Dolphin therapy is a young and promising direction in psychological, psychiatric and medical rehabilitation practice. It is based on the use of natural ultrasonic vibrations emitted by the dolphin. As well as direct contact, communication and interaction with the animal.
Dolphin therapy is an excellent method of medical and psychological recovery of people who have suffered all sorts of diseases. It is prescribed in the treatment of psychosomatic diseases, neurological disorders, disorders and developmental delays. This is an effective way of rehabilitation after suffering serious injuries and mental shocks. It is especially favorable for children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hyperactivity, impaired speech, attention, hearing and those with problems with socialization.
It is important to understand that this method is not a panacea. However, it can be a stimulus in situations where treatment is notcan get off the ground.
Where can I take the course?
A popular place in Russia for this procedure is the Crimean peninsula. Here you can take a course of dolphin therapy in several places:
- Partenit village (Crimea). Dolphin therapy is carried out in one of the large administrative districts - Big Alushta. There are also many attractions here. This service is offered by the sanatorium "Crimea". Dolphin therapy is carried out in a comfortable indoor sea pool. The service is also available at the Akvarel dolphinarium in Alushta.
- City of Y alta. Dolphinarium "Aquatoria".
- The city of Feodosia. Dolphinarium "Nemo".
- The city of Evpatoria. It is here that the institute is located, where one of the promising areas in science on the Crimean peninsula is being researched - dolphin therapy. Evpatoria allows you to combine rest with treatment. The Institute of Dolphin Therapy provides an opportunity to undergo this procedure according to an officially registered method. This organization has collected a huge amount of research and practical material in this area.
Institute of Dolphin Therapy
The opening of the Institute of Dolphin Therapy took place in 2003. This is the largest center in Crimea for studying human interaction with dolphins. Specialists from Russia, Ukraine, Germany and the USA participated in its creation. This event was preceded by a large-scale 6-year research work in the field of psychology, psychiatry, marine biology, informatics, etc. As a result, the first official in the CIS countries was successfully developeddolphin therapy program (abbreviated as DAT - from Dolphin Assisted Therapy) as a way of medical and psychological rehabilitation.
Why dolphins?
Dolphins are classified as secondary aquatic animals. Presumably, they had land ancestors, but for some evolutionary reasons returned to living in the aquatic environment. In biological taxonomy, these animals are classified as a class of mammals common with humans, the distinguishing feature of which is the feeding of young with milk.
These are social animals. They live exclusively in flocks, communicate and interact with each other. Their brains are large enough to provide them with complex behavioral responses.
The beneficial therapeutic effects of human-dolphin interaction have been known since the 1970s. Then the clinical psychologist David Nathanson, working with children with Down syndrome, included swimming sessions with dolphins in the treatment procedure. He found that small patients who interacted with these animals recovered 4 times faster. In addition, children became more contact, sociable and liberated and were able to catch up with their he althy peers in their development. Thus began the development of the method of dolphin therapy, which has become widespread in more than 20 countries around the world.
The way dolphins communicate
As already mentioned, dolphins are social creatures. They have their own language of communication, which ensures communication in the pack. The signals emitted by these animals are divided into two groups:
- "Twitter" and "whistling" is a wholea group of signals that differ in duration, frequency. With their help, dolphins communicate with their relatives and express a whole palette of emotions.
- Echolocation, or sonar - allow you to explore the surrounding space, distinguish underwater objects, their shape, size, as well as other animals and people. Dolphins emit these signals at very high ultrasonic frequencies that are inaudible to human hearing.
It was the ability to echolocation that formed the basis of dolphin therapy.
Dolphin therapy in Crimea: description and essence of the method
Dolphin therapy as a method of medical and psychological rehabilitation includes two blocks:
- diagnostics;
- correction.
At the same time, during the procedure itself, the dolphin acts as a source of ultrasonic signals. However, during the procedure, the level of radiation on the patient will be monitored using a special device - a hydrophone. This allows you to make the ultrasonic treatment targeted and highly effective.
During the procedure, the child is in direct contact with the dolphin. In this case, the animal acts as a therapist. As it turned out, such interaction significantly stimulates the physical, mental and speech development of the child.
What happens during dolphin therapy?
At the first stages of the procedures, the child's brain undergoes enhanced activation. There is a combination and processing simultaneously of all signals perceived by the senses - visual, auditory,tactile, olfactory. Thus, the brain begins to work in high power mode.
The so-called communicative resonance between the child and the dolphin is gradually being established. And at this moment, an amazing fact occurs - a person and a dolphin enter the phase of a single psychological and motor (motor) functioning. Then, under the guidance of the therapist supervising the course, the child performs a series of exercises together with the animal. The whole process is accompanied by constant verbal and non-verbal communication with the dolphin.
What diseases does it work against?
Dolphin therapy in Crimea is indicated as a preventive measure for the following childhood diseases and abnormalities:
- CP - cerebral palsy;
- RDA - early childhood autism;
- Down syndrome and other genetic pathologies;
- MMD - minimal brain dysfunction;
- ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
- functional disorders of the central nervous system (CNS);
- mental retardation (excluding profound degree);
- speech and auditory disorders;
- NST - sensorineural hearing loss;
- neuroses;
- post-traumatic stress disorder;
- non-endogenous depressive disorders (subdepressive level);
- memory disorders;
- learning disabilities.
In addition, dolphin therapy is used in the Crimea for the rehabilitation of children affected bynatural disasters, catastrophes, wars, terrorist acts and other emergencies. This method is also suitable for adult patients as a prevention and treatment of neurosis, psychosomatic disorders, vegetative dystonia, chronic pain relief, recovery after heart attacks and strokes.
Indications and contraindications
Dolphin therapy in Crimea is indicated for both adults and children aged at least 1 year. However, there is a technique for working with babies and an earlier age. The specific disease and its severity play a decisive role. Therefore, a preliminary consultation with a specialist is necessary.
It is desirable for a child preparing for therapy to have minimal swimming skills. Otherwise, the process will take longer. However, for safety reasons, the child will be in the water wearing a life jacket.
This procedure is especially favorable for the whole family. In this case, the rehabilitation of the child will be softer and more efficient. In addition, all family members receive positive emotions during the session, which has a good effect on their relationship.
Dolphin therapy in the Crimea (and in other centers) is contraindicated for people suffering from epilepsy, infectious diseases in the acute stage, cancer patients.
What does the course consist of?
Dolphin therapy in Crimea includes 5 to 10 sessions in two weeks (standard course). Intensive consists of 14-20 days of daily treatments. First, the patient is interviewedspecialist and undergoes a medical examination. Then he starts swimming with dolphins under the guidance of a therapist. The course package will depend on the specific venue, whether it is Y alta, Feodosia or Partenit (Crimea).
Dolphin therapy for a child is a great opportunity to combine business with pleasure. The session, as already mentioned, can take place with the participation of his parents. If necessary, connect other types of treatment, namely:
- kinesitherapy;
- tallasotherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- classes with a speech therapist;
- work of a psychotherapist and psychologist.
There are special programs for adult patients to relieve the manifestations of depressive, neurotic, psychosomatic and other conditions.
Dolphin therapy in Crimea: prices and courses
The price of a full course of dolphin therapy is quite high. But, judging by the reviews of people who have undergone the procedure, its effectiveness justifies all expectations. The price range is shown in the table.
Rehabilitation in Crimea (dolphin therapy) - prices:
| Procedure name | Cost |
| one session | 4000 – 6000 RUB |
| 10-day full course of dolphin therapy (including consultation with a doctor and other specialists) | 30000 - 60000 rubles |
| 5-day full course of dolphin therapy (including consultation with a doctor and other specialists) | 15000 - 30000 rubles |
| one-time swimming with dolphins for children and adults (from 5 to 10minutes) | 3000 - 5000 RUB |
Prices for dolphin therapy may vary depending on the season.
General tips and tricks
Before you go on a course of dolphin therapy, you should consult with your doctor. This simple measure will avoid possible complications. Also, consultation of a specialist (or several) will be provided directly at the place of the procedure. Therefore, it is necessary to take with you an extract from the medical history, a medical report indicating the diagnosis and other information. It is better to clarify in advance the composition of the package of documents by phone.
Discuss all the details with the instructor in advance - the need for a wetsuit, a swimming vest, the temperature of the water in the pool and indoors, the presence of swimming skills or fear of water. These seemingly insignificant moments can bring additional discomfort.
Before you arrive at the place of dolphin therapy, take care of accommodation throughout the course. It is not necessary to stay on the territory of the sanatorium / dolphinarium. You can settle in the nearest hotel or private sector. Think over the living conditions in advance (floor, availability of elevators, steps, handrails, railings), this is especially true for people with disabilities. For example, courses of dolphin therapy on the basis of the sanatorium "Krym" already imply the accommodation of vacationers on the territory of the complex. In some other service delivery points, housing is betterthink separately.
