplements are very important for maintaining proper health during this time when diet alone is often not enough to get the nutrients you need.  Once it may have been possible to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals a body needs to function at its top level, but with minerals in the soil being depleted, once mineral-rich foods are starting to lack what they once used to deliver. 

Many foods are naturally good sources of folic acid, like whole grains, beans and dark green vegetables, but storage and cooking diminishes the value of the nutrient.  To counter this, you can take dietary supplements.  Some of the most important vitamins you can take, especially for women’s health, are folic acid supplements.

Folic Acid critical for prenatal baby health

Folic acid is a B vitamin necessary for the body to produce red blood cells and maintain a standard metabolic rate.  It is particularly important for women to take folic acid supplements when they are pregnant because it can help prevent birth defects and promotes a healthy fetus spinal cord.  Folic acid provides benefits that go way beyond prenatal health, however. 

In both men and women, folic acid supplements help keep your heart healthy and can treat such conditions as depression, arthrosclerosis, epilepsy and gingivitis, among many others.  Folic acid both helps prevent you from getting these ailments and can act as a treatment if you are already suffering from any of them.

Folic acid helps your heart by lowering homocysteine levels. 

High homocysteine levels leads to arteries becoming vulnerable to plaque buildup because of the impairment of blood vessels.  Plaque buildup leads to higher risk of heart disease, so taking folic acid supplements to lower levels of harmful material in your body will help prevent heart disease.  It is clear that everything in the body is connected and related when you learn that a high level of homocysteine is also linked to depression.  Lowering those levels is effectively how folic acid fights depression.

Watch out for negative side effects

While folic acid supplements make great additions to any diet and exercise regimen, negative side effects can occur if you consume too much.  The recommended dosage is around 400 mcg a day, although people in particular categories, such as pregnant women and the elderly, may need to consume more.  The dangerous level does not begin until you reach levels around 5,000 mcg.  Still, it is wise to consult with your doctor about the precise amount that is best for you and your needs.

What are your experiences with folic acid supplements?

Please share them with us in the comment section below.

Read about the little known benefits of green tea diet supplements.

Green tea is a super health food. 

Studies show that there are several beneficial aspects of taking these health supplements as a part of your regular diet.  Many people understand the health benefits of drinking green tea every day, but perhaps they do not enjoy the taste or lack the time to brew a cup every morning and afternoon.  If you fit into the category of people that want the benefits of green tea without actually drinking it, green tea diet supplements may be perfect for you.

The benefits of green tea are widely known and recognized.

Green tea is used for treating many ailments-

• acne 
• other skin problems
• heart health
• weight loss
• and more 

 Cups of green tea, as well as green tea diet supplements, have caffeine to give you an energy boost when you need it.  However, many people wish to avoid caffeine because it is a stimulant and can cause harm to your body over a long period of time.  For people with such concerns, there are decaffeinated green tea diet supplements available, as well.  The supplements still contain all the health benefits, simply without the caffeine.

Green tea is well known to assist with weight loss. 

This is because green tea has a high content of EGCG, an antioxidant which increases metabolic rates naturally.  A faster metabolism means increased calorie and fat burning capabilities, a very important aspect of losing weight.  The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you intake.  Consuming green tea diet supplements to naturally increase your metabolism speed is an effective way to help you lose a few extra pounds.  You may want to lose weight for several reasons, most of which are directly health related.  People who are overweight have a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke, and they are also at a higher risk of heart disease.

For a healthy, natural way to increase your overall health, consider green tea diet supplements.  The list of benefits goes beyond what has been mentioned here.  If you are hoping to lose weight, whether to increase your self esteem, improve your health or both, green tea diet supplements make for a safe, natural way to lose weight.  Compared to other weight loss products on the market today, none can boast such overall health benefits as green tea.

How has green tea helped your health?

Please share in the comment section.

Get a boost of energy here.

May you enjoy vibrant natural health,

Val Lovejoy
Natural health consultant and reiki master
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com

Kabbalah Reiki – A Combination Of Two Healing Arts

Reiki works with internal energy centers and Kabbalah means to accept or receive, so it is easy to see why these two esoteric arts have come together to form Kabbalah Reiki. The energy centers in Reiki are called Chakras, this is a Sankskrit word meaning wheel. There are seven of these Chakras in Reiki. They are inside the body and each of them represent different energy channels.

The  Seven Chakras Important to Optimal Natural Health

The Chakras are: The crown chakra – Sahasrara, the Third Eye chakra -Ajna, representing the forehead, the throat chakra – Vishuddha, the heart chakra – Anahata, the solar plexus chakra – Manipura, the sacral chakra – Svadhisthana, the root chakra -Muladhara.

These Chakras line up from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. They are defined by both color and energy, each color being the same as the colors of the spectrum, or a rainbow if you like. So they start with red at the base of the spine and move up through orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet or white at the crown. They are also representative of an emotion which is able to obstruct the Chakras. What Reiki does is clear the energy centers when they are blocked by anxiety, stress, trauma, frustration or the inability to deal with problems.

Chakras Unblocked by Reiki

Reiki is able to efficiently unblock Chakras and place the body in a state of harmonious function. In other words, it creates a balance between body and soul and allows for the effective functioning of the recipient. It also works as a key to discover underlying problems by unblocking and balancing the appropriate Chakras.

Kabbalah is also an alternative healing art.

It is believed that Moses brought this oral law known as Kabbalah down from Mount Sinai at the same time as he brought down the Ten Commandments. It is a tradition which helps to understand the true meanings of hidden messages in the Torah.

What is the Tree of Life?

Kabbalah healing is based on the Tree of Life and 11 spheres known as Spherot. These Spherot are Keter-Crown, Da’at-Knowledge, Hokmah-Wisdom, Binah-Intelligence, Hesed-Mercy, Geburah-Power, Tif’eret-Kingdom, Nezah-Triumph, Hod-Glory, Yesod-Foundation and Malkut-Kingdom. Interestingly, another meaning of Kabbalah in terms of the Hebrew root word, is to “find parallels” referring to the parallels between space, time and soul.

Disorders and illness influenced by limitations and constrictions

The relationship between Kabbalah and healing, much like the relationship between Reiki and healing, is contained in the perspective that “illness”, particularly mental disorders (stress, tension, anxiety, etc) , is a result of constricted consciousness. In Reiki, this is blocked Chakras or energy channels. In Kabbalah, it is Mitzrayim-Egypt which means limitations or straits.

Health and healing are supported by expanding consciousness

Egypt is symbolic of entrapment and it is the responsibility of the Kabbalah healer to assist the patient to be released from their own mental Egypt. The result of this release is aimed to allow the receiver to achieve a state of Yod-Hay-Vav-Hay (pron; Ado-nai) or expansive consciousness.

Constricted consciousness is limiting and is referred to in Kabbalah as Elo-him. This means a world which is ruled by only rational and natural laws. In the state of Ado- Nai, there is a harmonious working of the past, present and future all together. It is much the same as Reiki where unblocking the Chakras allows the receiver to be able to reach a higher state of consciousness.

 How have limitaions and constrictions contributed to your illnesses?

How do you breakthrough, expand and unblock when you are stuck, sluggish or ill?

Please`reply in the comments section.

You can experience reiki alternative healing right now.

May you be blessed with increased wisdom and your best natural health,

Val Lovejoy
Reiki Master
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com

Reiki natural alternative medicine is a great adjunct to surgery- pre-op, during surgery, and post-op recovery.

 
Reiki is an alternative healing energy given through a trained practitioner or reiki master.

 
Reiki encourages your maximum strength and health before surgery.

 
It will help harmonize your energy so you are more prepared for surgery. Your surgical procedure can be supported on all levels- physical, mental, energy and spiritual.

 
Continue reading to find an actual distant reiki healing for surgery- reiki pre-op and reiki post-op recovery.

  
Reiki is a powerful yet gentle, harmless healing energy. It is an ancient healing method believed to be used many hundreds of years ago in India and Tibet. It was rediscovered by Mikao Usui in Japan nearly one hundred years ago.

Reiki is a universal, subatomic healing energy similar to chi or prana, the universal life force energy talked about in yoga and ancient martial arts.

 
Anyone who is trained and attuned by a reiki master can perform reiki. The attunements simply open and prepare the way for reiki to flow through the practitioner to you. Reiki has become extremely popular and is one of the most common hands- on alternative healing techniques.

 
Reiki balances and harmonizes your energy.

It helps remove energy blockages and helps the life giving energy of your body to flow smoothly and properly.

Reiki, given in a treatment (either in person or distant), will flow to the part of your body and health that needs the most support and balancing.

 
You can have a circle of reiki practitioners and masterssend you reiki before, during and after your surgery. The multiplying effect of such a reiki circle can be very boosting to your feelings, strength and recovery. Join the Tribe of Thrive (see sidebar to join our email and RSS feed) and help send and receive reiki on a worldwide scale.

 
Reiki during surgery can help you maintain balance and harmony during the procedure.

  
This is especially powerful during such an invasive treatment as surgery.
 

Many reiki beneficiaries have reported reiki has helped their procedure go more smoothly and comfortably.

 
They have reported lower stress and more positive outlook. And many reiki receivers feel reiki has helped encourage a fast and smoother recovery after surgery.

 
Reiki should continue to be received after surgery.

 
After that invasive procedure, the body, mind and spirit can be a little off center, out of balance. Reiki helps to rebalance the body, mind and spirit post surgically. This, in turn, supports a speedy and strong recovery.

 
This ancient, powerful, harmless technique usually feels quite good to recipients. Sometimes the effects are very subtle; other times they are more positively noticeable.

 
Here is an actual reiki distant healing for pre and post surgery.

 
Reiki healing energy is embedded in the words themselves. This special reiki distant healing is sent to you by Val Lovejoy, Reiki Master. Print it out and refer to it whenever you want some reiki energy healing before and after your surgery.

May you be blessed with reiki healing energy – now – before your surgery. May you be strengthened, balanced and prepared for a successful procedure and a return to vibrant health.

May you receive the profound power of reiki natural medicine – now – after your surgery. May your recovery be swift and complete, leaving you more naturally healthy than before.

You can rest comfortably knowing the wisdom of reiki is healing you now, going where it needs to go and doing exactly what is needed for your healthy body, mind and spirit today, in this moment, and in the days to come.

  
Know that you are more deeply loved and cared for than you can possibly realize.

 
How has reiki helped you when you have needed surgery? What else do you do to prepare or recover from surgery?

Please share with us in the Comments section.
  
Receive more reiki healing.

 
May you be filled with vibrant, natural health,
 
Val Lovejoy
Chi Energy and Reiki Master
www.ThriveNaturalHealth.com