General presentation
General presentation
Tellington TTouch ® Method is a form of manual therapy that promotes relaxation, increases body awareness and connectedness between two living beings.
It is a special form of non-verbal communication, which is, due to its effect on brain waves and cellular level effect, effective both on humans and animals.
It is a special form of non-verbal communication, which is, due to its effect on brain waves and cellular level effect, effective both on humans and animals.
How to perform TTouch®
Linda introduces the method:
Tellington TTouch® Method is based on circular moves, slides and strokes that are performed with fingers or hands on the body of an animal or human being. The purpose of TTouch® touches is to activate cellular functions and awaken the cell intelligence - think of ‘’turning on the electric lights in the body’’. The method can be done all over the body and each circular TTouch® is unique. Therefore it is not necessary to know the anatomy of the body to be successful in successful healing of injuries, elimination of health problems or in changing unwanted habits and behaviors.
Tellington TTouch® Method is based on circular moves, slides and strokes that are performed with fingers or hands on the body of an animal or human being. The purpose of TTouch® touches is to activate cellular functions and awaken the cell intelligence - think of ‘’turning on the electric lights in the body’’. The method can be done all over the body and each circular TTouch® is unique. Therefore it is not necessary to know the anatomy of the body to be successful in successful healing of injuries, elimination of health problems or in changing unwanted habits and behaviors.
We imagine the dial of a clock with a diameter of about 1-3 cm on the body of an animal. We place slightly bent fingers in the position of "the six" or at number six on the clock and then we push the skin around to perform a full circle and a quarter. The thumb is approx. 2-8 cm away from forefinger, but we try to feel the connection between all the fingers. If it’s possible, use your other hand and gently support the animal's body. We maintain a steady tempo and pressure, regardless of whether the touch is gentle or stronger. We pay particular attention to form proper circles.
First few magic circles can be done without any special pattern. Then we work parallel along the body and between two adjacent circles we slip over the fur with our fingers. Connected circles release, and increase self-esteem.
In most cases, the magic circles in a clockwise direction are appropriate for rehabilitation of the body. But sometimes is more appropriate to work in a counter-clockwise direction. Practice magic circles in both directions and trust your fingers if they want to move in the opposite directions.
First few magic circles can be done without any special pattern. Then we work parallel along the body and between two adjacent circles we slip over the fur with our fingers. Connected circles release, and increase self-esteem.
In most cases, the magic circles in a clockwise direction are appropriate for rehabilitation of the body. But sometimes is more appropriate to work in a counter-clockwise direction. Practice magic circles in both directions and trust your fingers if they want to move in the opposite directions.
The Pressure
The pressure of the TTouch® ranges on a scale from 1 to 9. To help you better understand the scale you need to learn the "pressure one". Gently place thumb on your cheek. Use the tip of the forefinger or middle finger to touch your eyelids and as gently as possible move the skin for one and quarter of a circle. Move the skin, not just rub it. Then repeat the movement on your forearm; this will give you a sense of pressure. Pay attention to how small the dent on your skin is when you press. This is what we call the "pressure one."
For the "pressure three" repeat the exercise on the eyelid, but push as much as is comfortable and safe. Then press again to check on your forearm and observe the depth of the dent on your skin under your fingers. Dent must be relatively small. This is called "pressure three."
If we double the pressure, we get "pressure six". We rarely use more than "pressure five" on dogs and cats. We use pressure nine on horses or humans sometimes but don’t triple "pressure three" and rather bend the first knuckles of the fingers so that the nails are facing straight into the muscle, and use "pressure three" (see Bear TTouch® and Tiger TTouch® ). This TTouch® is more pleasant for the one that performs it. A person can feel a deeper connection than he would in case of a normal, much stronger pressure with the pads.
Experiment with different pressures until you find the one that fits your animal best. We only use gentler touch on smaller beings. Larger and more muscular animals may respond better to stronger pressure, but it’s not always like that. If you treat pain or inflammation, start with pressure two or pressure three, and only then you decide which you will use.
When you learn more about different TTouch® touches, your inner voice will tell you which one to use. If the animal doesn’t feel comfortable with the specified touch, choose another. With a lot of practice, you will learn to experience the benefits for both; your animals as well as yourself.
The pressure of the TTouch® ranges on a scale from 1 to 9. To help you better understand the scale you need to learn the "pressure one". Gently place thumb on your cheek. Use the tip of the forefinger or middle finger to touch your eyelids and as gently as possible move the skin for one and quarter of a circle. Move the skin, not just rub it. Then repeat the movement on your forearm; this will give you a sense of pressure. Pay attention to how small the dent on your skin is when you press. This is what we call the "pressure one."
For the "pressure three" repeat the exercise on the eyelid, but push as much as is comfortable and safe. Then press again to check on your forearm and observe the depth of the dent on your skin under your fingers. Dent must be relatively small. This is called "pressure three."
If we double the pressure, we get "pressure six". We rarely use more than "pressure five" on dogs and cats. We use pressure nine on horses or humans sometimes but don’t triple "pressure three" and rather bend the first knuckles of the fingers so that the nails are facing straight into the muscle, and use "pressure three" (see Bear TTouch® and Tiger TTouch® ). This TTouch® is more pleasant for the one that performs it. A person can feel a deeper connection than he would in case of a normal, much stronger pressure with the pads.
Experiment with different pressures until you find the one that fits your animal best. We only use gentler touch on smaller beings. Larger and more muscular animals may respond better to stronger pressure, but it’s not always like that. If you treat pain or inflammation, start with pressure two or pressure three, and only then you decide which you will use.
When you learn more about different TTouch® touches, your inner voice will tell you which one to use. If the animal doesn’t feel comfortable with the specified touch, choose another. With a lot of practice, you will learn to experience the benefits for both; your animals as well as yourself.
Some basic touches
Clouded leopard
Raccoon
Lama