Shiatsu supports life – not only in humans, but also in the animals we live, work, and share our lives with. Horses and dogs are especially sensitive to touch, and in this presentation I will explore how they benefit from shiatsu, as well as how shiatsu can help us better understand our four-legged friends.
The session will consider both the differences and the similarities in treating horses and dogs, including aspects of anatomy, movement, and behavioral responses. What matters most is that shiatsu is always done with the animal – not to the animal.
I will share practical insights on how therapists can safely and effectively work with horses and dogs, and I will also offer simple approaches that anyone can use to support their own animals at home and at the stable.
The aim is not to provide full training in animal shiatsu, but to open a space for discussion and to share inspiring, practical ideas for everyday life. Participants will discover how the principles they already know from human shiatsu translate into the animal world – and how this work can both enrich the lives of animals and deepen the human–animal bond.
Information about the speaker
TIINA VIRTANEN
Tiina is a shiatsu practitioner for humans, horses and dogs, and equine shiatsu teacher.
She began her studies at Finnish Shiatsu School with John Lewis and graduated in 2014. She later continued her education in Qi and the Body Shiatsu Method with Galit Shaviv, qualifying as a Clinical Shiatsu Therapist in 2019.
Always eager to learn more and deepen her practice, she continually expands her skills and has, among others, attended further courses with Rex Lassalle, Gabriella Poli, and Philippe Vandenabeele.
In 2016, Tiina completed her training as an equine shiatsu practitioner with Liz Eddy, who still mentors her. She is also one of the three founders of the Finnish School of Equine Shiatsu, where Liz serves as visiting instructor.
Alongside her shiatsu work, Tiina is deeply passionate about horses and as her other profession, she teaches riders helping them to become better equestrians for their horses.
