Looking for an all natural alternative for your cat’s health – one that you can administer yourself?
Reflexology is a growing trend amongst pet owners that believe their pets should have access to the same natural health options that they choose.
Any stress related condition can experience relief through the science of reflexology.
Before you dismiss the impact of stress, you have to understand that stress contributes to 80% of all major illnesses and plays a crucial role in almost all veterinarian treated condition. Some of the conditions that reflexology can assist with recovery include: heart conditions, stomach complaints (from diarrhoea to constipation), urinary tract conditions, and ear infections.
Signs that your cat may be suffering from stress could include skin conditions, stomach upsets, cystitis, and behavioural changes.
We know that stress is contagious and animals are not immune to catching our stress. Practising reflexology will help lower both your and your cats stress.
“Reflexology is the theory that the ears, hands and feet of a person or animal represent a perfect microcosm or map of the whole body.” Gently massaging these trigger points you are able to relieve stress throughout the body.
It is easier to start using reflexology on a kitten as some cats don’t like you touching their paws. However, if you choose your time when approaching your cat – nap time is always better than hunting time or play time, and you approach your cat respectfully, then usually they understand your good intentions toward them.
A basic guide to the anatomical regions reached by paw reflexology is as follows:
- Toes or the tips of the paws: Represents all the points for the head face and neck.
- Upper paw pad: represents every organ, structure, or gland in the chest cavity.
- Middle paw pad: represents all the upper abdominal organs such as stomach and pancreas.
- Mid-lower paw pad: represents the urinary and lower digestive systems.
- Tops of the paw: represents shoulders, and lymphatic system, milk teats and limbs.
- Inner edge of the paw and lower leg: represents the hip and spine.
Similar reflexology points for the body are found in the ears.
Before beginning a massage is it wise to check for any thing that may cause the cat discomfort. Such things include cuts, bruises, blisters, abscesses or foreign bodies (thorns etc.). Always be gentle and responsive to your cat’s wishes if they are not in the mood, or wish to end the session.
For more information on the techniques of reflexology and reflexology zones get a copy of Jackie’s excellent book Reflexology For Cats.
Source:Vicky Anderson Pet Magazine.
