Acupressure you can do on your pet at home!

Most pets like acupuncture, but everyone loves acupressure! Acupressure is like very specific petting, which pet wouldn't love that? Today I'm going to give you a few safe, but effective points that you can massage on your pets at home! Leila, my cat, LOVES to have these points massaged!

Before starting any acupressure on your pet, make sure that both you and your pet are in a relaxed state. Talk to your pet, tell them how good this is going to feel and how awesome they'll feel afterward! Always start VERY gently - barely touching the pet - gradually increasing pressure to no more than just the natural weight of your hand. Remember, this is subtle stuff, it doesn't take much to get your pet's energy activated! If your pet doesn't appreciate the acupressure, don't force the issue. It's possible that the points aren't quite right for your pet, or that they're sore. It's amazing how great pets are at knowing what's right for them!

1. Bai Hui (pronounced "by way") is located on the top of the head half way between where his or her eyebrows would be and the base of their skull where it meets the neck. This point is located between the ears. Bai Hui is great for helping calm your pet. If things have been stressful at home, or you just want to help make sure your pet is relaxed as possible, give this one a try! Massage this point using small, gentle circles.

2. Back Shu points (pronounced "shoe") are a set of points that are located all along the spine of your pet. These points are located about 1/2" to 2" (depending on the size of your pet) from the center of the spine on both sides. I like to think of these points as the dorrbells to the internal organs. When you massage these points, it's like saying to the internal organs, "Hello! I'm here and we'd like for you to come out and do your work! Help Leila be as healthy as she can!" Massage these points by stroking from between the shoulder blades down along their back to the base of their tail.

3. The insides of the ears contain what's called a micro-system. The entire body is represented in points located on the inner surface of the ears and rubbing them will activate all the systems of the body. Maybe this explains why some dogs LOVE to have us rub the insides of their ears? (Hopefully they don't have too much ear wax!) Feel free to gently rub all over the insides of the ears, avoiding the ear canal of course, and see how your pet appreciates it!

These are a great way to relax and improve the general health of your pet and it's a great way to bond to boot!