Canine Anxiety & Stomach Chi
Canine Anxiety & Stomach Chi
By: Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources
There are many causes for anxiety in humans and pets but the more research they do on gut microbiome the more the more they are finding out about the gut brain connection. So if you have a stressed out pup diet may be another tool you can use to help alleviate their anxiety.
Nearly 30 percent of dogs may exhibit signs of anxiety, which may include excessive barking, trying to escape, excessive energy, destructive behaviors and even aggression. Increased intake of omega-3 fats had a calming effect on anxious dogs and led to improvements in behavior. Bifidobacterium longum, a type of beneficial bacteria, was effective in reducing anxiety in anxious dogs.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, St 36 is used to balance out the gut support immune function and help with anxiety. Apparently the TCM practitioners made this connection thousands of years ago. So, St 36 is a key point for point for anxiety and here are a few more to help out.
A Few Points for Your Anxious Pooch…
Ki 27 is found between the sternum and the first rib, two finger-widths off the ventr
al midline. This acupoint brings up and releases old issues and serves an anxiety release point.
GV 20 point is located right between her ears at the mid-point of the dog’s head. This acupoint clears brain and calms the calms the mind.
Ht 7 & Pe 7 are located in the depression between the tendon and the ligament. There’s a natural depression and pretty easy to find just above the bend in the wrist - hold bold sides just above the wrist. These 2 points clear the mind and calm the spirit. Great relaxation points and pups seem to really like this one. If you can work the points on both front legs, super! And, if they only let you work one, that is OK too.
St 36 – To locate St 36, find the front of the knee and slide your finger down into the little groove on the lateral side of each knee. This point serves double duty it calms the mind and helps with any kind of physical stress that produce anxiety . It is also a great immune point and supports the immune system in case it has been over stressed. In addition, St 36 is great for nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting, which can be caused by anxiety as well.
The Bai Hui point is found at the lumbar sacral space, on the dorsal midline. It is a calming point and most dog’s love to have it scratched.
To find out more ways to help your dog, view our books, and dive right in to doing an acupressure session for your pup!