Everyone knows that dolphins are smart and friendly sea creatures. Some people have probably heard that dolphin therapy is a method of treating certain diseases. Sometimes those that traditional medicine cannot cope with. But is there any scientific basis for this claim, or are these undeniably cute mammals being credited with too many abilities? From this article you will learn about the history of the method, who benefits from therapy with dolphins, how classes are conducted, reviews, addresses of dolphinariums in Russia.
What is dolphin therapy?
There are dolphinariums in my major cities, and they generally all offer swimming with dolphins for a fee. Surely, such an experience will have a positive impact on a person and will certainly be remembered for a lifetime. However, it has nothing to do with therapy.
Professional dolphin therapy is a method of treating primarily psychological diseases. It is based on communication with sea animals, but not in a free form, but according to a specific program, including several classes. It is being developed with the participation of doctors - psychologists and defectologists, zoologists and trainers. Specialists are also present at communication sessions between the patient and the animal.
Dolphins – “doctors” – must undergo training before starting their activities. They are vaccinated, socialized and trained. These animals are completely ready to communicate, they perfectly understand what is expected of them and give their best in classes. This is important because the impact on the patient occurs on several levels. Let's look at each in a little more detail.
Psychological influence
Communication with each animal affects a person in a certain way. All animal-assisted therapy is based on this observation. However, dolphins occupy a special place in it, being considered one of the most successful healers. The secret of their success is simple: they know how to win people over.
Indeed, their famous “smiles,” playfulness and kindness also evoke sympathy among those who, as a result of illness or stress, withdraw into themselves and withdraw from communication. Even the most reserved and fearful person will sooner or later find himself involved in a fun game with a dolphin. And this will be the very shift that can start the healing process.
During the session, the patient relaxes, is charged with positive emotions and opens up a little to the world. Memories of terrible events that took place in the past are smoothed out, pushed out by fresh, strong emotions from interacting with the animal. Fears gradually recede, and the need for communication appears instead.
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Physiological influence
This is achieved thanks to the ultrasound produced by dolphins. Its healing properties are called sonophoresis. Scientists are struggling with the task of recreating them in the laboratory and have achieved certain results. However, “live” sound waves are several orders of magnitude more effective.
It has been proven that ultrasound has a massage effect at the cellular level. Each nerve cell is healed, membrane permeability improves. Numerous tests have proven this effect.
The interaction between humans and dolphins at the sensory level also helps recovery. Marine animals often touch their patient during play. Experts believe that dolphins have the ability to recognize a person’s sore spots and themselves tune in to healing them. However, they still do not have a complete picture of this phenomenon. Dolphins are still a mystery to us.
How are such effects achieved?
Some researchers associate the positive effects of dolphins on the nervous system and human psyche with the ultrasound they emit. The sounds made by a dolphin pass through the sonar (a fatty pad located on the head), and the waves of words spoken by people also pass through it. This feature of perception and “seeing” of the world by dolphins is called echolocation.
It has been proven and confirmed by physiotherapeutic practice that the patient’s perception of dolphin ultrasonic waves improves the nervous system at the cellular level: the internal environment of the nerve cell is improved, the permeability of external cell membranes is improved.
Thanks to the peculiarities of their perception, dolphins sense healthy and pathological vibrations of human internal organs and influence them. The response of the dolphin's ultrasonic effect on the vibration of diseased human organs removes stagnant physiological fluids from them, drains the tissues and, ultimately, makes them healthier.
History of the method
Dolphin therapy is a relatively new direction in treatment. The first case of a medical “partnership” with marine animals was described in the 70s of the last century. The assumption that dolphins have some healing abilities was made by anthropologist Betsy Smith. She studied the effect of dolphins on people and noted some improvements.
Smith's observations interested psychologist David Gatanson, who works with children diagnosed with mental retardation.
In a joint project, they began studying the influence of dolphins on carriers of the extra gene - downs. The results of the work turned out to be interesting. The scientists noted that the rehabilitation of the children participating in the experiment was four times faster than that of other children with similar disease parameters.
The USSR also became interested in the unusual research. In the same decade, a post-stress rehabilitation program was launched at the State Oceanarium of the USSR Navy. People who survived difficult situations got the opportunity to swim with dolphins. After such sessions, they admitted that they felt much better, anger and fatigue disappeared, and a feeling of energy increased.
Research is still ongoing. People are trying to penetrate the secrets of dolphins in order to understand what mechanisms allow animals to improve their well-being so effectively. At the same time, new dolphin therapy centers are opening, and more and more people are getting the opportunity to use the services of unique marine healers.
Translator from cat
One day, magician Jose Ahonen, who had previously shown tricks to his experimental dogs, invited an actor who could imitate a dog’s bark as believably as possible as an experiment. In the video, you can see how the dogs fell into a stupor, not understanding where the sounds were coming from and what they could mean. Of course, this experiment cannot be called scientific, but it perfectly demonstrates at what stage the development of verbal communication between humans and dogs is.
If you also want to try to communicate with your pet, but you don’t have the talent for barking or meowing, you can take a good look at the AppStore, where there are a lot of applications loudly called “translators into dog or cat language.” One of the most notable is Human-to-Cat Translator Deluxe for iPhone, created by Electric French Fries.
It is based on the principle of all the usual translation programs: it supposedly analyzes your words and translates them into a set of more than 170 samples that can attract the attention of the cat with whom you are trying to “communicate”. The translator offers to choose one of 16 sounds that are related to basic commands, as well as individual sounds of birds and rodents. The creators of the program disclaim any responsibility, stating that the application is for entertainment purposes only and does not provide any real functionality.
Who needs dolphin therapy?
First of all, dolphin therapy is aimed at treating psychological problems. They can be acquired. For example, people who have experienced difficult situations - disasters, military operations, attacks, loss of loved ones - recover much faster and return to life after a course of procedures. Patients' anxiety disappears, obsessive thoughts disappear, sleep normalizes, mood improves, and performance increases. People suffering from depression begin to enjoy life. Black colors gradually disappear, replaced by others. There is a desire to live, work, and be happy.
Dolphins also help with physical ailments. Scientists note that with their help, treatment of hearing and speech disorders and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is completed much faster.
Dolphins also help cope with congenital anomalies. Communication with them is especially effective for children. Indications for dolphin therapy may include:
- cerebral palsy;
- Down syndrome;
- autism;
- mild to moderate developmental delay and mental retardation.
In the next video, dolphin therapist Andrei from the Nemo Dolphinarium talks about who benefits from such therapy, how classes take place and much more, watch:
Mental retardation in children - what is it?
Particular attention should be paid to examining a child who avoids communication with other children and adults - this may be signs of very serious deviations in mental development. Mental retardation in children is characterized by the following serious disorders:
- Inconsistency between the child’s skills and age markers;
- Decreased cognitive functions - concentration, memory and thinking;
- Difficulty with orientation in space;
- Delayed speech skills, general underdevelopment of speech;
- Difficulties with intellectual activity - comparison, generalization, etc.;
- Impaired motor skills and some motor functions.
Treatment of mental development delay (MDD) involves, first of all, identifying the cause of the pathology and the absence of related problems (for example, if there are “failures” in speech development, the child’s hearing should be checked). An individual treatment program for children with mental retardation requires not only drug treatment, but also adaptation classes in specialized centers, under the supervision of specialists in various fields.
In addition to traditional methods of treating speech and mental development delays, it is necessary to use auxiliary treatment methods that help the development of the psycho-emotional sphere, fine motor skills, thinking, and attention. Comprehensive correction of mental retardation (MDD), as a rule, gives positive dynamics in the treatment of pathology and promotes partial, and, in some cases, complete recovery.
What is prescribed to children with delayed speech development and mental retardation as an additional therapy:
- Classes with active and educational games;
- Massage, exercise therapy, individual psychotherapy;
- Acupuncture, magnetic therapy;
- Art and music therapy;
- Dolphin therapy.
Dolphin therapy for special children
For children who were born different from everyone else, dolphin therapy is indicated primarily. It helps them get comfortable in the world, gain communication skills, and learn to be in society. The development of children who communicate with sea animals proceeds much faster. With their help, they can catch up with other children in development. Scientists note progress in various diseases.
Children with cerebral palsy
Children suffering from this disease usually have physical and psychological health problems. The disease can manifest itself in the form of paralysis, involuntary muscle tension, pathological uncontrolled movements, and mental retardation. During the course of therapy, dolphins act on all levels, activating positive dynamics.
During the treatment of such children, all types of contact are important: visual, tactile and emotional. Animals know how to capture attention and not let go until the end of the lesson. They involve the child in the game, and at this time they carefully touch the baby’s body, activating biologically active points and receptors on it. And the sounds they make carry out their work at the cellular level, improving the functioning of a complex neuromechanism.
Autism
The main problem of autistic children is isolation in their virtual world. Its degree may vary, but such children always experience difficulties integrating into society. Often they themselves refuse to communicate with the outside world, becoming increasingly withdrawn into themselves. Dolphins are capable of breaking the shell in which a child imprisons himself. They are cheerful, lively, active, and are able to captivate with their play. A child who is afraid of communicating with his own kind relaxes in the company of these creatures, as incomprehensible as himself. He trusts them more than people, and from them he learns lessons about interaction.
Ultrasound, which is used by dolphins to communicate, promotes the production of endorphins - happiness hormones. When playing with animals in the water, the child experiences pleasure from the process. This is how a chain is built in his head: interaction - play - good mood.
Communication skills do not disappear after the patient leaves the pool. Psychologists are working to consolidate it and “transfer it to land”, where the baby could communicate with peers, parents, and teachers.
What are the benefits of dolphin therapy?
It is believed that dolphin therapy is largely a method of medical and psychological rehabilitation with a greater emphasis on the psychological effect. Communication with a dolphin gives a charge of positive emotions; in addition, dolphin therapy has a calming effect, the body produces a large amount of endorphins. A number of studies also confirm that during dolphin therapy sessions the human immune system is activated and the body’s defense reactions are enhanced, sleep and memory improve, and mental activity is activated.
We believe that in addition to psychological rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation also takes place, and to a fairly large extent. For a child, especially one with limited mobility, it is very difficult to stay not only on the water, but also on the dolphin. Swimming with dolphins is not only a positive experience. In the water, children are constantly on the move. The muscles are getting stronger. Motor skills develop.
In addition, dolphins are capable of emitting both ultrasonic vibrations and sounds audible to humans, which affects the biological structures of the child in the form of a kind of vibro-acoustic massage effect. And while moving in the water, the dolphin creates streams of water around itself directed in different directions, which act on the child nearby like a hydromassage.
The essence of the methodology, how the classes are held
Dolphin encounter activity
The task of a dolphin therapy specialist is to “make friends” between the patient and the dolphin. This happens gradually to eliminate fright. As a rule, during the first lesson, communication is limited to getting to know each other. People do not dive into the water, but interact with the dolphin from the side of the pool. The coach can force him to demonstrate certain exercises, put his head up for petting, catch a thrown ball, or pose for a photo.
Already in the next lesson, the acquaintance becomes closer. A child or adult goes down the stairs so that he finds himself “face to face” with a dolphin. The connection between them becomes closer. And at this moment, the ultrasound emitted by the animal is more effective.
Only when sympathy is established between the dolphin and the patient does the third degree of rapprochement begin. The person is immersed in the water and gradually becomes involved in the game. At this stage, interaction reaches its maximum level. The patient is emotionally involved, tactile contact is established. At the same time, the dolphin “scans” its new friend with ultrasound, and with the help of its tail it creates water movement, providing hydromassage.
The number of classes and frequency of treatment courses depends on the disease and its degree. As a rule, dolphin therapy is prescribed once a year and involves an average of 7 - 10 sessions of communication with animals.
Cost of sessions
In fact, it is difficult to say anything definite regarding the cost of dolphin therapy. Much depends on the city and the specific dolphinarium; prices can vary significantly depending on additional conditions:
- have you visited dolphin therapy before;
- period of the year;
- privileges.
There are many other aspects from which the cost of courses varies.
The only thing that needs to be said for sure here is the absence of a clear relationship between cost and quality , that is, if dolphin therapy is offered at an affordable cost, we are not talking about attracting clients and a reduced level of quality. Likewise, if dolphin therapy is offered at a high cost, this fact is not a guarantee of quality.
You can easily purchase a course of 8-10 sessions, in which the cost of a session is about 500 rubles, or you can attend dolphin therapy at a cost of 1-2 thousand per session. At the same time, filling sessions may be practically the same and almost identical.
Let us repeat, a lot here depends on the dolphinarium, on what pricing policy a particular dolphinarium follows and in which city dolphin therapy is offered.
Dolphin therapy in Russia: reviews, addresses, prices
Unfortunately, dolphin therapy cannot be considered an inexpensive method of treatment. Decent maintenance of marine mammals is expensive, so the prices for services are quite steep: a minimum course of five lessons at the most lenient price will cost about 40 thousand rubles.
But judging by the reviews, it will be the right investment. Especially when it comes to the treatment of childhood pathologies. On thematic forums, parents of special needs children write about the positive impact of dolphins on well-being and socialization. People note that after a course of classes, children become calmer, begin to enjoy simple things, and go beyond their usual horizons. It becomes easier for them to build relationships with peers, they cease to be afraid of strangers and do not withdraw into themselves in response to an invitation to communicate. And, most importantly, all children, without exception, dream of returning to their sea friend and swimming in his company at least a couple more laps in the pool.
Yulia, Moscow: My son has cerebral palsy. I adore dolphins and have read a lot about dolphin therapy and seen it on TV. The result of treatment, as I was told, is observed in children from 6 months to 16 years. You should see how a child with cerebral palsy stretches an arm or leg to stroke a dolphin. They collect all their energy there for movement. It came out to 60,000 rubles.
Lena Salova: I have a special son. While he is small, a lot can be changed, the brain gives in. We were in Yevpatoria for a dolphin therapy session. They held the child and controlled the process. I was nearby. Nobody was afraid. The result is happiness.
Maxim Ivashura: $1000 - accommodation and course of sessions. 2 females swim with the children. Duration from 5 to 15 minutes. After the pool - herbal medicine (tea for warming) and shower. During the first five lessons, children get used to it. By the seventh lesson, my son calmed down. He is three years old, he had not spoken before, but suddenly he began shouting numbers. A dubious pleasure for such money.
In the next video you will see a video review of the treatment of a child diagnosed with RDA at the Anapa Dolphinarium.
Talking dogs
The word “communication” itself is difficult to define precisely. A tiger trainer who tells a giant cat where to jump with a piece of meat may be communicating with it, but this kind of one-way interaction is a far cry from the way Dr. Dolittle talks to animals. The tiger, of course, will react, but will not be able to say anything in response.
Most animals, of course, cannot speak, simply because their vocal apparatus is designed in a completely different way than that of a human. But everywhere there are exceptions. The book “What the Talking Monkeys Said” describes a chimpanzee who, after several years of training, even learned three words: “mama”, “dat”, “kap”. However, YouTube is filled with videos of dogs declaring their love to their owners with guttural “aaa ruu yuu,” which closely approximates the human “I love you.” At the same time, happy owners of talking pets firmly believe that it is their pet that really knows how to think, and that’s why it expresses itself that way.
Dogs are able to imitate some expressions of human speech due to the fact that they are naturally able to detect tonal differences between different sounds, for example in the pronunciation of words and in general in the process of speaking in humans. This mechanism is developed in animals to transmit and capture emotions, primarily for communication in a pack. Distinct articulate sounds from the “mouth” of a pet are, in fact, a side effect of this tool necessary for survival.
Scientists claim that dogs are unable to understand the human meaning of words, but the hypothesis of “imitative intelligence” in animals is not completely rejected. This also has evolutionary benefits for dogs as a species as a whole. In addition to voice recognition, dogs take into account their owner's body language, posture and direction of gaze. All this ultimately contributes to the receipt of food as a reward for faithful service.
The record holder for the number of words learned among dogs was a collie named Rico. She learned about 200 names of her toys and could remember each of them by name even after a month. Scientists claim that in this case the dog acted according to the fast tracking method, which is used, for example, by small children.
Scientist cat
If you believe the adherents of “cat therapy”, Yuri Kuklachev should be the healthiest and happiest person in the world. Of course, cats are used to treat literally all diseases: from osteochondrosis to stomach ulcers! It is known for certain that they anticipate the acute states of their owners: have you noticed that a cat persistently rubs against its knees precisely when you feel especially bad? In addition, it has been established that Murzik and Vaska cope well with cardiovascular diseases. In 2002, the British University of Gerontology conducted a study that showed that cat lovers live on average 10 years longer. They have excellent blood pressure, normal cholesterol levels, and a minimal predisposition to strokes.
By the way, it’s worth scratching your furry friend behind the ear more often: cats purr at a frequency of 4–16 Hz, and it is these vibrations that help relieve stress and increase immunity.
But the popular theory that cats supposedly “feed” on negative energy and thereby save unfortunate people is undoubtedly from the realm of fantasy. True, the fact remains: cats always lie on the sore spot. If your pet prefers to sleep on your head, think about it.
