Dolphin therapy is a young and promising area in psychological, psychiatric and medical rehabilitation practice. It is based on the use of natural ultrasonic vibrations emitted by a dolphin. As well as direct contact, communication and interaction with the animal.
Dolphin therapy is an excellent method of medical and psychological recovery for people who have suffered all kinds 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, speech, attention, hearing impairment and problems with socialization.
It is important to understand that this method is not a panacea. However, it can be an incentive in situations where treatment cannot move off the ground.
Where can I take the course?
A popular place in Russia for this procedure is the Crimea Peninsula. Here the dolphin therapy course can be completed in several places:
- The village of Partenit (Crimea). Dolphin therapy is carried out in one of the largest administrative areas - Big Alushta. There are also many attractions. This service is offered by the sanatorium "Crimea". Dolphin therapy is carried out in a convenient indoor marine pool. And also the service is available in the watercolor Dolphinarium of the city of Alushta.
- The city of Yalta. Dolphinarium "Water Area".
- The city of Feodosia. Dolphinarium "Nemo".
- City of Evpatoria. It is here that the institute is located where one of the promising areas in science on the Crimean peninsula is studied - dolphin therapy. Evpatoria allows you to combine relaxation with treatment. The Dolphin Therapy Institute provides the opportunity to undergo this procedure using an officially registered method. This organization has collected vast research and practical material in this area.
Institute of Dolphin Therapy
The opening of the Institute of Dolphin Therapy occurred in 2003. This is the largest center in Crimea for studying human interaction with dolphins. Experts 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, computer science, etc. As a result, the first official dolphin therapy program in the CIS countries (DAT for Dolphin Assisted Therapy) was successfully developed 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 they returned to living in the aquatic environment. In the biological systematics of these animals, mammals are common to humans, a distinctive feature of which is the feeding of young with milk.
These are social animals. They live exclusively in packs, communicate and interact with each other. They have a fairly large brain, capable of providing them with complex behavioral reactions.
The beneficial therapeutic effect of human-dolphin interaction has 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 communicating with these animals recovered 4 times faster. In addition, children became more contact, sociable and liberated and were able in their development to catch up with healthy peers. So began the development of the method of dolphin therapy, which has become widespread in more than 20 countries.
Dolphin communication methods
As already mentioned, dolphins are social creatures. They have their own language of communication, which ensures communication in a pack. The signals emitted by these animals are divided into two groups:
- “Twitter” and “whistle” are a whole group of signals that vary in duration, frequency. With their help, dolphins communicate with relatives and express a whole palette of emotions.
- Sonar, or sonar - allow you to explore the surrounding space, to distinguish underwater objects, their shape, size, as well as other animals and people. Dolphins emit these signals at very high ultrasonic frequencies, inaccessible 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:
Moreover, during the procedure itself, the dolphin acts as a source of ultrasonic signals. However, during the procedure, the radiation level on the patient will be controlled using a special device - a hydrophone. This allows us to make the ultrasonic effect directional and highly efficient.
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, this 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 union and processing at the same time 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 who oversees the course, the child performs a series of exercises 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 the Crimea is indicated as a preventive measure for the following childhood diseases and abnormalities:
- Cerebral palsy - cerebral palsy ;
- RDA - early childhood autism;
- Down syndrome and other genetic pathologies;
- MMD - minimal cerebral dysfunction;
- ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
- functional disorders of the central nervous system (CNS);
- mental retardation (excluding a deep degree);
- speech and auditory disorders;
- NST - sensorineural hearing loss;
- neurosis;
- post-traumatic stresses and disorders;
- non-endogenous depressive disorders (subdepressive level);
- memory disorders;
- learning disabilities.
In addition, dolphin therapy is used in Crimea to rehabilitate children affected by natural disasters, disasters, wars, terrorist attacks and other emergencies. This method is also suitable for adult patients as a prophylaxis and treatment of neurosis, psychosomatic disorders, vegetovascular dystonia, relieving chronic pain, recovery from heart attacks and strokes.
Indications and contraindications
Dolphin therapy in Crimea is indicated for both adults and children at least 1 year old. However, there is a technique for working with babies and an earlier age. The decisive role is played by the specific disease and its severity. Therefore, prior consultation with a specialist is necessary.
It is advisable that the child preparing to undergo therapy have minimal swimming skills. Otherwise, the process will be longer. However, to comply with safety measures, the child will be in the water in a life jacket.
This procedure is especially favorable for the whole family. In this case, the rehabilitation of the child will be milder and more effective. In addition, all family members receive positive emotions during the session, which is good for their relationship.
Dolphin therapy in Crimea (and in other centers) is contraindicated for persons suffering from epilepsy, acute infectious diseases, and cancer patients.
What does the course consist of?
Dolphin therapy in Crimea includes from 5 to 10 sessions in two weeks (standard course). Intensive consists of 14-20 days of daily procedures. First, the patient is interviewed by a specialist 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, be it Yalta, Feodosiya or Partenit (Crimea).
Dolphin therapy for a child is an excellent opportunity to combine the useful with the pleasant. A session, as already mentioned, can take place with the participation of his parents. If necessary, other types of treatment are connected, namely:
- kinesitherapy;
- tallotherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- massage;
- classes with a speech therapist;
- the work of a psychotherapist and psychologist.
There are special programs for adult patients, allowing you to remove 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 meets all expectations. The price range is indicated in the table.
Rehabilitation in Crimea (dolphin therapy) - prices:
| Name of procedure | Cost |
| single session | 4000 - 6000 p. |
| 10-day full course of dolphin therapy (including consultation with a doctor and other specialists) | 30,000 - 60,000 p. |
| 5-day full course of dolphin therapy (including consultation with a doctor and other specialists) | 15000 - 30000 p. |
| one - time swimming with dolphins for children and adults (from 5 to 10 minutes) | 3000 - 5000 p. |
Prices for dolphin therapy may vary depending on the time of year.
General recommendations and tips
Before you go on a dolphin therapy course, you must consult your doctor. This simple measure will avoid possible complications. Also, a specialist consultation (or several) will be provided directly at the place of the procedure. Therefore, it is necessary to bring an extract from the medical history, a medical report indicating the diagnosis and other certificates. It is better to clarify in advance by phone the composition of the package of documents.
Specify in advance all the details with the instructor - the need for a wetsuit, swimming vest, water temperature in the pool and indoors, the presence of swimming skills or fear of water. These insignificant, at first glance, moments can make additional discomfort.
Before arriving at the dolphinotrapia venue, take care of your stay throughout the course. It is not necessary to stay in the sanatorium / dolphinarium. You can stay in the nearest hotel or in the private sector. Think in advance the living conditions (floor, the presence of elevators, steps, handrails, railings), this is especially true for people with disabilities. For example, dolphin therapy courses on the basis of the Crimea sanatorium already imply accommodation of vacationers in the complex. At some other points of delivery of such services, it is better to think about the housing issue separately.