Comprehensive Integrative work for horses, dogs & cats. Utilizing the subtle energy work of Acupressure, Somatic Therapy, PEMF & Cranial Sacral Technique in addition to canine and equine massage therapies to help facilitate neurological re-education of soft tissue. Utilizing the brain to re-set patterns of contraction, muscles & associated soft tissue can once again be accessed for movement that is balanced, strong, and free from inflammation and discomfort.
I am Elise McMasters. I first began my studies of massage & bodywork in 1997. My first study was in human therapies, yet by 1999 I had stepped into Equine Sports Massage Therapy with Don Doran in Ocala, Florida. From that point forward I continued with study in both human and animal therapies. Always drawn to the exquisite experiences that the animals brought to their sessions, I began to slowly and steadily re-focus my work in that direction. I realized early on that all of the human work was possible for the animals as well, and chose to discover more ways to apply all the modalities that would best serve the animals.
Equine Massage Therapy led to Small and Large Animal Acupressure certification with Tallgrass Animal Acupressure. That led to certification in Canine Bodywork with Caninolgy in Calistoga,, Ca. Eventually, certification in Equine Hanna Somatics, through the Novato Institute, opened a whole new approach to reaching an animal’s body through their brain - truly an exceptional way to access the central nervous system to make profound and long lasting alterations. Seeking yet again for a deeper understanding of the brain & CNS, I began study of Equine Cranial Sacral Therapies with Upledger Institute in 2018.
Each session is a synergy of my areas of study. It is seamless, and individually tailored for every animal, every session. I believe that this integrative approach helps resolve soft tissue contractions that otherwise may cause and perpetuate postural changes, gait changes, as well as shifts in attitude & personality. Unresolved patterns of contraction may lead to discomfort and inability to move freely and comfortably. Relief and resolution of chronic soft tissue contraction allows an animal to create more beneficial patterns of movement & participate fully and comfortably in his or her life.
I offer 30 & 60 minute sessions, with considerations for those animals that need a “meet & greet” before we actually set our first working session. I have to say that I have never had a meet & greet that hasn’t shifted into our first working session. I offer respect for each individual animal’s needs, tailoring their session to those needs. I have worked with dogs for over 17 years now, and they have initiated me into their beautiful canine culture, with its’ own ebb & flow, and ever so unique and incredible ability to communicate their needs and desires. Working with animals is a subtle and beautiful dance, not unlike a waltz, and when you let the animal lead - they are able to take you on an incredible journey of understanding, patience, communication and unconditional love.
With my background in Canine Bodywork, Small animal acupressure, Somatic therapies and Cranial Sacral Technique, I bring an ever shifting palate to the animal’s sessions. The work I offer is extremely subtle - as are the delicate systems of our animals. I have found over the years that horses, dogs and cats respond very well to a subtle approach, which allows for acceptance of the work needed, as well as the ability to seamlessly join in and work with me. Without the permission from each animal to receive and begin work, I always hold off our session - we all must be in accord to move forward. When we have the accord, each session begins with a thorough assessment and subtly moves into addressing the issues or needs that are presented.
I travel to my Equine clientele and work with them at their ranch, farm or private home. I work with national dressage champions, 3 day eventers, barrel racing, cutting, western & english pleasure horses, as well as competitive trail, endurance and your back yard horses. My years of study and hands-on experience have given me the joy of working with 1000’s of horses, who in turn, have added the education and dimension that no class room can give us - their bodies, minds, brains, nervous systems and above all else - a powerful window into their spirit, souls, and culture.
When I work with the subtle modalities that are the foundation of my practice - Acupressure, Equine Hanna Somatics, Cranial Sacral Technique - I am given the opportunity to work with the equine brain, and through that brain I reach the central nervous system, and the thousands of nerves that branch throughout the horse’s body. With this approach, I am able to help the horse, through neural re-education, to re-set chronic patterns of contraction which allows them to create new, long lasting, beneficial and more comfortable patterns of movement.
Chronic contraction leads to chronic compensation which in turn shows up as restrictions in movement, such as extension and flexion. Chronically contracted muscle is also tissue which is not fully receiving enough oxygen, nutrition and often also lacks the ability to rid the tissues of the by products of metabolic waste. Lack of oxygenation, nutrition, metabolic waste that is not flushed from the tissues on a cellular level - this presents itself as fatigue, lack of interest in activity, and the inability to respond clearly and easily to their rider’s cues. The ability to help a horse come out of chronic contraction is the first step in helping them regain freely accessed movement and the joy they experience in the many disciplines they join in with their riders.
You may call text, or email me to begin a conversation about your dog, horse or cat’s needs. Speaking with you is the first step we take together toward assessing and creating your animal’s session. The more information you can give me, the more insight I receive into your horse, dog, or cat’s overall health and well being. I look forward to hearing from you!
805-674-2202
Integrativesomaticanimaltherapies@outlook.com
