The Healing Nature of Horses

By Jennifer Rae Vliet - ThePlainTruth.com

Anyone with any level of self-awareness can attest to feeling something very unique when they are in the presence of a horse. It is no wonder as they are also very special and significant to God as we can see horses mentioned in the Bible over 150 times. In scripture they are used both literally and figuratively. We read about how David formed an actual chariot calvary of 100 horses and we also see equine used as a comparative and metaphorical reminder of the immense strength of God. Then of course the chilling accounts of the Four Horsemen and all that they and their horses signify in prophecy.

Fast forward to the days of our reliance on them as America was progressing in efficiency and modernity. We had nearly become one with them, finding a dependence for travel and farming, for mail delivery...even as trustworthy companions in combat and of course so much more. Anyone with a love for history and horses can see their value and espouse a continued appreciation...holding them in high regard.

Today, you can just do a search for horse therapy experiences and some of the most beautiful sites you will ever see will pop up hoping you will make it a priority to attend their equine retreats and experiential workshops. Studies do show how spending time with the horse kind can add to one's life in so many different ways. Therapies include and are not limited to helping the disabled, helping those dealing with various levels of autism, presented as necessary distractions for cancer patients, and provides much needed healing for our veterans who are plagued with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Overall, they bring a sense of peace and calm and help focus us in the moment which in itself is important and healing. In a day where there are so many distractions, crazy and overwhelming news, and the pace of life is just way too fast...being with a horse can be centering and life giving. For those of us grounded in our faith and with having an understanding of the awesome creativity of God, it makes sense that maybe what we are sensing in their presence is something spiritual and directly related to our Creator...the true Healer.

Here is an interesting column from WithersforWarriors...

studies suggest:

In the evolving landscape of therapeutic practices, equine therapy emerges as a compelling modality that bridges the ancient bond between humans and horses with contemporary healing methodologies. At its core, equine therapy encompasses a range of treatments involving interactions with horses to promote physical, emotional, and mental health benefits in people. This form of therapy is not new; historically, the therapeutic value of horses has been recognized for centuries, with documented instances of horse-assisted activities dating back to the classical civilizations of Greece. Yet, it is the scientific underpinning and systematic application in modern therapeutic contexts that lend equine therapy its current significance and burgeoning interest among practitioners and patients alike.

Equine therapy is predicated on the premise that interactions with horses can lead to significant psychological and physiological benefits. Horses, with their unique sensitivity to human emotions and non-verbal cues, provide immediate feedback to the actions and emotions of their human counterparts, creating a dynamic platform for therapy. This interaction facilitates a variety of therapeutic goals, including the improvement of individuals’ emotional regulation, enhancement of social skills, and the strengthening of motor skills.

Today we delve into the scientific rationale that supports equine therapy as a legitimate and effective therapeutic approach. It aims to uncover the theoretical foundations that explain how and why equine therapy works, supported by empirical evidence from research studies and practical observations. By examining the psychological theories and physiological mechanisms at play, as well as reviewing the modalities of equine therapy and their specific applications, we provide a comprehensive overview of the science behind equine therapy.

The significance of exploring the science behind equine therapy lies not only in validating its effectiveness but also in understanding the nuances that make it a unique and powerful tool in mental health treatment and rehabilitation. As the demand for holistic and integrative therapeutic practices grows, equine therapy stands out as a modality that offers a holistic approach to healing, encompassing the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of well-being. Through this exploration,we aim to contribute to the broader dialogue on therapeutic innovation and the future of mental health treatment, underscoring the indispensable role of equine therapy in the therapeutic landscape.

Theoretical Foundations of Equine Therapy

The effectiveness of equine therapy, though empirically evident in many instances, is grounded in a complex interplay of psychological theories and physiological principles. Understanding these foundational theories is essential for grasping why equine therapy has emerged as a viable and beneficial therapeutic modality.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of equine therapy is rooted in the biopsychosocial model of health, which posits that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in human health and disease. Equine therapy, by integrating interactions with horses into therapeutic practices, leverages these multifaceted dimensions to promote healing and well-being. The presence of horses in therapy sessions offers a unique combination of biofeedback mechanisms and psychological engagement that is distinct from traditional therapy environments.

Psychological Theories

Attachment Theory: Attachment theory suggests that the quality of relationships in early childhood significantly influences an individual’s emotional health. Horses can act as “transitional objects,” facilitating emotional connections and providing a sense of security and comfort to individuals. The non-judgmental nature of horses, combined with their responsiveness to human behavior, creates a safe space for individuals to explore attachment behaviors and emotional responses.
Biofeedback Theory: This theory involves the process of gaining awareness and control over physiological functions through the use of immediate feedback. Horses naturally respond to human emotions and physical states, providing instant feedback to the handler or rider. This interaction can help individuals become more attuned to their emotional and physiological states, facilitating self-regulation and emotional control.
Cognitive-Behavioral Theories: Cognitive-behavioral theories focus on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Equine therapy can be structured to challenge negative thought patterns, provide opportunities for correcting cognitive distortions, and develop more adaptive behaviors and coping strategies. The experiential learning aspect of equine therapy, where participants engage in tasks with horses, can reinforce positive behavioral and cognitive changes.

Physiological Perspectives

The interaction with horses also has a direct impact on human physiology, which can be beneficial in therapy. Key physiological effects include:

Stress Reduction: Interacting with horses has been shown to lower levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and increase levels of positive neurochemicals, such as endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with stress relief and feelings of well-being.
Sensory Stimulation: The physical interaction with horses, including grooming, petting, and riding, provides sensory input that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensory integration issues, such as those on the autism spectrum. This sensory input can help in regulating the sensory system and promoting calmness and focus.
Hormone Regulation: The presence of horses and the bond formed through therapeutic activities can stimulate the production of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” which plays a role in social bonding and emotional regulation.

The theoretical foundations of equine therapy provide a multifaceted understanding of its effectiveness. By incorporating elements from attachment theory, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral principles, along with recognizing the physiological impacts of human-animal interactions, equine therapy offers a rich, integrative approach to treatment. This complex theoretical base not only supports the efficacy of equine therapy but also underscores its potential as a therapeutic tool in addressing a wide range of psychological and physiological issues.

Modalities of Equine Therapy

Equine therapy encompasses several distinct modalities, each designed to leverage the unique benefits of human-horse interaction to meet various therapeutic goals. These modalities cater to different needs, ranging from mental health support to educational and developmental benefits, and even physical rehabilitation. Understanding the specific approaches within equine therapy helps to appreciate its versatility and the broad spectrum of conditions it can address. READ MORE>>>>

For our veterans, I found this promising snippet from dvnf.org:

A combination of evidence-based practices and theories are utilized in conjunction with the therapy horse as means of helping our nation’s heroes overcome their invisible wounds in StableStrides’ Equine Assisted Therapy program. Equine Assisted Therapy assists veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms by processing and facilitating the reconnection between thoughts and feelings and, more specifically, learning to approach rather than avoid emotions and uncomfortable situations. This therapeutic process uses experiential learning and is solutions-focused meaning veterans are challenged to find solutions to problems in a timely and effective manner using the horse as a medium; learning is then applied and translated into everyday life. Veterans develop an awareness of their impact on the environment and make adjustments to produce the desired outcome.

After only his third Equine Assisted Therapy session at StableStrides, one veteran felt compelled to let go of a very heavy reminder from his past. For over 10 years this veteran had kept a large mangled piece of metal as a reminder. The piece of mangled mental was a broken piston from a vehicle that was used as an I.E.D. in Iraq…and an attack in which he was in charge of cleaning up the aftermath. After learning how horses are able to let go of the past and live in the present, this veteran decided he too was ready to live in the present and decided to leave the mangled metal reminder he’d carried for so long with the StableStrides team for good. SOURCE

In closing out this segment of Your Health Today...here are three short videos that show this emotionally moving therapy, in action....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUYUtVNCYl0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRU4N3pkEAg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiCX9Oc27fU

We hope you enjoyed this Your Health Today segment from The Plain Truth dot com. It is one of our top missions to encourage everyone to learn God's way of healing and to follow His path to health and wellbeing; this way your life and your families' lives will be blessed!

If any of our readership has had any experiences with horse therapy, we invite you to share in the comments section.

The Bennies of Castor Oil

The Castor-Oil plant is in the Book of Jonah 4:6-10: "Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort…"

Castor Oil Benefits for Skin, Hair, Constipation and More

By Jillian Levy, CHHC

For centuries, at the first sign of illness, many parents and grandparents would immediately turn to giving their children castor oil, either topically or internally, to naturally boost immune function and speed up healing.

Folk healers worldwide have also used it to treat a wide variety of health conditions for thousands of years. For example, the reputed benefits of castor oil goes as far back as the ancient Egyptians, who used it to treat eye irritations and as a powerful natural skin care remedy.

It also has deep roots in India, where it’s considered to be a skin-healing, digestive-soothing, antibacterial ingredient that is utilized in Ayurvedic medicine.

What is castor oil used for today? As explained more below, it has natural stimulant laxative properties; has been shown to boost lymphatic, circulatory and immune health; and can help treat constipation, arthritis and more.

What Is Castor Oil?

Castor oil is a non-volatile fatty oil that is derived from the seeds of the castor bean (Ricinus communis) plant, aka castor seeds. The castor oil plant belongs to the flowering spurge family called Euphorbiaceae and is mainly cultivated in Africa, South America and India (India accounts for over 90% of castor oil exports globally).

Castor is one of the oldest cultivated crops, but interestingly it contributes to only 0.15 percent of the vegetable oil produced in the world each year. This oil is also sometimes called ricinus oil.

It’s very thick with a color that ranges from clear to amber or somewhat green. It’s both used topically on the skin and taken by mouth (it has a mild scent and taste).

Studies suggest that many of castor oil’s benefits come down to its chemical composition. It’s classified as a type of triglyceride fatty acid, and almost 90 percent of its fatty acid content is a specific and rare compound called ricinoleic acid.

Ricinoleic acid is not found in many other plants or substances, making the castor plant unique since it’s a concentrated source.

Aside from its primary constituent, ricinoleic acid, castor oil also contains other beneficial salts and esters that mainly act as skin-conditioning agents. This is why, according to a report published in the International Journal of Toxicology, this oil is used in over 700 cosmetic products and counting.

Research studies have found that castor oil contains therapeutic components including fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, amino acids, terpenoids and phytosterols. These various compounds give the oil the following properties and potential health benefits:

Anti-diabetic
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Antioxidant
Hepatoprotective (ability to prevent damage to the liver)
Free radical scavenging
Wound-healing

Compounds found in castor can help stabilize the texture and consistency of products, which is why castor oil is used in so many cosmetics, hair and skincare treatments.

Reports show that this oil can be safely taken internally. When swallowed, it’s hydrolyzed in the small intestine by pancreatic enzymes, leading to the release of glycerol and ricinoleic acid, along with other beneficial metabolites.

Benefits

1. Improves Immune Function

One of the major reasons castor oil has strong immune-enhancing effects is because it supports the body’s lymphatic system. The most significant role of the lymphatic system, which is spread throughout the whole body in small tubular structures, is that it absorbs and removes excess fluids, proteins and waste materials from our cells.

Castor oil may be able to help improve lymphatic drainage, blood flow, thymus gland health and other immune system functions.

For this reason, the oil and other parts of the castor plant have been used in traditional systems of medicine for the following health conditions:

Abdominal disorders
Arthritis
Backache
Constipation
Muscle aches
Parasitic infections
Chronic headaches
Gallbladder pain
PMS
Rheumatism
Sleep problems like insomnia

A small, double-blind study published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine found that adults who used abdominal castor oil packs on their abdomens had significant increases in the production of lymphocytes compared with patients using placebo packs. Lymphocytes are the immune system’s natural “disease-fighters” that attack outside invaders such as toxins, bacteria and other perceived threats.

The lymphatic system also impacts the circulatory and digestive systems, which is why the oil is sometimes used to support heart health and resolve issues like constipation.

2. Boosts Circulation

A healthy lymphatic system and proper blood flow go hand in hand. When the lymphatic system fails (or edema develops, which is the retention of fluid and toxins), it’s much more likely someone will have circulatory issues.

This is due to the fact that the lymphatic circulatory system works directly with the cardiovascular circulatory system to keep blood and lymphatic fluid levels in an optimal balance.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “A growing body of evidence reveals that the lymphatic system influences the health of multiple organs, including the heart, lung, and brain.” So castor’s oil ability to positively affect our lymphatic systems likely means better overall circulation and a health boost to major organs like our hearts.

3. Moisturizes Skin and Boosts Wound Healing

Castor oil is completely natural and free of synthetic chemicals (as long as you use pure 100 percent pure oil, of course), yet it’s rich in skin-boosting ingredients like fatty acids. Applying this oil to dry or irritated skin can help to discourage dryness and keep it well moisturized, since it prevents water loss.

It can also help with wound and pressure ulcer healing thanks to its moisturizing as well as antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It mixes well with other ingredients like almond, olive and coconut oil, all of which have unique benefits for skin.

Lab studies have shown that castor oil is effective against many types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Out of all the staphylococcal bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most dangerous and can cause mild to serious skin infections and other concerning staph infection symptoms.

4. Can Help Induce Labor

Castor oil is a time-honored natural remedy for inducing labor. For centuries, pregnant women at full term have taken it orally to help speed up uterus contractions.

In fact, it’s one of the most popular substances taken in a non-medical setting to induce labor.

According to studies, the reason castor oil can work to induce labor is due to the fact that the ricinoleic acid in the oil can activate EP3 prostanoid receptors in the uterus. Some animal studies have shown that active compounds in the oil attach to the molecules that makes muscles — in both the intestines and uterus — contract.

A 2018 observational case control study found that “The use of castor oil is related to a higher probability of labor initiation within 24 hours. Castor oil can be considered a safe non-pharmacological method for labor induction.”

In addition, the full-term women study subjects (between 40 and 41 weeks) who took castor oil had a lower incidence of Caesarean section.

One downside of using castor oil to help with delivery (and the reason it’s not commonly used in hospitals) is that some women feel nauseated after taking it.

5. Helps Dry, Irritated, Sun-Burnt or Acne-Prone Skin

As a natural antibacterial agent, castor oil works similarly to coconut oil for boosting skin health. It also makes a great general skin moisturizer and anti-inflammatory blemish treatment.

If you want to get rid of acne forever, you need to get to the source of the problem. Castor oil is a great natural home remedy for acne.

As it penetrates deep into the skin, it fights bacteria overgrowth that can clog pores, while softening and hydrating irritated skin at the same time.

As mentioned earlier, this oil has been shown to fight off Staphylococcus aureus, which is linked to development of acne.

CONTINUE READING ABOUT CASTOR OIL AT THE PLAIN TRUTH's YOUR HEALTH TODAY ONLINE>>>>