“The evidence is mounting that pets improve our physical well-being,” said Edward Creagan, MD, former president of the Mayo Clinic staff. He was so convinced of their healing powers that he literally prescribed them for a third of his cancer patients.
According to Mark South, DVM, Town and Country Animal Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, “The emotional and physical health benefits of having a pet in your life are both measured and immeasurable. Companionship and love that is unconditional leads to quantitative decreases in cortisol (a stress hormone) and qualitative happiness. This is what pets provide their human counterparts – the power of unconditional love.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, cardiothoracic surgeon, author and television personality, says pets can help reduce stress, create calm in Alzheimer’s patients, lower blood pressure and even improve recovery from a heart attack. Practicing what he preaches, he shares his home with numerous pets including a black lab, goldfish and a hamster.
Pets Provide Great Feng Shui Energy
Pets create wonderful positive energy in your life and therefore provide great Feng Shui energy in your surroundings. In fact WebMD so strongly believes in the importance of the good energy pets provide they have put together a wonderful slide show called, “27 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health” http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health.
Not only do you get extra exercise when walking your dog or playing hide-and-seek with your cat, but having a pet provides a deeper sense of purpose and belonging that increases the feelings of well-being. What comes along with this is feeling better emotionally, being happier and having a more positive outlook on life.
Having a pet as a constant companion is great but the benefits increase dramatically if you actually reach out and pet, caress and interact with your pet. Research shows that the act of stroking and petting a dog boosts your immune system and lowers both blood pressure and heart rate.
From a Feng Shui perspective there are a number of reasons for having or making a pet a permanent part of your life.
· The movement of pets like dogs and cats provide a free flow of energy throughout your home which brings with it abundance and prosperity
Welcoming energy is increased with the wag of a dog’s tail or the nuzzle of a cat purring by your feet upon entering your home or even the calming serenity of fish swimming in an aquarium
A pet’s nurturing energy improves your mood and uplifts your spirits which is especially helpful if recovering from an emotional ailment or physical illness
A pet’s unconditional love is good for the heart – yes the physical heart and the emotional need for love
The constant companionship helps to maintain personal balance, helping to counteract loneliness, fear and depression
Their helplessness and need for your care provides you a feeling of being needed, wanted and appreciated
The best reason in the world for having a pet is companionship – but as you can see, the benefits are significant for both sides of the relationship. It is in the caring and nurturing of each other that you find the joy and unconditional love.
© Pat Heydlauff, All Rights Reserved
Pat Heydlauff, president of Energy Design, uses Feng Shui design principles to eliminate chaos and stress at home and within oneself. More than a Feng Shui expert, Pat is a consultant and speaker who helps remove clutter and negativity while encouraging personal growth, improved relationships and prosperity. Her new book, “Feng Shui: So Easy a Child Can Do It,” shows how to achieve a better tomorrow. For information on her consulting, speaking and artwork, call: 561-408-2708.