Date of the last update: 19.08.2024
Dolphin therapy, or DAT for short, is a form of animal therapy that involves close interaction between a dolphin and a patient. The first classes of this type were carried out by the American psychologist David Nthanson in the 1970s. He used it with children suffering from autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Since then dolphin therapy has become one of the therapeutic methods worldwide.
Table of contents:
- Dolphin therapy methods
- Are dolphins safe?
- For whom?
- What are the benefits of swimming with dolphins?
- How much does dolphin therapy cost?
- Summary
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Dolphin therapy methods
In the simplest terms, this method consists of playing and swimming with a dolphin, during which the patients perform the corresponding exercises. The interesting point is that during play, these animals emit ultrasounds that penetrate human tissue.
Research suggests that these sounds help to reduce pain, relax patients and have the potential to promote wound healing. However, the use of ultrasound in dolphin therapy requires further scientific research to better understand its mechanisms of action and potential health benefits for patients (Status 2024).
Opponents of dolphin therapy believe that the method does not have sufficient scientific research to support a conclusive effect of dolphins on human health.
They believe that it is not possible to determine precisely how much of the possible results (if they can be spoken of at all) are due to the animals and how much to other factors, such as the action of the therapist, the water, the social environment, etc.
Explore more: Animal-Assisted Therapy: Unleashing the Healing Power of Animals
Are dolphins safe?
Dolphins are generally considered safe in the context of dolphin therapy when guided by appropriately trained therapists and appropriate safety precautions are observed. It is crucial to ensure that dolphin-patient interactions take place under controlled conditions to minimise the risk of potential dangers.
Bultonos dolphins are very sociable by nature and are interested in everything. They often invite children to play with them themselves and allow themselves to be stroked. White-whales, on the other hand, are calm and patient. They approach sick people carefully, without making sudden movements. And the ultrasounds they emit are stronger than those of butlonos.
It is important to check the centre where you go for dolphin therapy both in terms of the staff and the methods they offer.
For whom?
Dolphin therapy is primarily dedicated to children with various types of physical, intellectual, communicative, mental and social developmental disorders.
Advocates of this method consider it a remedy for such health and developmental problems as autism, Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, neurological disorders, epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, depression, muscular degeneration, among others.
What are the benefits of swimming with dolphins?
The benefits of dolphin therapy come not only from the interaction with the dolphin itself but, above all, from the water environment, which makes exercise more effective than outside it. The buoyancy force of the water makes the body lighter and the exercises easier to perform. Patients with motor and neurological problems learn to control their bodies by doing motor gymnastics in water. Furthermore, in addition to the supposed benefits of the emitted ultrasound, it is worth knowing that the very contact with the dolphin has a motivating effect and encourages long repeated therapy sessions in the water. Furthermore:
When playing with dolphins, endorphins are produced, which reduce feelings of pain, hunger and make breathing easier.
Playing with dolphins helps to develop social-linguistic competences and also the musculoskeletal system develops through water exercises.
How much does dolphin therapy cost?
Unfortunately there are not many centres in the world that offer dolphin therapy. Therefore, the costs can be very high. One of the most visited centres in Europe is the Centre in Truskavets, Ukraine. Due to the war, you should check if a trip is possible. (status 2024). You can also use the offer of travel agencies and go, for example, to Turkey.
Summary
Dolphin therapy is a form of animal therapy, using close interaction between dolphins and patients to improve physical, emotional and psychological health. Despite the controversy and lack of conclusive scientific evidence for its effectiveness, dolphin therapy is very popular worldwide, especially among children with a variety of developmental and neurological disorders. There are many positive aspects resulting from this type of therapy, such as motivation to exercise, development of social skills and relaxation through contact with dolphins and the aquatic environment. However, the high costs and controversies regarding the ethics and reliability of its effects require further research and a considered decision before deciding to use this form of therapy.
