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Relieving Digestive Issues in Dogs Using Acupressure

Digestive problems in dogs are not only uncomfortable for them but also worrisome for pet parents. Issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and poor appetite can be caused by stress, diet changes, or even underlying health conditions. While traditional treatments and dietary adjustments are common ways to address these problems, acupressure offers a natural, non-invasive way to support your dog's digestive health. In this post, we’ll explore how acupressure works, its benefits, and specific acupressure points that can help relieve digestive issues in your dog.

Understanding Canine Digestion and Common Digestive Issues

Digestive health is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. When digestion is compromised, your dog may experience symptoms such as:

  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy

These symptoms can result from various factors, including stress, diet, allergies, or illnesses. Regular digestive discomfort can impact your dog’s energy levels, behavior, and quality of life, making it essential to address these issues early on.

How Acupressure Supports Digestive Health

Acupressure, a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body to improve the flow of energy, or "Qi." In TCM, the body’s internal organs and systems are interconnected through energy channels. By stimulating acupressure points related to the stomach, intestines, and digestive system, you can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support healthy digestion for your dog.

Benefits of acupressure for digestive health include:

  • Improved blood circulation to the digestive organs
  • Relief from bloating and constipation
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Calming effects that ease stress-related digestive issues
  • Enhanced appetite and digestion

Key Acupressure Points for Relieving Digestive Issues in Dogs

Here are some effective acupressure points that can help improve your dog's digestion. Be sure to apply gentle, steady pressure and observe your dog’s comfort level.

ST-36 (Zusanli)

    • Location: On the outside of the hind leg, just below the knee.
    • Benefit: Known as one of the most powerful points for overall health and vitality, ST-36 is especially effective for promoting digestive health. This point helps stimulate the stomach, improve appetite, and relieve bloating.
    • How to Use: Apply gentle pressure for 10–15 seconds, repeating 2–3 times. If your dog seems comfortable, you can increase the duration gradually.

    SP-6 (Sanyinjiao)

      • Location: On the inside of the hind leg, just above the ankle.
      • Benefit: This point is beneficial for the spleen and stomach, helping to relieve gas, bloating, and poor appetite. It’s also known to promote overall relaxation, which is especially helpful if your dog’s digestive issues are stress-related.
      • How to Use: Use your thumb to apply gentle pressure for 10 seconds on each leg. Repeat 2–3 times.

      CV-12 (Zhongwan)

        • Location: On the center of the abdomen, about halfway between the bottom of the rib cage and the navel.
        • Benefit: CV-12 is a central point for stomach issues and helps relieve bloating, nausea, and indigestion. Stimulating this point can aid in digestion and alleviate discomfort in the abdomen.
        • How to Use: Gently massage this area in small circles for 10–15 seconds, observing your dog’s reaction. Avoid pressing too hard, as this area may be sensitive.

        BL-21 (Weishu)

          • Location: On either side of the spine, just below the last rib.
          • Benefit: This point is specifically linked to stomach health and can help relieve indigestion and nausea. BL-21 supports the digestive system by promoting blood flow to the stomach area.
          • How to Use: Gently press on each side of the spine, applying light pressure with your fingers for about 10 seconds on each side. Repeat 2–3 times.

          LI-11 (Quchi)

            • Location: On the front leg, near the elbow joint.
            • Benefit: LI-11 is known for reducing inflammation and promoting healthy bowel movements. It’s especially helpful if your dog is experiencing constipation or irregular bowel movements.
            • How to Use: Apply light pressure with your thumb for about 10 seconds, then release. Repeat a few times on each front leg.

            How to Perform Acupressure on Your Dog

            If you’re new to acupressure, here are some tips to ensure your dog feels comfortable and relaxed during the session:

            Create a Calm Environment

              Choose a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can relax. Make sure they’re either sitting or lying down comfortably, and try to keep the session as calm and soothing as possible.

              Apply Gentle Pressure

                Use your thumb or fingertips to apply gentle, steady pressure to each acupressure point. Avoid pressing too hard; the pressure should feel relaxing, not painful.

                Watch for Your Dog’s Reactions

                  Observe how your dog responds to each point. Signs that they’re enjoying the session include relaxed breathing, sighing, or leaning into your hand. If your dog pulls away or seems uncomfortable, stop and try again later.

                  Keep Sessions Short and Consistent

                    Aim for short sessions (5–10 minutes) a few times a week. Consistency is key with acupressure, so regular sessions will yield the best results over time.

                    Additional Tips for Supporting Your Dog’s Digestive Health

                    Acupressure is most effective when combined with a holistic approach to your dog’s digestive health. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

                    • Maintain a Balanced Diet: Make sure your dog is getting high-quality, easily digestible food suited to their age, size, and health needs.
                    • Provide Plenty of Fresh Water: Hydration is essential for digestion. Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
                    • Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise can help improve digestion by encouraging healthy bowel movements and reducing stress.
                    • Minimize Stress: Dogs can be sensitive to stress, which often impacts their digestion. Try to keep a consistent routine, avoid major changes, and provide a calm environment for your pet.

                    When to See a Vet

                    While acupressure can help relieve mild digestive issues, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian if your dog’s symptoms persist or worsen. Digestive problems can sometimes indicate more serious health issues that require medical attention. If your dog experiences severe symptoms, such as vomiting, blood in the stool, or prolonged loss of appetite, seek veterinary care immediately.

                    Final Thoughts

                    Acupressure is a gentle, natural way to support your dog’s digestive health and can be particularly helpful for dogs experiencing mild digestive discomfort. By learning a few basic acupressure points, you can provide comfort, promote relaxation, and help your dog maintain a healthy digestive system. Incorporate these techniques into your routine, and enjoy the bonding time with your furry friend as you help them feel better naturally.

                    Testimonials

                    I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Certified Canine Massage Practitioner Tracey
                    Sciarra over the past 2 years at Animal Wellness Center of OC (AWCOC) in Costa Mesa, CA. In
                    addition to my role as acting medical director at AWCOC, I also provide integrative therapy to
                    patients with various health conditions.

                    The adage "health in motion" promotes wellbeing through movement, avoiding stagnation that
                    can lead to pain and ill health. But what if our patients are not well enough to actively exercise?
                    We have congestive heart failure patients who are under strict activity restrictions by the
                    cardiologists or patients in advanced stages of neuromuscular diseases with limited mobility.
                    Even though they cannot actively exercise to reap the benefits of "health in motion," we can still
                    keep things circulating and moving in their bodies through canine massage. A well performed
                    canine massage can increase range of motion, relax muscle spasms, improve blood and fluid
                    circulation to assist healing and eliminate toxins.

                    As a veterinarian and acupuncturist, I understand the importance of complementary therapies in
                    managing musculoskeletal issues and enhancing overall health and fitness. Additionally, healthy
                    pets can benefit from massage too! A session with Tracey leaves patients in a relaxed state that
                    can promote further well-being, emotionally, behaviorally as well as physically.

                    Tracey has consistently impressed me with her expertise and dedication to improving the health
                    and comfort of those in her care. In addition to her technical expertise, Tracey is a reliable,
                    responsible, and compassionate individual. I am confident in her ability to work alongside
                    veterinary professionals to provide the best possible care for our mutual patients. If you have
                    any questions or would like further information, please contact me at staff@thefamilyvet.net.

                    Thien-Nga Tran, DVM, L.AC.


                    I'm happy to write this referral letter for Tracey Sciarra, who worked with us as an independent
                    contractor at VCA PetPoint Medical Center & Resort. We are a 4-doctor veterinary general
                    practice with a grooming salon and a resort that provides daycare and boarding for our patients,
                    and Tracey was a trusted partner in providing dog massage and walking services to our
                    patients.

                    Tracey consistently impressed us with her professionalism, reliability, and her genuine love for
                    animals. She was always on time, very thorough, and took excellent care of all the dogs she
                    worked with. What stood out most was her remarkable ability to keep the patients calm and
                    comfortable during their sessions. The dogs absolutely loved her presence, and it was clear
                    they felt at ease in her care. She had a special knack for reading their body language and
                    adjusting her approach to suit each individual animal, which made her an even greater asset to
                    our practice.

                    What really impressed us was Tracey's communication with pet parents. She always made sure
                    to give them detailed, thoughtful updates after each visit, which the pet owners really
                    appreciated. They often shared how much they valued the personal care Tracey provided for
                    their pets.

                    While Tracey was an independent contractor and not directly a member of our team, she fit in
                    seamlessly with our practice. She was always easy to work with and adapted well to the variety
                    of services we offer, from medical care to boarding. Her calm, friendly demeanor made her a
                    favorite with both our patients and their owners.

                    I'd highly recommend Tracey for any position that involves working with animals. She's
                    dependable, skilled, and truly cares about the pets she works with. If you need any more
                    information or want to chat further about Tracey's work with us, feel free to reach out.

                    Genessis Lopez, Hospital Manager

                    Tracey has been a true angel in our lives. She has a beautiful and warm energy about her that animals respond to and an intuition about how to connect with them on a deeper level. My senior Maltese, Sophie, adored her. For the last months of her life, we increased the massages so that Tracey came to our house 3 times a week. It was a joy to watch my dog be so lovingly cared for.

                    At one point, when Sophie was teetering on the edge of life, Tracey changed her schedule and came to massage her. She had been listless all day, but during the massage, she raised her head, and by the end, she was sitting up and requesting treats. I believe Tracey helped to save Sophie's life that day.

                    Tracey became a big part of our lives, coming to massage Sophie whenever I had to be gone for a longer period of time. She had a key to our house, and I trusted her completely. It gave me great peace to know that Sophie was having a special treat while I was gone, her own connection with Tracey independent of me.

                    After my girl passed, Tracey played the singing bowls for Sophie for the first time, to call to her soul and help her transition. Tracey was at her house, and I was at mine, but | could feel an intensity in the air and knew that Sophie was there with Tracey at that time. It was a deeply spiritual moment honoring Sophie, and one that I'll never forget.

                    If you are lucky enough to have an opportunity to have Tracey massage your fur baby, please do it. I can think of no greater gift for your pup.

                    K. Keith

                    My Borzoi have been receiving in home massage for many years. I started with a Borzoi who passed away several years ago. If she was eating and Tracey showed up for her massage she would drop the food out of her mouth and run to the massage bed. I am grateful Tracey could give her that enjoyment out of life towards the end.

                    One of my Borzoi is elderly. She sees Tracey pull up in front of the house and she races to the couch and lays down waiting impatiently for her massage. I attribute at least some of her longevity to how well she responds to her massages. Not only does it mentally relax her, but is also helps her joint circulation and her liver challenges. She has been dealing with liver challenges for three years now and her lab work has actually improved.

                    My boy also loves his massages. He injured himself as a teenager getting away from a swarm of bees. His massages minimize his aches and pains. He loves them as much as my girl. From my perspective, Tracey is compassionate and kind with the dogs. She is also very professional. My dogs will continue their massages until the end of their lives, which I hope is very long.

                    Liz Ciaccio

                    My husband and | would like to share our highest recommendation for Tracey Sciarra's physical therapy/massage services.

                    We have a 16-year-old, 75-pound Golden Doodle named Rudy. Rudy is able to walk, but is now unable to get up on his own. We have been taking him to an Animal Wellness Center for acupuncture and massage therapy since 2022.

                    When he started seeing Tracey, we began to see improvement in his range of motion and strength. Rudy sleeps while Tracey works on him and then he sleeps the rest of the day, which shows us how effective it is for him.

                    Tracey is so kind to Rudy. We believe that she has helped his quality of life and has improved and managed Rudy's pain. We also believe that her work is prolonging Rudy's life with us.

                    Bottom line, having Rudy see Tracey is the best thing that we could ever do for him.

                    Mary Ann and Alan Benson

                    I have had the pleasure of knowing Tracey Sciarra professionally for over 10 years. When I met her, she was single handedly running her own pet sitting and walking business. Some of her clients were my patients and I frequently recommended her for her professionalism, expertise, and compassionate nature.

                    I always received positive feedback from clients and they quickly become her "regulars" because of her reliability and warm personality. For a time, I got to benefit first hand when I hired her to care for 2 of my elderly dogs when I could not give them their regular mid-day walks. I could tell by their excitement and wagging tails how much they enjoyed their time with Tracey.

                    When she obtained her certification for massage and aromatherapy, I saw her in action as she performed her massages right in my facility with dimmed lights, blankets, and soothing music. The dogs would practically fall asleep as she massaged them and of course they moved better and felt better after their therapeutic sessions.

                    With her expertise, professionalism, and gentle demeanor, I am confident she will continue to impress any future clients. They and their pets will be in good hands with Tracey!

                    Deena Leong, VCM

                    Tracey Sciarra is truly one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. She is currently coming over to our practice for Canine Massage, and has consistently demonstrated a high level of dedication and strong work ethic. I have worked with her for many years in the veterinary profession, and she is always reliable and dedicated. Tracey has a tremendously positive attitude, and everyone enjoys her intelligence and sophistication — always a pleasure to be around. She has an excellent attention to detail, is very bonding with the clients, and always maintains top compassion for the pets. She is very much a team player, and always offers to help.

                    Tracey is highly successful in the veterinary world, and I am sure everyone she meets will share in my highest regard for her.

                    Dr. Kathy Wentworth, VMD

                    | am thrilled to write on behalf of Tracey Sciarra, recommending her for canine massage and acupressure. Tracey has worked at the Animal Wellness Center of OC just over two years, as our primary canine massage practitioner.

                    Tracey sees many of our repeat patients monthly. Our pet parents often rave they feel like they get as much relaxing benefit as their dog.

                    Tracey's patients often peek into the treatment room where she performs amazing massage. If they could talk, they would ask "When is my next appointment with Tracey?"

                    Overall, Tracey is a wonderful and passionate person who cares deeply for her patients and their human companion.

                    Barb West