(NaturalPath) Seeing as of 2012, 62 percent of American households included at least one animal, it seems the United States loves pets. And since animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been introduced, it has been growing in popularity. But is it still undervalued? The article published online on MedicalNewsToday.com thinks so.
AAT is believed to have an array of benefits, including personal and social development, increased self-esteem, improved mental health, better social skills and increased empathy and nurturing skills. It has commonly been used as a therapy for patients with chronic heart failure, cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia.
The researchers don’t think that pet therapy will replace drug therapies, but will be a helpful accompanying therapy.
For more information, read the full article.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278173.php
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.