Holistic therapies don’t just help people – they can be really beneficial for our pets too. Emma Seddon, Light Therapist and Amber Kelly, Cranio Sacral Therapist, talk in particular about their healing work with horses and its astonishing results.
EMMA SEDDON – LASER LIGHT THERAPIST
I stumbled into laser/light therapy for animal healing when my own horse got injured aged 3. The wound was very deep, became infected and the healing process using conventional veterinary medicine was very slow.
The open wound was over his fetlock joint so every time he moved/got up/ lay down, the wound would reopen. Scar tissue was also building up and I was worried that not only would this be unsightly but longer term it could affect the function of the joint and his movement. Given that he had been bred to do dressage, this could have ended his career before it had even started.
I had a friend who specialised in equine low level laser therapy and I contacted her to see if she could help. She explained that the low intensity light is ideal for soft tissue injuries and she was sure it would be beneficial. She was based in Kent, not local to come and treat him regularly herself, so she sent me one of her light therapy home-use units and instructed me how to use it.
I used it almost daily for a month and the results were incredible. I could literally see the wound healing and closing up before my eyes. It was unbelievable what shining light onto a wound could do.
It was at that point – having seen it for myself – that I knew I wanted to share this knowledge with others. After extensive research and attending various training courses, my company, Two plus Four Laser Therapy, was born.
How does it work?
Research shows that shining light of a specific wavelength at certain frequencies enhances cellular function. Think of a tree or a plant… light is absorbed by the leaves and converted to energy (photosynthesis) and the tree grows.
Animals (and humans and all living creatures) react in the same way. Cells have the ability to absorb photons emitted by the light device and convert them into useable energy. This added energy results in pain relief and healing at a rate the patient wouldn’t otherwise experience.
What other animals do I treat?
The light will penetrate fur and feathers so all animals can benefit from light therapy depending on their condition. Horses and dogs seem to be the most popular pet clients but I have also successfully treated cats and rabbits.
Why do I love treating animals?
They are so genuine. They can’t hide their pain and they have no concept of the placebo effect. So, watching them respond to the laser therapy throughout the treatment is fascinating to watch. They connect with it on a purely vibrational and energetic level.
What are the most common animal conditions treated?
To be honest the list is endless, much the same with human conditions… they all respond so well to the light therapy.
Here’s just a few:
AMBER KELLY – EQUINE CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Like us humans, horses have a complex anatomy and nervous system, so they can get anxious and are easily traumatised. Trauma in horses can end up leading to habits like wind sucking or head shaking or at a basic level poor behaviour and as a result they can end up fearful and challenging to ride or be around.
With such a powerful strong animal such habits or behaviours can mean their human owners can struggle as a consequence. Often people buy horses not knowing their start in life and the quirks that may be ingrained or become apparent at a later date. Again like us, they need to spend a long time with their mothers to feel safe and connected in the world. However, sadly, they are often weaned too early and are left with a poor sense of inner security.
Supporting horses with Craniosacral Therapy can really help them to feel safe, calm and most of all, relaxed. By positively affecting the nervous system horses can move out of flight and flight mode and into a more parasympathetic state (think soft and calm) and this can help rebalance them. The result is a more peaceful animal. Of course, lots of other things will affect them too. And just like children, they ideally need to live in an environment that continually supports them and helps them to feel safe.
I have treated horses that have had falls and they have been left with a minor injury (sore back) but of more concern they have been skittish and nervous as a result. Craniosacral Therapy helps them to process that memory or trauma and release it. When horses release during a treatment they lick and chew and will drop their head and look like they are falling asleep!
Craniosacral Therapy can help with back problems, head shaking, head injuries, lameness, TMJ/TMD (tempromandibular joint dysfunction) as well as unexplained behaviour such as bucking, refusing, rearing, shying, spookiness, difficulty in making transitions, grinding teeth or difficulty chewing food.
Treatments given on a regular basis also help horses which are worked hard in competition such as show jumping, eventing or dressage. So even if your horse has had a good start in life and enjoys her interaction with the world, a Craniosacral treatment can keep her happy, balanced and content.
“I wanted to let you know that Alfie was SO chilled for days after his treatment!! I took him out for his first affiliated dressage competition the following week and he was so chilled and lovely… and we won!!”
If you are interested in anything that you’ve read here then please contact emma@seedwellness.co.uk or amber@seedwellness.co.uk for more information.
Please CLICK HERE for details on Light Therapy
Please CLICK HERE for details on Craniosacral Therapy
Keep In Touch!
By signing up, you’ll receive a monthly update on all things Seed – new classes, forthcoming events, workshops & retreats as well as expert wellness tips & advice. To see how we use your data please click here