GroomFIT: Shake it Off

GroomFit by Vera Needham

We’ve all enjoyed the satisfied purr of happy cats, but why do they purr? According to Dr. Gary Weitzman, author of “How to Speak Cat,” purrs are at a frequency of 25-100Hz which corresponds with healing frequencies in humans. Petting a cat is a form of stress relief. Some studies show cat ownership can cut the risk of stroke or heart disease by as much one-third. ic pet therapy. Robotic cats mimic real purring, complete with vibration. Studies showed it helped to decrease stress and agitation for Alzheimer’s and Dementia sufferers in long-term care facilities.

Researchers found bones respond to 25 -50Hz of vibration. Whole-body vibration plates treated astronauts returning from space where they would lose bone density from absence of gravity. Whole-body

The healing aspect cat purrs is in robot-

vibration plates proved helpful in the bone density rebuilding process. Scientists surmised cat purr vibrations similarly maintained healthier bones and tissues.

The human lymphatic system is a network of tissue and organs that helps eliminate toxins, as well as carrying infection-fighting white blood cells throughout human bodies. The heart as part of the human circulatory system pushes blood through the body, but the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. The good news is this. The jiggle factor can stimulate the lymphatic system to remove toxins. Shaking increases circulation, dexterity, joint stability, core strength, as well as facilitating fascial release, and even stimulates the central nervous system.

Have you ever wondered why we shiver when we are cold? The human body needs to keep a core temperature of 98.6°F to prevent hypothermia. When you are chilly, tiny sensors in your skin send messages to your brain telling you to warm up. Your brain then sends messages to nerves telling you to shiver. When muscles quiver they generate heat from friction, similar to the heat of rubbing hands together. Researchers measured significant increase in blood flow in a fidgeting leg. This is a really important concept if you find your feet are swelling at the end of a long day at the grooming table. Extended standing or sitting can decrease blood circulation, causing fluid to build up in the feet, legs, and ankles. When muscles are inactive it is difficult to pump body fluids back up toward the heart. The retention of water and blood can cause swelling in the legs. Try taking a quick time-out during your busy day to give your leg a shake to increase circulation to that area.

Shaking is not a new concept. Its link to healing methodology has been around for centuries. In the 19th Century, there were Native American shakers. In China there is a 2,000-year-old healing tradition which activates the shaking response known as Waidangong. This tradition spread to Southeast Asia and Japan. Yet it largely disappeared until recently. Oprah introduced the topic with her self-help guru Gabrielle Bernstein. She uses a Kundalini yoga technique

One theory says stress weakens immune response from lowered white blood cells. The stress hormone, cortisol, reduces the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight sickness. Stress tightens our muscles. The next time you feel that type of tension, take a minute to shake it out.

which involves shaking hands overhead for three minutes. Shaking is easy. It is fun and you can shake virtually in any position.

Most people have no idea how stressful a day in the pet parlor can be. Washing and grooming a cat is quite the opposite of their stress relieving purrs.

Our bodies automatically clench when we overwork; it can even overwhelm our bodies. If you have ever experienced a tension headache after an especially difficult workday, you are aware of the physical effects of stress on your body. Beyond headaches, stress can reduce immunity. Your body goes into hyperalert or flight mode. Exposure to a virus or an infection involves more risk. Depleted resources compromise your ability to fight them.

During the current pandemic it is especially important to keep our immune systems at optimal levels. The minor stresses we may encounter day-to-day at grooming parlors may be enough to compromise our immune systems. It’s the chronic stress that is the greatest You can shake while sitting or standing at your grooming station. As little as a minute of shaking can be enough to relax muscles and increase circulation.

Shake one arm for 30 seconds and then one leg. If seated, shake the same arm and leg at the simultaneously, then shake the opposite arm and leg. If you have a fitness tracker you look at how much shaking increases your heart rate. Find the right speed and intensity of shaking for you. Remember, if you shake too hard, you may feel muscles tense up and that is not the sensation you want. Be certain to shake with enough movement that it relaxes your body and warms you up. Shake until (Continued on page 50) eGroomer Journal Copyright © 2011 Find A Groomer Inc. All rights reserved 49

when you hum you can hear your voice vibrate.

Grooming is a rewarding career, but it is easy to get caught up in the stress from overbooking, angry and aggressive pups (or worse, their owners) and lock downs.

Next time stress affects you, try pulling a Taylor Swift and “Shake-it-Off.” Start by shaking one arm for 30 seconds, the other arm 30 seconds and both arms 30 seconds. Then, shake one leg, then the other. Next, try the opposite arm and leg 30 seconds, and same arm and leg 30 seconds. There are no strict guidelines to shaking. Loosen up and have some fun with it. ◄

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vera Needham is a Medical Exercise Specialist, pilates trainer and has been a dog groomer for over 35 years. Vera invented the Tubee-Fit training tool for groomers. The Tubee has proven to be a wonderful addition to her older adult classes and in long term care facilities.

If you have any Goomfit question or want more information about the Tubee contact Vera at groomfit@yahoo.com