Dolphin therapy in Brazil’s Amazon aids individuals with disabilities, with Luiz Felipe, a 27-year-old with Down Syndrome, benefiting alongside others. Developed by physiotherapist Igor Simoes Andrade, this therapy offers joy and connection to nature. It complements traditional treatments, fostering social interactions while enhancing physical skills. Sponsored sessions have positively impacted approximately 400 individuals over twenty years.
In the Brazilian Amazon, an innovative therapy involving pink dolphins provides support for individuals with disabilities. Luiz Felipe, a 27-year-old man diagnosed with Down Syndrome, is among several participants from Manaus engaging in this alternative therapy, which has benefited approximately 400 patients over the past two decades. The therapy caters to individuals with various disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and limb loss, fostering a unique healing experience.
Physiotherapist Igor Simoes Andrade, who developed this distinctive form of animal therapy, emphasizes that it does not replace conventional medical treatments. Rather, he describes it as a means of delivering joy, happiness, and a connection to nature, which contrasts with the often sterile hospital environment. The therapy sessions are offered free of charge, thanks to sponsorship support.
Neuropsychologist Hannah Fernandes highlights additional social advantages gained from the therapy. Participants, including Luiz Felipe and his peers, engage in breathing exercises and yoga prior to swimming with the dolphins. This preparation allows individuals to overcome their fears; for instance, Luiz Felipe, once hesitant, now demonstrates newfound self-confidence.
The local pink river dolphins, known as boto, exhibit curiosity towards human interaction, swimming alongside the participants in a playful manner. The “bototherapy” sessions have gained approval from the Ibama environmental regulatory body, legitimizing the practice. Simoes articulates that the therapy enhances various physical skills, including balance, spine strength, and psychomotor abilities, treating individuals as human beings rather than patients.
In summary, the dolphin therapy in Brazil’s Amazon is a pioneering approach that supports individuals with disabilities, imparting not only therapeutic benefits but also fostering social interaction and personal growth. While centered on enjoyment, it complements traditional health services by empowering participants through joyful encounters with nature and animal companionship.
The dolphin therapy sessions conducted in the Amazon represent a progressive approach to supporting individuals with disabilities, providing them with essential therapeutic and social benefits. By integrating physical activities with interactions with dolphins, the therapy enhances confidence and physical capabilities while offering a highly unique experience that diverges from conventional methods. The combination of free access and official approval underscores the initiative’s significance in promoting well-being among patients.
Original Source: www.france24.com
