Tui-na is a blend of massage and spinal manipulation to enhance health and well being. Tui-na literally translates as pull and push.
One technique is a rolling of the skin on the back called Nie-fa.
Dog and cats have loose skin with a layer of muscle that can twitch the skin unlike humans. When a fly lands on our back we can't shake it off by wiggling the skin, however most animals can.
Lifting and rolling the skin can feel relaxing, improve circulation and stimulate superficial nerves. It is claimed in eastern thinking to open channels and regulate Qi.
In this video Dr. Olson demonstrates on Jetta. According to Dr. Olson, Jetta gets a far-away-look in her eyes when she performs the skin rolls on her.
Dr. Kusba who is certified in Tui-Na therapy demonstrates the skin roll on her cat Fluffy.
A dog ball launcher can be even more fun when the dogs learn to load it on their own.
Here Twink using the GoDogGo ball launcher, finds entertainment and exercise as she loads the ball back into the launcher herself.
Using commands that she previously learned, such as "take" and "drop", she mastered the new task of loading the launcher in one session.
Now Twink can entertain herself with her favorite activity... fetch. However it does require human intervention so she doesn't over do it. To see the fun Click >>>>
Tom and Moo were recently in to see Dr. Karen La Vetter for their annual exams. They lined up on the window sill with the stuffed animals of the same colors which made the photo so cute.
Dr. Karen recommends that all cats have an annual examination. For the older cats of 10 years and older, every 6 months is recommended to keep them in good health.
