About Tall Grass Animal Acupressure Institute
Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute offers highly interactive training programs in acupressure and other areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine for animals. Our instructors are experienced and known as leaders in their field. We have been teaching all levels of acupressure courses worldwide for many years. The Tallgrass courses are designed for animal guardians, trainers, and healthcare practitioners. We are consistently adding new learning opportunities.     

Tallgrass offers a comprehensive Animal Acupressure Practitioner Certificate Program curriculum, and people are welcome to take courses without being on the Equine or Small Animal Practitioner track. Every participant receives a Certificate of Achievement after successfully completing the requirements for any of the courses listed on this website.

Practitioner Certification Program
Whether you are interested in taking care of your own horses, dogs, and cats or you are considering animal acupressure as a career, we look forward to sharing one of the most deceptively gentle, safe, non-invasive, and extremely powerful ancient healing arts that has been used for animals for 1000's of years. 

Everyone can participate in any of the Tallgrass courses to learn what they want to learn about animal acupressure. For participants selecting to become certified animal acupressure practitioners we offer a comprehensive 330 Learning Unit program, or 164 Continuing Education Hours through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body work (NCBTMB).

Can Adding An Acupressure Certification Help Me If I Am Already A Trainer Or Instructor?
Animal acupressure provides added value to any of the complementary therapies or training styles. Acupressure can address both physical and emotional issues that the animal is experiencing. For instance, there are specific acupressure points that can help the horse or dog to be calmer and able to focus during a training session. Acupressure has proven to enhance the flexibility and strength of muscles, tendons and ligaments as well. The real gift of learning acupressure is that you can become more astute is assessing the animal’s condition and have “tools” to address the issues immediately.

How Does Acupressure Compliment Massage Therapy?
Acupressure and massage go together beautifully. Massage is the manipulation of body tissues while acupressure influences the energetics of the body both internally and externally. In other words, acupressure supports the harmonious flow of chi, life-promoting energy, and blood that nourishes the internal organs and ensures their proper functioning. Massage enhances the smooth flow of blood for the superficial aspects of the body.  Combining these two modalities offers horses, dogs and cats a more powerful, yet gentle, opportunity to feel and perform their best.

Why Doesn't Tallgrass Offer a 1 Or 2 Weeks Program Like So Many Other Programs?
The Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute 330-hour Practitioner Certificate training program provides an in-depth study of the Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts under lying acupressure and the direct application of these ancient eastern theories and concepts. The program entails six hands-on courses and six online courses that give our participants the understanding, knowledge and skills to be outstanding practitioners. We encourage continuous learning since animals and Chinese medicine is a life-long study and passion. Tallgrass has graduate practitioners worldwide and we look forward to having many more competent and well-qualified practitioners. Please read the testimonials from our graduates on the Tallgrass website for further reference.

Will I Be Able To Work With Horses And Dogs
Tallgrass Equine or Small Animal Acupressure Certified Practitioners are qualified to work with animals within the Tallgrass Acupressure Scope of Service and Code of Ethics. Each State and country has different requirements for the practice of animal therapies and practitioners must know what the requirements are in their locale and work within the given framework. In some states or countries there are no restrictions and in others an acupressure practitioner must have a veterinary referral. Additionally, Tallgrass practitioners are well prepared to take the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage examinations and be able to present the highest level of credibility to prospective clients.

What Learning Tools And Materials Are Available So I Can Learn More About Animal Acupressure?
The founders of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow are the pioneers in the field of animal acupressure. They are the authors of three acupressure texts: Equine Acupressure: A Working Manual; The Well-connected Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure; and, Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. Zidonis and Snow author numerous articles for publications worldwide. Tallgrass Publishers also offers DVDs, Meridian Charts for horses, dogs, and cats as well as other learning tools and materials which are available on the website.

How Do I Get Started?
To get started, take a good look at the Tallgrass website. Read through the Practitioner Certification pages that are listed in the left margin. Then, read a few of the recent articles to see if you are really energized by the possibility of working with animals and helping them feel well and enjoy their lives. If you are inspired and want to learn a lot about helping animals feel free to contact us and we will help you set-up your program. Since this adult learning we want you to go at your own pace so that you will become a confident, well-trained practitioner that will truly benefit the animals with which you work.