Animal Healing: The Power of Rolfing

Book excerpt: "If you enjoy animal stories as much as I do, you're in for a great read. . . . You'll witness the health and happiness of these animals being transformed through the hands and heart of Briah Anson and her passionate application of Rolfing(R) Structural Integration. . . . It's an incredible menagerie: cats, dogs, and horses, as well as guinea pigs, llamas, eagles, an owl, a rooster, a cougar, and, perhaps most intriguing of all, an up close and personal encounter with a wild moose named Mike." Paul Schurke, Outdoor adventurer and educator; coauthor with Will Steger of North to the Pole and author of Bering Bridge: The Soviet-American Expedition from Siberia to Alaska; Director, Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge and Arctic Adventures, Ely, Minnesota "As Briah Anson's collection of nonhuman patients clearly demonstrate, Rolfing(R) Structural Integration isn't just for people, though a person's appreciation of its benefits for themselves often leads to an interest in trying this form of body work on their animals. . . . Each animal's emotional and locomotor response to Rolfing described in this book strongly suggests a true and sustained benefit." Julia H. Wilson, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; Associate Professor, Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota "Briah Anson shares her experience, insight, and her love for all creatures in these amazing stories of her quest for healing through Rolfing(R). . . . After each session, the ravages of [the eagles'] permanent disabilities seemed to have less influence on their performance. . . . The Rolfing sessions improved their overall disposition and health. . . . I'm grateful to Briah for her extensive dedication and the volunteering of her time and talent given to the eagles at the National Eagle Center." MaryBeth Garrigan, Executive Director of Eagle Watch, Inc. (2000-05); Program and Development Director, National Eagle Center (2005-09), Wabasha, Minnesota "Rolfing(R) Structural Integration, a unique myofascial approach to assist the body in healing numerous musculoskeletal and other issues, is being introduced to the animal world through Briah Anson's fascinating book, Animal Healing. Through case reports, anecdotes, and stories from her pioneering practice applying Rolfing SI to animals, Briah offers convincing evidence that the benefits of this work may be applicable to animals as well. This book is an excellent introduction to Rolfing Structural Integration and its potential application to nonhuman animals. Allen M. Schoen, MS, DVM, Ph.D. (hon.); author, Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way We Live and editor, Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine