HEALTH & WELLNESS
EQUINE THERAPY Resident Submission
by Jen Stockett I have been in a lot of therapy. I sat on couches and told stories and left many sessions feeling worse than when I walked in. Telling the stories was important, but I also needed something more. I’d had my horse for a while when I signed up for a “Horsemanship” class. Things were going fine until the instructor said something to the effect of, “Show that horse whose boss.” I’m a human, so I can’t literally melt, but in every other way, I melted. My mind swirled, I cried, and left the class early. I knew I couldn’t move forward in my horsemanship until I did some personal work. I looked up therapists covered by my insurance. I happened upon a therapist who had a PhD in psychology, and used horses as a way to facilitate healing. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect combination. I started one of my beginning sessions by telling a story. As I talked to the therapist, I also walked their horse, Daisy, a beautiful Arabian. She was a gentle, calm,therapy horse. My story was about a time when I had been too afraid to tell my comrades what I really wanted. As I talked, Daisy pushed my back with her nose, over and over again. (She has never done this before with anyone, nor has she since.) As I talked about my past, and she kept nudging me, I finally realized the similarity of the situation to the story I was telling. In frustration, I exclaimed, “I’m so tired of being pushed around! There has to be a better way!” That is when Daisy walked around me,
put her head on my chest, and I cried long and hard. Daisy stayed there while I sobbed into her forehead. When I was done, I felt lighter. Daisy then took her position at my shoulder and didn’t push me anymore; she just walked beside me as my partner. Talk about an animal’s sixth sense. Since that day, I have had many amazing therapy sessions with horses. I have also learned
from my own horse. Most people who go to equine-assisted psychotherapy don’t have any previous experience with horses.. It isn’t needed. I feel lucky to have found this therapist and her horses. My life is better because of their help.
What is Foot Zoning? Resident Submission by Teralyn Smith
becoming congested and out-of-balance.
Foot Zoning is when a Foot Zone Practitioner accesses the body’s nerve signal system in your feet. They do this by using their hands to massage the foot with methodical rolls, presses, or sliding of knuckles and thumbs along the tops, bottoms, and sides of your feet. This helps the body to balance, rejuvenate, repair, detox and increase energy. Most Foot Zones last between 1 – 1 ½ hours.
What are the benefits of Foot Zoning? Improved blood circulation Rejuvenation of cells Elevated energy Restored balance to the body A sense of peace & mental clarity Encouraging the removal of toxins & waste. Cleanses lymphatic stagnation Releasing of stored emotions Helps stimulate the Vagus nerve Relieve stress Improved sleep
Why should you try a foot zone? Because of the environment we live in today, our bodies can become weighed down with chemicals, toxins, pollution, and negative pentup emotions. This often leads to our bodies
When should someone NOT receive a Foot Zone: If they have had surgery within the last 6 – 8
weeks Have a transplanted organ Had chemotherapy or radiation in the past Currently have internal bleeding If there are any foreign objects in the body, such as metal or plastic. How to prepare for your Foot Zone: Come with clean feet Wear comfortable clothes Drink plenty of water the day before How Often should you get a Foot Zone? This really depends on your body. I suggest every 4 – 6 weeks, but some people like a session on a weekly basis because of how good it makes them feel. November 2021 |
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