Neither whales nor porpoises but dolphins are absolutely unique marine mammals. That explains why this creature has been a subject of research studies for years. As a matter of fact, a study conducted in 2005 revealed that dolphins are effective for animal-assisted therapy against mild to moderate cases of depression. Nonetheless, experts never claimed that
dolphin therapy is an ultimate cure. Such therapeutic procedure is only intended to improve the healing process of patients suffering from mental and psychological disorders.
Dolphin therapy, introduced in 1970’s, happens to be a brainchild of Dr. Betsy Smith. The therapeutic effects of these mammals were discovered by Dr. Smith upon the progress of her mentally disabled brother after constant exposure to dolphins. Later on, formal therapeutic procedures were launched at the
Dolphin Human Therapy Centre in Florida courtesy of Dr. Nathanson. Since its introduction, there are approximately 100 organizations offering
dolphin therapy services according to neuroscientist Lori Marino.
Any typical
dolphin assisted therapy program is held on pool water. Patients, along with an expert therapist, are asked to spend a close encounter with captive or semi-captive dolphins swimming around. They are encouraged to freely swim, touch, pat, and play with these friendly sea creatures. Dolphins, from time to time, may also perform some tricks to entertain kids. These activities, nevertheless, are intended to develop sensory and motor skills ideal for physiological growth and development of children.
Perhaps you are wondering how dolphins can pull off an effective therapy session. Dolphins are mammals that can naturally relate to people. That is made possible by special attributes shared by members of the class mammalia. For instance, dolphins and humans share the same limbic brain system. Director of Mental Health Foundation, Dr. Iain Ryrie, contended that emotional contact is inherent to humans and dolphins, alike. Sure, it is enough to trigger the limbic systems of mammals critical to regulate psychological and emotional processes.
Sound therapy comes as another bonus of dolphin assisted therapy. Chairman of the Aquatech Foundation, Dr. Cole, claimed that dolphins produce natural ultrasound waves in the process called echolation. These sound waves, in turn, stimulate brainwave activity by altering physiological cells and tissues. In particular, it can synchronize neural activities on both sides of the brain for heightened awareness and learning potential. That explains why dolphin therapy works wonders in improving mental health.
Feel free to seek refuge from the friendliest creatures on the water. Dolphin assisted therapy is highly recommended for patients suffering from an array of mental and psychological disorders. Based on the study conducted by the University of Leicester team, dolphin encounter can be useful for productive treatment of depression along with many other psychiatric diseases. The same has also been proven effective to relieve unlikely symptoms of autism, Down Syndrome, and brain damage especially on kids.
What makes dolphin assisted therapy more interesting? According to the published research of Dr. Nathanson, dolphin human therapy can deliver significant results in two weeks. That is way better than conventional therapies that can take six weeks to see the difference. Given a well-structured program, rest assured you’ll get to see improvements in no time.
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