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Scientists have found that more people in contact with small animals can change the mood and reduce mental and psychological disorders. This is the internationally popular "companion animal therapy" that began in the 1970s.

Companion animal therapy

Scientists have found that more people in contact with small animals can change the mood and reduce mental and psychological disorders. This is the internationally popular "companion animal therapy" that began in the 1970s.

Chinese name

Companion animal therapy

Category

therapy

Features

Animal companion

Starting time

1970s

Humans and companion animals are full of unique affection and friendliness. It is in this kind of friendship that human beings become healthy due to their love for small animals. A 1991 study from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom pointed out that many patients with a puppy or kitten just a few months after the original refractory conditions, such as migraine, back pain and so on will be reduced. State University of New York

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Switzerland is a pioneer country in the development of animal therapy. In recent years, British, Nordic and American psychotherapists have led the world in the research of "animal therapy". There are nearly 160 "animal therapy centers" in the United States and Canada alone. ". Various animals such as dolphins, tropical fish, dogs, cats, parrots, horses, etc. have been introduced into medical places, rehabilitation centers and welfare institutions, and they are effectively used in the adjuvant treatment of physically disabled, mentally disabled and elderly patients.

In Hong Kong, animal therapy with "doctor dogs" as the main character began in 1991. At present, there are about 200 "doctor dogs" in Hong Kong who visit more than 60 hospitals and schools every week to participate in treatment activities.

In Beijing, the French poodle Jing Jing and Jing Biao Ben Ben are the only two treatment dogs with a doctor's certificate. Every Wednesday afternoon, they will accompany the owner to help children with autism or physical disabilities. Do treatment. The International Fund for the Protection of Animals and the Beijing Animal Protection Association launched this "animal therapy" operation, which is relatively unfamiliar to most Chinese people. During the treatment process for nearly half a year, they have made the doctors amazed Effect.

At present, Beijing has a total of 9 "doctor dogs" participating in various types of treatment activities, but only "Jingjing" and "Benben" have medical qualification certificates issued by the International Animal Protection Foundation.

In 1998, we conducted a trial of 'Doctor Dogs' and patients with children in Panyu, Guangdong, and finally decided to promote this program in Beijing. Said Ms. Wu Xiaojing, Executive Officer of the International Fund for Animal Protection Beijing : "Schools in Beijing include Xinyuan Xili Elementary School in Chaoyang District. Every Wednesday afternoon, we will have regular events; Fangshan Liangxiang No. 2 Primary School will also conduct events from time to time. We are glad to see that Doctor dogs are still helpful for vulnerable children. "

In the Boston Psychiatric Prison, therapist Dennis conducted a highly innovative experiment in which he introduced "animal therapy" to prisoners with a strong tendency to violence.

"I came to think of 'animal therapy' by accident. One day, a red-tailed bird accidentally flew into the prisoner's activity area. I saw them catch it and was preparing to rush to stop their hunting behavior. .In our prison, there are some people with bloodthirsty schizophrenia. But I saw that they were combing feathers for it very kindly, and there was a kind expression on their faces. They even united and gave it Some bugs were brought to feed. This kind of peaceful scene is really rare. What inspires me most is a violent patient here. Just before his illness, we added a tank of goldfish to his cell. For half an hour, he smashed everything in the room and crushed it. After being subdued by us, we found out that the goldfish was hidden in a safe place by him and was not affected at all. After this incident, I applied to the prison director to introduce some parrots and goldfish in the patient's cell. The initial instructions were only 3 months, and now we have become a small animal that has adopted nearly 200 different animals. Park of. "

Psychologists have also found that using "animal therapies" on some children with psychological problems can greatly improve their symptoms. A medical team test at the State University of New York in the United States has proven that pet care can make people feel warmer, friendlier, and safer in the environment. It can also help treat children with autism and child violence.

"When Zhong Yao was 9 years old, he suddenly became reticent and lost his temper. He hid in his room and tore the book to pieces, and I watched him silently with us. Sitting together, but didn't know how to help him. The change should start with his little dachshund, which was a gift for his 10th birthday, and he called it Xiaoyao Yao. "

Wang Ling was surprised to find that her son began to go out laughing and smiling. "One evening, I went home from a long line in the supermarket and saw Zhong Yao and his Xiao Yao Yao running towards us in the sunset. He was sweating and laughing He said something to me: 'Mom, I'm here to pick you up.' This sentence has left us for a long time. I burst into tears and hugged him tightly. "

Although the mysterious connection between animals and humans has been understood in medicine, it cannot be fully explained by science.

Historical records: King Solomon has a magic ring, with which he can understand the language of all living things. Later generations called this ability to communicate with animals "the magic of King Solomon." Perhaps human beings have this ability by nature, but have been virtually eliminated by this complex and busy world.

Of course, most people's lives are far from animal therapy, but our mental health experts suggest that you might start experimenting with the psychological adjustment method of "animal visits" in your life to create a close relationship with animals for yourself and your family. And game space.

The survey showed that out of 500 teenagers, 97% of the children said that the domestic animals were "their best friends" and that they were "the only protectors." For adult singles, family pets The soothing function of the mood is even more obvious. Zhuang Yao, 38, longed to watch "Ling Dog Lacey" many years ago and longed for such a "dog friend". Now he really has such a partner, also called Lacey, they talk, Zhuang Yao firmly believes that it can understand his mood.

Bonn Professor of Psychology Inhold Berger also conducted in-depth research on domestic pets, especially dogs, and he concluded that dogs are the most important companions when a family has a major change. 75% of respondents agree with his conclusions and believe that pets have greatly reduced the stress and unhappiness in their lives and work.

This is the magic of animals, and also the magic of human desire for warmth and friendship. An explanation of this magic power may not be available to human beings at present, but we can understand that we are also willing to believe that this is a more humane way of getting along, and it will teach us to look at the world with another eye and observe ourselves .