If you’ve ever had a massage, acupressure, or any kind of healing bodywork, you know, first-hand, the amazing benefits. You’ve experienced the euphoric, relaxed state of mind and the pain-free body and peaceful soul as a result. Animals respond in kind. They too can greatly benefit from hands-on massage and acupressure to relieve stress, help heal, improve flexibility and much more.

During a recent U-FLI™ tournament in St. George, Utah, many of our dogs took advantage of Anita DeLelles healing hands. During five to 20 minute sessions, Anita performed acupressure or acu-massage on the canine athletes competing that weekend either outside on a soft blanket under a shady tree or in the privacy of an RV. From personal experience, my two dogs enjoyed the experience immensely and one even begged to go back for a second treatment the following day!

Below is a brief look into Anita’s work and background. For more detailed information, visit her website at http://www.heartsofire.com/ or call her to discuss how you might be able to avail yourself of her services.

Acupressure is founded in traditional eastern medicine. Clinical observation & scientific studies show that its benefits include:

• Reducing Fear & Anxiety

• Improving Flexibility & Mobility

• Relieving Muscle Spasms & Stiffness

• Balancing The Body's Energies

• Releasing Endorphins & Natural Cortisone

• Building The Immune System to Resolve or Prevent Illness

Anita DeLelles is a certified Level 1 Equine and Small Animal Acupressure Practitioner with accreditation from the Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute. Additionally, Anita is certified in small animal massage from the Northwest School of Animal Massage. Now living in St. George, Utah, Anita will offer acupressure therapy to animals in both southern Nevada and southern Utah. Anita shares her life not only with her husband Ron, but also her overly pampered cats and horses. She credits her cat Espresso for inspiring her into a stimulating and fulfilling career change -- the Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Animal Acupressure.

Inside Flyball: You say that you credit Espresso for getting you into this line of work. How did Espresso do this?

Anita: Several years ago Espresso, my black cat, started having seizures. After consulting vets and performing several diagnostic tests, we were told that the only option was a lifetime of Phenobarbital medication. The drug left her very disoriented and with a staggering gate. Basically she was in a constant stupor. I started researching alternative therapy and also asked friends for recommendations. One friend recommended Dr. Nancy Brandt of Las Vegas. She gave us new hope and we began having acupuncture and chiropractic sessions for Espresso. She was soon off the pheonobarb completely and free of seizures. I became interested in learning more about Traditional Chinese medicine and its benefits. My horse’s holistic vet, Kim Henneman of Park City, Utah, recommended I take a weekend acupressure workshop being presented in Las Vegas. I took the class and from then I was hooked. I knew it was what I was meant to do, finally I found a way to help the animals I love and many others. My education in the field will never end and I am reminded daily of all that these wonderful creatures have to teach us.

Espresso continues to do well, even at 13. She began having break-through seizures a few months ago and is back on the lowest possible dose of pheonobarb. Her vets are amazed at how well she is doing and claim that her dosage of medication does not even register as therapeutic. She remains alert and playful and I will forever be thankful to those that were willing to share their knowledge with me (both the 2 legged & 4 legged alike!)

Inside Flyball: Your website says that you do workshops. Is this where you can actually teach someone some of what you know so that they can apply it at home?

Anita: My workshops are usually 2 hour presentations that include information on what I do and also some hands-on demonstrations. I give a brief introduction on traditional Chinese medicine and the origins of acupressure. I encourage participants to bring their pets so I can answer questions and do hands-on demonstrations, addressing some specific issues. The workshops include some suggestions of things the pet guardian can look for themselves, such as clues to the health and condition of their pet, I discuss how to feel for hot and cold or observe changes in personality or activity. I also provide a hand- out sheet to those attending, highlighting specific points they can use for common conditions or pre- & post performance. The workshops start at $25 per person depending on the number attending and how many pets join us.

Inside Flyball: When you worked on my dogs, both of them relaxed and began to give these deep, deep yawns, which you indicated was a good sign. What exactly is happening when they yawn and why is it a good sign?

Anita: Deep yawns, sighs, licking, chewing and even passing gas are just a few of the things we look for in a release. A release is the body’s way of taking in the energy work and processing it. It means the body is better able to balance itself and begin its own healing from within. In addition, circulation increases, and the lymphatic system begins to flow and release toxins. The body organ systems are then able to better utilize the newly balanced energy. Other examples of releases include clear fluid from the nose, increased thirst and getting up and shaking, just to name a few.

Inside Flyball: I believe that body work and chiropractic and two things that can have an accumulative effect on an animal. Rarely do you see an overnight transformation but rather it helps maintain the proper equilibrium. Not to put you on the spot, but have you ever seen any inspirational transformation in any of your animals due to the body work you do?

Anita: As you say, it is unusual to witness an overnight transformation. However, I have often seen some amazing results, from my own pets to those of clients. The most dramatic for me involved a cat that came home from the vet given very little hope of recovery; basically they sent him home to die. The cat was on an IV, had no appetite and did not want to move. I did an acupressure session with hopes of encouraging his appetite. After the session I left the room planning to go back and check on him. After about 30 - 40 minutes he came wandering out of the room and sat in front of his bowl looking quite pathetic. After putting food down for him, he ate heartily! It is now 3 years later and I am glad to say that he is completely healthy and happy. Recently, while pet sitting, the dogs under my care managed to get into a bottle of medication left on a counter. After contacting the vet and getting instruction to watch them for vomiting or diarrhea I decided that a session using detox points would also help them. They all showed increased signs of thirst when I completed the sessions and spent a good part of the evening in the garden urinating. The following day they were all taken to the vet for a thorough check up and blood work. I am glad to say, the dogs did not suffer any affects of poisoning and are all doing quite well. I do not know for sure if the sessions benefited the dogs, but I do know that they certainly did some detoxing after we were done. There are also several examples of acupressure quickly helping tummy troubles including bouts of diarrhea and vomiting in cats and dogs, as well as colic in horses. I must emphasize that acupressure and massage are always best used in conjunction with good, consistent veterinary care.

Contact Information:

Anita DeLelles
Hearts O' Fire
www.heartsofire.com
Phone: 435-275-4536
Cell: 702-525-3229
Fax: 866-839-6608