Your dog is in pain. You know Tellington TTouch could reduce the pain and bring comfort, but your dog clearly does not want to be touched, even by you. What now? Here are two TT techniques that can bring comfort and promote healing without adding to an animal's stress and discomfort. Air TTouch We use the 1 � circle that is the foundation of most TT, but with a twist. Rather than forcing TTouch on an animal that really does not want to be touched at all, we make our circles in the air an inch or so above the dog's body. When we do this, we are working in the animal's energy field, which surrounds and permeates the body. Everyone has an energy field, so feel free to try this on a human friend! As always, begin in least threatening place on the body, as far from the wound, break or other source of pain as possible. Make the air circles as round as possible, moving slowly, breathing deeply in and out. As you work, imagine you are turning the lights back on in each and every cell. When you approach the source of pain, be soft, be careful, be aware. If your arm and/or hand feels fatigued, take a break, shake out your hands, relax. When ready, continue. Often an animal receiving air TT will respond in some way. If the response is an attempt to get away, honor that by moving to another part of the body, or taking a break . "Hearing" and honoring what our animals tell us builds trust! Linda Tellington Jones loves to sing "Every little cell in my body is happy! Every little cell in my body is well!" I sometimes sing it quietly to an animal "Every little cell in your body is happy" Keeps me breathing, and strengthens the intention for healing. And animals don't judge our singing skills! :) BED OR BLANKET LIFT Pain causes animals... human and non human... to hold their breath. Holding the breath seems to intensify pain. It's a vicious circle. Inspiring them to breathe improves the situation right away. TTouching and offering treats often does the trick, but an animal in pain will frequently refuse both. When that happens, we use the dog's bed or blanket to gently relax and stimulate the body. Use both hands to take hold of an edge, preferably near the animal's back rather than head or legs. Lift the edge up a few inches, pulling it taut as you do. This will slightly lift the part of the animal's body nearest your hands. Hold this position for a few seconds, then release as slowly as you possibly can. Move a bit, the width of your two hands, then repeat. Imagine you have all the time in the world to do this. No rush. No stress. The lift to the body is slight, we are not picking up the dog! Do this lift all the way around the blanket or bed. Stop and take a break from time to time. Give the animal an opportunity to express what's going on with it. You may notice the animal is breathing better long before you complete this lift, but continue anyway. As a student in TT training, I experienced being the animal on the blanket as others lifted and released. The positive results ... relaxation, deeper breathing, feeling of relief and well being... came quickly. This technique is also helpful for people confined to bed or unable to move around freely. Another simple, powerful TT tool. As you do the blanket lifts, the animal's breathing improves, oxygen goes to the brain, the organs, and finally, via the blood, oxygen reaches the skin. Often this will help the skin to relax and soften, making TTouch less threatening. Stroking the Energy Field - not TT, but helpful! With your full hand soft and relaxed, gently stroke the dog's energy field, an inch or so above the body, from nose to tail. Take time, notice what you feel. Injuries radiate heat, so when you find heat, imagine your hand absorbing the heat and then lift your hand and shake off the heat. Repeat a few times, then move on. Continue stroking the energy field, moving down the sides, still going front to tail, until you've covered the entire dog. Check in with yourself to be sure you are breathing! As you stroke, hold the intention of cleansing and soothing the energy field. Work for only a couple of minutes, no longer. Flower essences always help in stressful situations. Green Hope Farms' Animal Emergency Care is a gentle, powerful support for immediate stress and ongoing illness or injury. www.greenhopeessences.com. Also helpful is Bach's Rescue Remedy, widely available. Enjoy Fall!
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