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Horses are healers
by
Janice Terra
The Healing Power of Movement
Life is constantly
in motion. Everything in our world, including our planet, is in constant
state of perpetual movement. In nature, a plant continues to grow. If
it were to stop growing, or moving, it would begin the dying process.
Water that ceases to move, or flow, becomes stagnant-no longer supportive
of the life giving force within it.
Movement, then, is an essential ingredients in the quality of our life.
If lack of movement leads to a breaking down of our good health, then
it stands to reason then it stands to reason that movement, in itself,
can lead to an improvement in our health. We all are aware of this truth,
as evidenced by the number of people engaged in activities aimed at exercise,
and the many health reports extolling the virtue of "working out".
We all know this. Yet, what some may not be aware of are the benefits
of movement without intention. How very healing these movements can be.
Often, if a person suffers a trauma resulting in paralysis or semi-paralysis,
a physical therapist may move the affected limb(s) for the patient, in
an effort to remind the muscles of their function. When you are riding
a horse at a walk, every part of your body is being moved in a soft, rhythmic
manner, without your conscious intention. Every muscle, organ, and cell
in your body receives a gentle, therapeutic massage.
The movement is a slightly side-to-side motion, with a more pronounced
forward and back movement. Imagine the experience. Close your eyes and
feel this gentle, natural rhythm. Feel the comfort that it generates in
your body. Remember, this is the same motion that you experienced as an
embryo as your mother walked. Your existence was a state of pure bliss,
and you were close to the heartbeat of God. Nothing could be more natural
to your soul.
Our body so readily recalls this movement, that when it again experiences
this sensation, it automatically returns to a state of harmony. No wonder
is it, that babies are soothed by the movement of the rocking chair. The
movement heals. Many thousands have been aided in the recoveries by what
is called "Hippo Therapy." Doctors actually prescribe this type
of therapy for stroke patients and a wide range of other disorders. "Hippo"
is Greek for horse. Thus, hippopotamus means "river horse".
A female client of mine, whom I shall call Miss K., suffered a minor stroke,
which resulted in partial paralysis on one side of her body. Her neurologist
recommended that she travel to Moody Gardens in Galveston, which at that
time had the closest therapeutic horse program in the area. Miss K. related
to me that she told her doctor she did not need to go to Galveston, "I'll
just go to Janice's and ride Bobby!" Bobby was an adorable and accommodating
large pony that I owned at the time.
Miss K,'s partial paralysis made mounting and riding a full-size horse
an impossible task. Her therapy began with her simply being led around
on Bobby for short periods of time. At first she could only ride for fifteen
minutes. Tears welled up in her eyes as she experienced the frustration
of new limitations. Being the champion that she was, they were also tears
of exhilaration and determination, for at least she was on a horse, and
she knew that she would heal. I am delighted to report that she has totally
recovered from her stroke. We both give Bobby much of the credit.
Another client of mine, who had been riding for a while, was diagnosed
with lymphoma cancer. He underwent traditional radiation treatment, combined
with natural remedies- and he continued to ride. Within five to six months
he was in complete remission, and relates that he feels better now than
he ever has! I commented to him that I believed one of the reasons for
his rapid healing was due to the fact that riding had put his body in
more harmony with itself. His response was an emphatic, "Oh, I know
it was! No doubt about it!"
Such a perfect Universe have we. Such a kind and loving God, that He gives
us companions to help us heal, restore our natural state of balance, and
remind us of the bliss and harmony from whence we came.
Namiste,
my friends, until next time.
Janice
Terra
has had over twenty-seven years experience with horses. She has
been called "The Lady Horse Whisperer of Texas". Janice has
developed a unique exercise program for "Equisizing" which was
named one of the best programs in Houston by The Houston Press in
1999. She also conducts powerful riding meditations for all levels
of riders, including the "never ridden". To experience
the unique programs offered by Janice Terra: call 281-705-8188
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