News - Healing With a Purr!

by A Rishi

Now, science has shown that besides the psychological benefits, a cat owner can also get actual health benefits through the comforting sound of this animal.

Owners often feel that their cat somehow seems to know when they are not feeling well, and even more importantly, can identify the exact place where it hurts! When you have a stomach ache, the cat cannot seem to get off your abdomen and will try and wrap itself around your head when you are suffering from a headache. Then it purrs and purrs and purrs. Research shows that it is not just the sound of purring that is important but also the vibration or tremor produced by it. In fact, science has known for years that vibrations at specific frequency levels bring about healing changes in the body and induce bone growth and regeneration. Bone fractures heal faster and weakened bones begin to strengthen and rebuild. Also, in the higher frequency ranges, the production of the body’s own natural anti-inflammatory compounds increases thereby reducing joint pain and swelling. There is further evidence of muscle, tendon and ligament repair within these frequency ranges as well.

Researcher Elizabeth von Muggenthaler of the Fauna Communications Research Institute in North Carolina (FCRI), a specialist in the field of bioacoustics (study of the frequency, pitch, loudness, and duration of animal sounds as it relates to the animal’s behaviour), has done considerable work to compile these facts. The website www.animalvoice.com is a perfect platform to learn more of the work that FCRI is involved in, and get acquainted with many more varieties of animal communication and their healing properties, which could greatly help mankind. It will also provide some measure of relief to individuals who cannot afford expensive healthcare.

Based on her research, Elizabeth proposes that nature has endowed all kinds of felines with an evolutionary healing advantage in the simple act of purring. There is even a popular saying amongst veterinarians, “If you put a cat and a bunch of broken bones in the same room, the bones will heal.” There is also substantial documentation that low frequency vibration induces pain relief and healing of tendons and muscles, and cats purr at those very same frequencies. Also, it is the cat’s ‘healing by association’ that most people find interesting – that ability of a cat to sympathetically help cure illnesses in people simply by being around them.

Studies have also shown that owners, especially senior citizens who have cats, have lower blood pressure and can live longer than humans who do not own pets. So the next time you are looking for an effective, alternative healing solution, go get a cat and keep it happy and purring. You are both likely to be healthier and you will have a great friend who truly understands how you are feeling.

January 2009