Patients Are Powerful

My chiropractic clinic is right next door to a veterinary clinic. The clinic, run by two veterinarians who are husband and wife, is very popular in town. I, personally, like the fact that the veterinarians take a holistic approach to treating their animal patients. But, what I like best is the big, furry Burmese cat that “owns” the clinic. She basks in the sunshine that streams into the two front offices and whenever I walk by, she gives me her full attention. If I put my hands on the outside of the window, she rubs her body against the glass as if she can actually feel me petting her. And, though I can’t actually hear her, I’ve always suspected that she’s purring peacefully on the other side. I have to say that I feel instantly happier after our little encounters. I had a cat companion for nineteen years, and since her passing last year, I have found that even though I do yoga and meditation, “Hazel” was the best stress reducer in my life.

As a chiropractor I am always looking for natural, drug-free approaches to health, and I can’t think of anything more naturally healthy than having a pet (as long as a person doesn’t suffer from allergies, of course!). You could say that pets are very similar to patient advocates. They are genuinely happy to see you, they offer unconditional attention and affection, and their goal is to help you to feel better, even if it is just to sit with you when you need companionship.

Many studies have shown that having a pet can actually help to control blood pressure. One such study compared a group of hypertensive patients that owned pets with another group that did not. While both groups remained on blood pressure medications, the  dog and cat owners were less likely to experience spikes in blood pressure and heart rate due to tension and stress.

Pets have also been shown to be helpful for people who tend to suffer from depression or anxiety. After all, it’s human nature to feel less sad or anxious, no matter whatever else may be going on, when a cat rubs up against you and purrs, or a dog looks adoringly in your eyes as if you are truly someone special. And, just as their human counterparts are able to help patients who are having a hard time dealing with an illness, pets have been shown to be helpful, too.  Researchers have found that people who have been diagnosed with difficult diseases are more able to cope with their situation when they are in constant contact with a pet.

So, if you’ve been feeling “down in the dumps,” a furry patient advocate may be able to help. In that case, an animal shelter may have just what you need!

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