Working with animals
Introduction
The Feldenkrais Method, renowned for its transformative effects on human well-being and personal growth, can also be applied to the care and well-being of animals. By promoting body awareness, efficient movement patterns, and fostering non-verbal communication between humans and animals, the Feldenkrais Method provides a unique approach to enhancing the adaptability and well-being of animals. In this article, we will explore how the Feldenkrais Method can contribute to a more compassionate, effective, and harmonious relationship with our animal companions.
What can the Feldenkrais Method offer ?
A. Touch as a Non-Verbal Form of Communication
Touch plays a crucial role in non-verbal communication with animals. The Feldenkrais Method emphasizes gentle touch as a means to establish connection, trust, and understanding with animals, guiding them towards healthier movement patterns and emotional balance.
B. Applying Learning Principles to Animals
The same principles of learning, growth, and development used in the Feldenkrais Method for humans can be applied to animals. By understanding their unique needs and adapting the method, caregivers can support the natural learning process of animals, fostering their well-being and adaptability.
C. The Importance of Movement in Life
The Feldenkrais Method emphasizes that there is no life without movement, and by improving the process of movement, we can improve the process of life. This principle can be applied to animals, enhancing their well-being and overall quality of life.
D. Supporting Animals’ Innate Capacity for Adaptation
Animals have complex nervous systems with an innate capacity for adaptation. The Feldenkrais Method creates the conditions for animals to learn new patterns of behavior, supporting their natural ability to adapt and thrive in various situations.
E. Cultivating Sensitivity to Animal Expressions
The Feldenkrais Method encourages the development of our sensitivity to animal expressions, deepening the non-verbal relationship with our animal companions. By attuning to their subtle cues and needs, caregivers can better understand and support the well-being of animals.
Some key take-aways
The Feldenkrais Method offers a powerful and compassionate approach to enhancing the well-being and adaptability of animals through non-verbal communication and touch. By applying the principles of learning, growth, and development, as well as understanding the connection between emotions and movement, caregivers can create a more harmonious and supportive environment for their animal companions. The Feldenkrais Method fosters a deeper understanding of animals, contributing to their overall health and happiness.
Interesting resources
Feldenkrais, Tellington TTouch and Animal Behavior
Is Tellington-Touch a Relaxation Technique for Dogs?
This study assessed the effectiveness of Tellington-Touch (TT) in reducing stress in dogs. Findings indicated that gentle handling, including TT, has a relaxing effect on stressed dogs, reducing stress behaviors (Toso, 2016). Read the study here
Using TTouch to Reduce Stress in Guide Dogs
Tellington TTouch was shown to reduce stress and enhance learning in guide dogs, helping improve their body awareness and balance (Lloyd & Roe, 2013). Read the study here
Effect of TTouch on Horse Behavior
TTouch was applied during hoof care for horses, showing improvements in cooperation, reduced aggressive behavior, and lower stress levels, as measured by heart rate and behavioral observations (Luštrek et al., 2017). Read the study here
Feldenkrais Method and Animal Work
Feldenkrais and Body Awareness in Animals
The Feldenkrais Method focuses on improving movement efficiency and reducing stress through awareness-based techniques, which could be applied to enhance animal welfare and training (Nelson, 1989). Read the study here
Feldenkrais ‘Functional Integration’ and Relaxation
This study demonstrates the potential of Feldenkrais-based bodywork to relax muscles and improve the contact surface in human subjects, suggesting similar applications could benefit animal welfare (Brummer et al., 2018). Read the study here
Cross-Methodology Insights
Ethical and Practical Considerations in Animal Handling
This paper discusses how touch techniques, like Feldenkrais and TTouch, align with ethical practices in animal research by improving animal welfare and reducing stress (Ferdowsian & Beck, 2011). Read the study here
Stress Reduction in Laboratory Mice
A study highlighted that gentle handling methods reduced stress and anxiety in mice, aligning with principles seen in TTouch and Feldenkrais (Hurst & West, 2010). Read the study here