Imagine constantly being severely overstimulated by the world around you. For people with anxiety disorders, PTSD, trauma, ADHD or autism, this overwhelming feeling is a daily reality. These people suffer from sensory or sensory sensitivity. The way sensory stimuli are processed in the brain is unique to each person. A person who is sensory sensitive reacts more than average to the sensory stimuli that come in and, as a result, is constantly stimulated, and sometimes so strongly that it can lead to such things as fainting, heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks or severe emotional reactions.
However, a unique solution is gaining ground and changing lives in surprising ways. Deep Pressure Therapy (also called deep-pressure stimulation) by a dog is a natural, effective way to help someone with sensory issues feel calmer and more in control. In this post, I write about this innovative technique of deep-pressure stimulation by a dog, name its benefits and how it might help you, too, if you are struggling with the above symptoms.
To understand the benefits of Deep Pressure Therapy by a dog, it is important to know what the Deep Pressure Therapy technique means. Deep Pressure Therapy or deep pressure stimulation means using gentle pressure to massage the body. This can be through pulling, firm stroking, physical pressure, cuddling or swaddling. This relaxes the nervous system. You can apply pressure in various ways: with massage aids, hands, cloths or psychiatric assistance dogs specially trained to give deep pressure therapy. When given properly, the therapy has an organizing and calming effect on the nervous system and makes the recipient feel calm and peaceful.
Deep Pressure Therapy by a dog is a technique used to calm people with anxiety, stress or sensory problems. The basis of Deep Pressure Therapy is that the dog's weight is used to apply a deep, calming pressure to the body. This pressure can exist as the dog leans against his owner, sits on his lap, gives gentle pressure with his head on the Nervus Vagus nerve or lies on the trunk. But how does this work? The answer lies in the body's response to pressure. When a dog applies firm, even pressure to the body, it causes the release of various hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin. These hormones help reduce stress and anxiety, promote feelings of relaxation and happiness. They even lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Every day I deal with the many stimuli I receive; from smells and sounds, to images and energies of other people around me. And from the reactions of things on my skin to information and news I get to hear. You name it; everything stimulates me in a superlative way. And that can then lead to cramps in my body, pain in my muscles, fuzziness in my head (which prevents me from thinking clearly) or strong emotional reactions.
Fortunately, Sophie offers me help very often. As soon as I feel stress rising, I give her a command to come on my lap or, if the situation allows, let her lie on my torso. The pressure she then provides allows me to relax more, calm down and reduce the stress.
In addition, it works preventively. If I foresee that I will be in a situation that is very stressful for me, I call her to my lap in advance. This way I manage to cope with the situation better, reduce the tension in my body and stay calm.
The calming effects of Deep Pressure Therapy by dogs go beyond simply reducing anxiety and stress. This natural method can provide a range of benefits for people struggling with a variety of problems. For people suffering from chronic pain or muscle tension, the weight of a dog can help relieve discomfort and promote relaxation. In addition, DPT can improve blood flow and circulation, which is beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis or inflammation.
In addition, DPT can provide a sense of safety and security. The weight and presence of a dog can provide a sense of connection and camaraderie, which is especially important for people struggling with social or emotional issues. This sense of security can also lead to better quality sleep, as the calming effects of Deep Pressure Therapy can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
In general, Deep Pressure Therapy works with dogs by utilizing the body's natural response to pressure to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. The benefits go beyond the immediate calming effects, as it can thus also relieve pain, promote overall sleep quality and improve emotional well-being.
Deep Pressure Therapy can be particularly helpful for people with anxiety or stress. It is also known to benefit people on the autism spectrum and those with sensory disorders. In addition, many people with chronic pain or conditions such as fibromyalgia also find relief from DPT.
Children and adults with ADHD or ADD disorder can benefit from Deep Pressure Therapy, as it can help them calm down and focus. Furthermore, people suffering from PTSD or other forms of trauma, depression, schizophrenia or Tourette's syndrome may find Deep Pressure Therapy to be a useful form of therapy.
And people with physical conditions, such as restless legs syndrome or osteoarthritis, can also experience benefits from Deep Pressure Therapy.
Thus, Deep Pressure Therapy can provide relief for many people; both for specific conditions and for promoting overall emotional and physical well-being.
Looking ahead to the future of Deep Pressure Therapy, I am positive. You notice that awareness of its benefits is growing, leading researchers and practitioners to look for innovative ways to make this therapy more effective and accessible.
Thus, various scientific and other studies are taking place:
Research is also being conducted on the use of smart textiles that can deliver pressure and vibration in precise ways, creating a more personalized and effective therapy experience.
In addition, Deep Pressure Therapy is increasingly being used with other therapeutic approaches, such as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. By combining different approaches, therapists can create a more holistic treatment plan that addresses a wider range of symptoms and problems.
As these and other innovations continue to develop, Deep Pressure Therapy will become an even more powerful tool for treating anxiety, depression and other mental and physical disorders. And as more people discover its benefits, it will become more widely known and used more often.
In short, Deep Pressure Therapy is, in my opinion, a promising form of help that can change the lives of people with mental or physical conditions. Through the use of gentle pressure, a dog provides pain relief, a sense of comfort and security, and helps a person feel less overwhelmed. As Mother Teresa once said, "The greatest good is what we do for each other," and Deep Pressure Therapy with a dog is a wonderful example of that feeling in action.
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