Many animal owners do not realize the wide range of natural therapies available. OUTinPerth columnist Sylvana Miller, a certified Bowen Therapist for equines and small animals, explains what different natural therapies are available and how they can help. 

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I often have phone calls from animal owners asking whether natural therapies can help their animal. While every animal’s situation is individual, most animals respond really well to natural therapies, most of which can be used in conjunction with veterinarian treatments as well as other natural therapies. There are a wide variety of therapies available that aim to assist and facilitate the body’s natural healing process.

Acupuncture – Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into the various pressure points in the body. It works on the body’s meridian lines to correct physical ailments. Acupuncture can improve such things as bladder control and digestion in some animals

Bowen Therapy – This is a remedial body technique that works across the fascia supporting the muscles to empower the body’s own healing resources and achieve balance and harmony. For many animals, Bowen is an effective treatment for physical ailments, such as hip, back and shoulder problems as well as stiffness in their movement.

Chiropractic – This is the science of locating offending spinal structures and realigning them to reduce their impact to the nervous system. It is also a philosophy of natural health care based on your inborn potential to be healthy. As it works to correct spinal alignment, it can be particularly useful in treating spinal issues.

Craniosacral Therapy – Craniosacral is a gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system, which is the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Unlike chiropractic treatment, craniosacral does not involve ‘bone cracking’. Craniosacral is often a good choice of treatment for animals that need relief from pressure in the head or have sacral problems (Note: the sacrum is a bone near the base of the spine).

Flower Essences – Also called Flower Remedies, these come from wild plants and are believed to work on an animal’s state of mind on the emotional level. They strive to re-establish inner balance and can help with an animal’s emotional or behavioural problems, such as separation anxiety when you move house.

Homoeopathy – Developed by a German physician and chemist, homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses plant, animal, mineral and microbiological sources to create medicines that can be given as small doses of liquid or globules. Homeopathic medicines aim to stimulate the body’s healing process and should be prescribed by a registered Homeopath. Homeopathic medicines are useful for a range of illnesses and ailments, such as worms, skin conditions, indigestion or nausea.

Pranic Healing – Pranic healing techniques harness Prana or Vital Force and use it to rebalance, harmonise and strengthen energy fields. According to Pranic healing theory, the causes of most physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual imbalances lie in the energy field. Pranic healing can be used to help with a range of physical or emotional issues, such as calming an animal in shock.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) – This is an ancient Japanese practice that uses ‘Universal Life Energy’ to heal. Similar to Pranic healing, Reiki seeks to treat an animal by working on the energy field. Unlike Pranic healing, Reiki tries to channel a universal energy to provide physical, emotional and mental balance. Like other energy work, Reiki can be used to treat on the physical and emotional level.

Before enlisting your animal in any treatment program, make sure you research the options available to you. Check that any practitioner you plan to visit is qualified. Most natural therapies have courses of study as well as regulating bodies that certify practitioners. Many natural therapies can also be used to treat humans, so check to see your practitioner’s qualifications in both their field and in dealing with animals. Most importantly, listen to your animal. If they are happy to go back to a practitioner for a follow up, then you have probably found a therapy that works well for your animal.