Definition: a non-diagnostic, non-invasive, hands-on system of bodywork addressing the whole animal with an organized series of unique, gentle, vibrational moves over soft tissue. On the practical level: the Equine/Canine Touch is a comprehensive technique that has the capability to affect the whole animal - body and mind - as these two cannot be separated. Optimizing the function of the soft tissue, balancing the nervous system and positively affecting the body energetically this technique can ‘open the door’ for the natural healing (physical and emotional) to work to its potential.
The Equine/Canine Touch moves, gently performed over the fascia, muscles, tendons and ligaments, can bring about positive structural and functional changes within the soft tissue. Individual parts of the move, applied in synergy, can help to release the tight muscles, improve the blood and lymphatic circulation, allow neuromotoric re-education and increase the awareness of the nervous system.
‘Non-diagnostic’ means that we are not performing any kind of diagnostic procedures to find out or name disease or illness; nor do we address that particular problem with specific techniques. The additional ‘areas of concern’ work is carried out as a result of observing the animal’s reactions during the session and noticing the state of the soft tissue, without any particular therapeutic focus being applied to any specific problems or disease.
‘Non–invasive’ means that the modality does not use invasive, deep, painful or forcing techniques during the session. ‘Hands–on’ indicates that hands are used to perform specific moves over the animal’s body without using any tools, instruments or machines.
‘Holistic’ explains that the whole body is addressed as a unit. As with other non-invasive, hands-on modalities, the Equine Touch/Canine Touch is a positive factor in maintaining good health in the animal. It is not a cure for any disease and it is not a replacement for allopathic (veterinary) medicine.
Proving the Effects of Bodywork: To establish and prove a theory as to how any individual bodywork technique works is a difficult, if not almost impossible, task. From the scientific or medical point of view, it is extremely rare to find several clients presenting identical problems, causes and symptoms to examine and research in order to statistically prove the effects of the bodywork. Typically, we can judge and ‘dissect’ the individual techniques only by considering the achieved results or noticeable effects on the individual animals.
On many occasions, it is still virtually impossible to explain any phenomena that have appeared after the session, or to explain why they have done so. No recognized, established theory relating directly to the respective modality can adequately do so. However, I will try to offer an understandable explanation as to how I believe the Equine/Canine Touch may work, based on all the knowledge and experience that I have available to me at this time.
The Importance of Relaxation
Relaxation is a general effect of the session that is both visible and immediately recognizable. Often, the only point that skeptics are able to agree on is that complementary modalities can directly induce relaxation. An extremely important part of Equine/Canine Touch and one of its primary goals is the relaxation of the animal. The relaxation is a true prerequisite for healing, as it decreases stress and triggers the release of many important substances and hormones important to the healing process. In this state, the body can maximally utilize its inborn ability to heal and cure itself, returning it to a healthy and functional state.
The Technique – Known as the ‘Move’ and How it Works
As previously mentioned, the Equine/Canine Touch is rooted in a specifically defined, unique technique with the non-invasive move. One Equine/Canine Touch move on its own includes three parts: the slide, the bump and the glide. Each part of the move works at a different level and in turn has its own recognizable effect on individual structures. First, the gentle ‘slide’ of the skin works with the sensitive superficial tissue (the skin and fascia). While the skin is being stretched during the slow ‘drag’, it is actually being isolated from the underlying layer, allowing the superficial fascia to be stretched at the same time. This stretch is subsequently locked in place and held there for a certain time (the ‘bump’). Even after that brief period, the release of the layers can often be seen and felt.
Working with the most intelligent and most ubiquitous tissue in the body – the fascia – allows us to affect not only the superficial layer of the body and the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint capsules, but also blood and lymphatic system, nerves and even internal organs. Fascia is the connective tissue of the body, wrapping it totally from top to toe, from outside to inside, and covering organs, vessels and muscles. The freeing up of the fascia’s adhesions and residual contractures, while improving the pliability and suppleness of the myofascial system, also helps with local blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as nerve supply.
The release of the fascia also helps to improve the general flow of body liquids, due to minimizing the external pressure of them surrounding tissue that can easily have compressed the vessel, interrupting the normal circulation. If the increased pressure is applied on the nerve endings or is impinging the nerve roots, the normal function of the part of the body that is supplied by that individual nerve is temporarily impeded – consequently, pain is presented.
The second part of the move (the ‘bump’) is applied using steady pressure focused on the deeper layers of soft tissue. Slowly and gradually, pressure is presented in a downward manner which will further increase the primary stretch of the skin, as well as compress the tiny capillaries under the fingers or thumbs. During this time, the blood supply is reversibly cut off and local ischemia occurs. Immediately after releasing the finger pressure (upon completion of stage three, the ‘glide’), the body’s reflex delivers enough fresh blood to replenish all the relative cells there.
This blood flush is called hyperemia and may last for a considerable time. The fresh blood brings with it nutrition and oxygen, while at the same time flushing away the waste products such as carbon dioxide, excess lactic acid and other accumulated toxins in the tissue.
The improved blood circulation is not only at the site of the fingertip pressure, but also in the wider area around this spot. The effect of the ischemic compression may also be supported by the release of histamine and acetylcholine; two very powerful vasodilatation chemicals. This facilitated blood flow is usually accompanied by improved lymphatic drainage and, in conjunction with manual manipulation of the soft tissue, encourages the detoxification.
Balancing the myofascial system can play an important role in breaking the pain spiral. Reducing pain aids the immune system, while at the same time improving the healing potential. Helping to restore local homeostasis brings about the positive changes so necessary for the healing of the whole individual.
Digital compression (the steady pressure that is applied and held during the ‘bump’) is also recognized through stimulation of the nerve endings and pressure receptors as the creation of body awareness. This is especially important in the re-educating part of the rehabilitation process. While the first and second parts of the move are mostly concerned with addressing and working with the fascia and skin, the third part of the move (the ‘glide’) focuses on the deeper layers, the belly of the muscle and its attachments – the tendons and, on occasion, ligaments. The cross fiber move separates the fibers as well as creating a vibration that causes a mobilization of the muscle within the surrounding tissue. This gentle, vibrational resonance helps break down adhesions and unwanted fibrous structures in the tissue. Lengthening of the muscle during the glide can also help ‘reset’ the spindle cells, which, when confused after injury, often hold the muscle in a shortened manner. Working across the origin and insertion of the muscle (tendons – wherein lie the Golgi receptors) may bring relaxation of the entire muscle as a result of reflex (due to inhibiting the muscular tonus).
Eastern Theories Applied to the Technique
In the Equine and Canine Touch, as in all energy associated modalities, there is room for many theories from the Western point of view to the Eastern, with frequent stops along the way. Certain effects of the Equine/Canine Touch can be achieved by stimulating specific reflex points in the body. Many moves are performed over the sites of acupuncture points. Addressing the reflex points on certain parts of the body can also have a positive effect upon the inner organs, a fact recognized and described by both allopathic medicine (as viscerosomatic and somatovisceral reflexes) and Eastern medicine (as an effect of stimulating the acupuncture points and meridians).
The move itself is recognized as having inherent energy properties. Experience and working with qualified acupuncturists has shown us that the Equine/Canine Touch moves performed over the meridians tends to ‘clear’ the pathways and assists in restoring the flow of Ki energy. Perhaps, with time, all these explanations will fade as future research becomes more scientific and all encompassing.
Statement of Fact
Equine Touch and Canine Touch are not a therapy or a treatment. The Practitioner cannot and will not diagnose. The Equine Touch and Canine Touch are not designed or intended in any way in whole or in part to be a substitute for orthodox allopathic veterinary practice. All Equine Touch/Canine Touch Practitioners, as well as students learning these modalities, are members of IETA-UK & Ireland , the Professional Association of the Equine Touch Foundations’ Modalities and are required to comply with standards of training, practice and the IETA Code of Ethics.