This is an ancient therapy with origins in Egypt, China and India. It uses a method of pressure point massage, applying pressure to reflex zones mapped out on the feet, hands or ears. Reflexology is based upon the belief that the soles of the feet, palm-side of the hand and surface of the ear mirror the rest of the body and that by working on specific areas that correspond to other regions and organs of the body, relaxation occurs and a wide range of problems can be treated. Reflexology is used to encourage relaxation and healing in the body.

Sounds great, right? Horses, much to their chagrin, lack hands. Their feet aren’t anything easy to massage so that leaves us with their ears.

I started using ear reflexology on some of the racehorses I work with routinely. Surprised that a racehorse let someone massage his or her ears, inside and out? So was I. But this one had some substantial tension to overcome in certain areas before his next race. He needed all the help he could get. I’ve had such great success with it that I incorporate a few minutes of it into most of my sessions.

During reflexology the therapist can feel different areas on the ears and, along with the response from the recipient horse, can determine if there are subtle changes in specific points on the ears. Using pressure point techniques they may affect the corresponding organ or system of the body.

Reflexology is commonly used to treat a variety of problems such as muscle tension/spasms, joint pain, injuries, stress, illness, and digestive imbalances. It is a widely accepted form of treatment in all fields of medicine. As always, this is a complimentary therapy and not meant to delay or replace proper veterinary care.

Reiki
Acupressure
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