Does dolphin therapy really work?

Question

I have visited many web-sites concerning this subject eg. www.delphintherapie.net. If it is the sonic waves from the dolphins that can cure, why cannot they be synthetically reproduced?

Answer 1

Dolphins have been a source of fascination for the human race for thousands of years. Some people believe that having contact with dolphins can have a therapeutic effect for those experiencing a range of physical and psychological conditions. In recent years there has been considerable research into dolphin therapy, and some of those that have received it have given supportive testimony. Dolphin therapy has been reported to benefit people with many different conditions including

neurological disorders, autism, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, global developmental delay, ADHD, pain relief for spinal injuries, muscular paralysis, and depression. However, it is important to remember that little independent scientific evidence has yet been found to support these claims.

What does dolphin therapy involve?
Dolphin therapy is more than just swimming with or being in contact with dolphins. Programmes, customised to the individual, are devised by therapists. Therapy takes place next to and/or in a pool with captive or semi-captive dolphins. The therapists assist the individual, primarily disabled children, to engage in activities targeted at improving specific skills, movement or behaviours. These activities may directly involve the dolphins or contact with them may be used as a reward or motivation for performing the activity.

How might dolphin therapy work?
Dolphin therapy does not claim to cure any specific condition but it may help alleviate some symptoms associated with some conditions.

Researchers analysed blood samples taken before and after people underwent therapy, results showed that after swimming with dolphins there is evidence of a change in levels of hormones, endorphins and enzymes. How this is possible is still not well understood. There is ongoing research in universities and dolphin research centres but the evidence that dolphin therapy works remains anecdotal. Some of the theories have been put forward include the following:-

Therapy in a pleasant environment. Encounters with dolphins evoke a deep emotional response and trigger the release of deep feelings and emotions. It is believed that children are more responsive to the therapy because they play in a pleasant environment, they are motivated to complete the tasks, they are happy and therefore they pay greater attention to the therapists' work. It has also been suggested that dolphins can sense areas of disability and physical trauma in the human body, and they motivate children to use these parts.

Sound - the healing principle is similar to that of sound therapy. Rhythm and vibrational sound facilitate an altered mood. According to Dr Cole, Chairman of the Aquathought Foundation, swimming with dolphins can create physiological cell and tissue change in the body. He explains that dolphins have natural sonar, they emit ultrasound waves to localise things and to communicate. This process is called "echolocation". Sounds emitted by the dolphins are so intense that that they can cause "cavitations": they create holes in the molecular structure of fluids and soft tissues. Cole believes that the dolphins' signal frequencies can have a profound effect on the human brain by modifying the brainwave activity. Results of EEG tests carried out on people who experienced the echolocation showed that the dominant human brain frequency drops from beta to alpha.

It was also noted that both sides of the brain enter into synchronisation, which means there is a far better communication between the left and right sides of the brain. This is an uncommon neurological state, which is typically associated with heightened awareness and increased learning ability.

Cost
Dolphin therapy is costly and not available via the NHS. Some people have been successful in raising funds by applying to charitable funders or organising their own fundraising events.

Answer 2

Animal therapy works on an emotional level, which can be pretty powerful.
For some reason Dolphins usually give the most heightened sense of these emotions.
There is no medical therapy involved, but don't knock it, contact with nature is very life-affirming and often results in lower stress which enables the body to heal itself.

Answer 3

I never met a dolphin who was mentally unbalanced so I guess their therapy must be working very well.

Answer 4

I have swam with dolphins and I found it very therapeutic, I didnt do it specifically for therapeutic reasons but it did give me a sense of general wellbeing.

Answer 5

You're kidding aren't you? It's about as likely as crystal therapy or sitting under a pyramid to work. Unadulterated drivel.