Holistic Animal Care
A vision of a world where people and their companion animals live in harmony and thrive in an environment of mutual respect, clear communication and wellbeing, supported by complementary and alternative modalities is the driving force behind Kathy Kawalec’s life work.
Believing that the mind, body and emotions and spirit are inseparable, and what effects one effects the others, Kathy approaches all training, behavior and wellness issues from a holistic perspective. Looking beyond a problem behavior and identifying the root causes; or determining if the wellness issue is emotionally based is key to solving many of our companion animal's issues, as well as our own.
The methods and modalities Kathy uses are not mainstream, but are effective when used either singly or in combination. These modalities are not meant to be a substitute for, but rather a wonderful adjunct to good holistic veterinary care.
Here is brief description of each of the core modalities Kathy employs to assist people and their animals.
TTouch™
TTouch™ is a specialized approach to the care and training of our animal companions. Developed by internationally recognized animal expert, Linda Tellington-Jones, this method based on cooperation and respect offers a positive approach to training, can improve performance and health and presents solutions to common behavioral and physical problems. It also helps establish a deeper rapport between humans and animals through increased understanding and more effective communication.
TTouch™ is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch™ is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence — a little like “turning on the electric lights of the body.” The TTouch™ is done on the entire body, and each circular TTouch™ is complete within itself. Therefore it is not necessary to understand anatomy to be successful in speeding up the healing of injuries or ailments, or changing undesirable habits or behavior.
Using a combination of specific touches, lifts, and movement exercises, TTouch™ helps to release tension and increase body awareness. The animal can then more easily learn new and more appropriate behaviors. By using the TTouch™ and a variety of other tools, like the Confidence Course, you can assist the animal in experiencing self-confidence in previously frightening situations. Even the most difficult problems are often eliminated. TTouch™ can also be used to assist with recovery from illness or injury, or just enhance the quality of your animal’s life.
This gentle method is currently being used by trainers, breeders, veterinarians, zoo personnel and shelter workers worldwide. TTouch™ is valuable as a tool in the resolution of behavioral issues including aggression, separation anxiety, fears and phobias, relief of stress, and improved performance in conformation, obedience, agility and other dog sports.
TTouch™ is performed and taught by certified Practitioners who complete a rigorous 2-year training program. Certified Practitioners hold membership in an international Guild, and must pursue continuing education to keep their skills and membership current. Kathy was certified as a Practitioner in 1999, with practical experience for nearly 10 years.
TopFlower Essences
In all parts of the world since the earliest times flowering trees, shrubs and herbs have been used for healing purposes, and all parts of the plants have been used. However, throughout history, flowers have been considered to embody the fundamental nature, or essential character, of the plant and to have particular healing powers. Ancient spiritual scholars have taught us there is a direct link between the essential nature of plants and our own essential nature (or soul) and that at an unconscious level we can make contact with our own essence through that of plants and so restore harmony within ourselves. Flowers therefore have a vital healing function. Dr. Edward Bach is the pioneer in developing flower essence healing and his research led him to conclude that positive, healthy states of mind could be restored by the energies found in flowering plants, trees, bushes and special waters.
Our animal companions have emotions and feel fear, anger, jealousy, depression, insecurity and grief just like us. Flower essences are a natural method of promoting wellbeing by gently restoring the balance between the emotions, the mind and the body. The essences allow peace and happiness to return so that the body is free to heal itself as nature intended, and to allow our companions to live life to its fullest.
Flower Essences are very safe and gentle, and may be used by all animals including the young, pregnant and elderly. They may be used alone or in conjunction with allopathic or homeopathic medicines. They have no fragrance, are totally natural, non-toxic and produce no side effects.
In addition to mixing custom blends for each individual’s needs, Kathy also stocks blends to address common challenges facing companion animals such as “Calming”, a Remedy for overexuberant, high-strung or restless animals that pace, bark, chew, seem hyperactive and impatient as well as “Return to Health”, a Remedy for aiding recovery from illness or injury and for assisting geriatric animals be more comfortable.
TopReiki Energy Healing
The act of laying hands on a person or animal body to comfort and relieve pain is as old as instinct. When experiencing pain, the first thing most people do is put their hands on it. A mother's instinct when a child is feverish or ill directs her to place her hands on her baby's forehead. When a dog or cat is in pain, their instinct is to lick the area. An animal mother will lick or touch her young in distress. Touch conveys warmth, serenity, healing, caring and love. This simple act is the basis for all touch healing techniques.
The Japanese term Reiki (ray-key) can be defined as: “Rei” means “universal life force” or more instinsically “Spirit”, “Soul”, “Divine” or “Sacred”. “Ki” is difficult to understand, since there are no English equivalent or adequate words or phrases to translate well. The following paragraphs attempt at the description:
The Chinese perceive of Ch’i (or Qi or Ki) functionally in five different ways, by what it does in conjunction with the body's ability to “move”:
- Ki includes physical and mental movement like running, thinking and even growing up.
- Ki acts as an immune system, protecting the body.
- Ki changes food into blood.
- Ki holds in place vital organs and keeps the blood in its proper path.
- Ki maintains warmth in the body and is subject to what we would call lack of balance or dis-ease.
The person who is attuned as a Reiki Master has had her body’s energy channels opened and cleared of obstructions by the Reiki attunements, as well as years of working at raising personal spiritual awareness and a commitment to embracing a spiritual perspective of life on earth. The Reiki master not only receives an increase in this Ki for her own healing, but becomes connected to the limitless source. This source can be named or described in any way the healer chooses including God, Goddess, the Higher Self, the First Source, the Universe, Divine Spirit or whatever can be termed primary creation of life energy. Reiki is not a religion or affiliated with any religion; it is the source of life itself and far older than any religious philosophy.
A Reiki session begins with the practitioner placing her hands on the body, either in a specific area, or using specific Reiki hand positions. The Ki energy does the rest, without any direction, flowing through the practitioner's hands. The energy has intelligence far beyond human and will go where it is needed. It is not drawn from the practitioner or from the aura, but comes directly from the source. The energy heals on all of the body's levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Reiki allows the whole being to heal itself and will go to the root cause on any or all of the being's levels. People and animals are more than physical be-ings. We have a dense physical body and three nonvisible, nonphysical bodies that are energy levels comprised of Ki that direct the state of the physical body. Reiki and other forms of energetic healing including Flower Essences include these vibrational energy bodies.
Reiki masters are empowered with the ability to open the doors that allow distance or absentee healing. We connect with the image or name of a person, animal, place or time, allowing the energy to flow as intended. Distance healing has the same energy and power as hands-on healing.
Reiki energy work can be used alone or in conjunction with any allopathic, complementary or alternative treatment. It will not interfere, but will enhance any other treatments.
Healing the self empowers a person or animal to accept full responsibility for “intending to manifest wellness and joy in life”. A true healer is one who gently guides others to self-healing; acting merely as a channel or facilitator for love and light to flow through.
Animals prove that Reiki healing is not dependent on any belief system. Animals live in the NOW, in a state of what most of us would consider calling bliss. Since they already live in a state of perfect consciousness, it is easier for them to integrate the energies for healing. They make no judgements about the outcome of the treatment, and accept the energy with gratitude and love.
Kathy is a Reiki Master Teacher, offering energy balancing sessions for both animals and people as well as classes and attunements for those interesting in learning this ancient healing art.
TopInterspecies Communication
We usually have difficulties communicating with our friends, children, spouses and bosses — and to grasp what our companion animals are trying to tell us can be even more challenging!
Kathy truly believes we can ALL communicate with each other and with other species intuitively, or telepathically, but modern society has made that difficult for all but the most dedicated of people.
Interspecies Communication is like having a two-way conversation with an animal through pictures, thoughts and feelings transmitted telepathically, similar to radio signals.
Kathy’s work with animals and their people reinforces her belief in the profound connection that exists between humans, animals, all of nature and the universe. She believes animals are our teachers and healers and has found their lessons to be life-altering. They have so much to share with us, if we are willing to listen.
Having a strong background in horse and dog competitions, holistic animal behavior, well-being, and spirituality, Kathy can confidently discuss and interpret these topics for you and your animal companion. Unwanted behaviors, well-being issues, enhancing your relationship, improving training and performance are some of the areas that can be discussed during consultations, either in person or over the phone.
Because animals are our teachers, often their messages provide opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development for the human as well as for the animal.
TopAromatherapy
Ancient Egyptians are thought to be the first to discover the therapeutic potential of essential oils. Oils were created as fragrances, for ritualistic and ceremonial use in temples, for healing the sick and used by the high priests for enhancing their ability to communicate with the spirit world.
Essential oils protect the plant from insects and other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi and other microorganisms, and help to heal wounds. These unique characteristics make essential oils highly beneficial to humankind.
Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through inhalation. When essential oils are diffused and inhaled, aromatherapy not only delivers the calming benefits of fragrance, it also delivers the many health benefits unique to essential oils. There are many other ways to use essential oils including direct application, in the bath, through massage, and some may be used as a dietary supplement or used in cooking. There are many grades of essential oils sold in the United States, including very pure therapeutic grade oils made from organically grown plants and state of the art distillers that preserve the healing constituents. Other oils are impure, made from chemically grown plants using chemical extraction that carry their toxins into the body and can do more harm than good. Most perfume grade oils and oils sold in drug stores and supermarkets are impure and toxic.
There are safety precautions that must be followed when using essential oils, so be sure to consult a professional before using them with your animals.
Kathy stocks several oil blends she has developed, using the purest therapeutic grade oils, diluted in a pure mixing base that are very safe and effective for use with dogs and horses, helping to resolve commonly faced challenges. Her best selling blend is “Stress & Anxiety” for calming, balancing and relaxing both animals and people — it smells wonderful!
TopCrystals and Gemstones
The elements of the earth have been long used to assist in restoring the balance and vitality of the chakras for people and animals.
Gemstones, minerals and crystals have pulsating vibrations that resonate with us, helping by directing positive balancing frequencies or dissolving negative energies. Each type of crystal is known to have unique qualities, a particular vibration, that serves to enhance the well-being of a specific area of a person or animal.
Small stones are placed in tiny leather pouches, which may be placed under your pillow, in your pocket, purse, or hung from a lanyard around your neck. If the crystals are for your animals, they may be placed near their living space or strung and tied to their collar or halter if appropriate.
Kathy stocks several dozen varieties of stones that are particularly useful for helping to resolve common issues and can help with a combination most suitable for your situation. An example crystal combination for a medicine bag to assist with overall well-being is Jasper, Clear Quartz Crystal, Peridot and Turquoise. A good combination for dispelling fears and anxieties is Sodalite, Topaz, Tourmaline and Aventurine.
These are just a few of the many complementary modalities that are available to people and their companion animals, but they are the tools that Kathy uses regularly and with much success. Many species benefit from these wonderful methods and products, including people, dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, reptiles, fish —basically the wellbeing of any person or animal can be enhanced!
More information on the benefits of these tools as well as the programs offered by Kathy Kawalec at Dancing Hearts Holistic Wellbeing for Animals and People can be found by visiting the website at www.DancingHearts.org.