Massage is a very beneficial tool for the general health of all dogs.

Massage has a strong healing influence on all animals and humans. It can be used to recover from injuries as well as to prevent and relieve stress. It helps trigger the body's ability to heal by itself.

The following are just some of the effects massage has:

• Promotes healing by stimulating circulation
• Increases flexibility and range of motion of joints
• Relaxes and refreshes the muscles and helps to prevent muscle cramps and spasms
• Improves detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system by improving circulation of blood and lymph
• Delivers oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells which are vital for efficient function
• Helps to remove metabolic by-products from cells
• Can stimulate or have a calming effect on the nervous system and in turn the cardiovascular system
• Decreases stress and pain through endorphin release
• Resets neural impulses and re-establishes normal biomechanics

Vanessa is currently completing the National College of Traditional Medicine's Canine Myofunctional Therapy course.

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