- Title: PERU: Dolphins are being used as pre-natal therapy for pregnant women
- Date: 29th October 2005
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DOCTOR, SAYING: "The dolphins and the sounds they emit produce a harmonization in the cerebral hemispheres. Harmonization is balance between both hemispheres, the right and the left."
- Embargoed: 13th November 2005 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Peru
- Country: Peru
- Topics: Nature / Environment,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVA1LMBMV07CDPXUSMBREWWNDVE5
- Story Text: A new type of pre-natal therapy is being used in Peru , with positive effects reported for mother and child. Dolphin therapy reportedly stimulates the mental growth of the fetus, while at the same time relaxing the expectant mother.
At the Los Delfines hotel in San Isidro, Lima, a male and female dolphin are the stars of this new project, known as Walwawawa. Wayra, a female dolphin, and Yaku, a male, respond to the calls by their trainers to approach the mothers-to-be, and emit their trademark sounds close to the mother's bellies. According to the mothers who have already tried this new pre-natal experience, contact with these friendly sea creatures has brought positive effects.
Ety Napadenschi is one of the new converts to dolphin therapy. "I felt that it (the dolphin) wanted to get close to the baby and it was emitting such intense sounds that it made me vibrate within. The truth is I loved it," she enthused.
According to its promoters, the high pitched sounds emitted by the dolphins stimulate the brains nerves, and help in the development of the child's auditory sense. The therapy is used in combination with traditional techniques like music therapy and exercise.
For dolphin trainer Roxanna Castello, the high frequency sounds have a relaxing effect on the human brain, which can be transmitted to the unborn fetus. "These sounds are high frequency sounds and it is said that on interacting with human beings, these sound stimulate a part of the brain, which frees you from stress and with which you relax," she explained.
The idea is that the dolphin sounds stimulate the neurons, with positive results noted in the fetal heartbeat as well as a marked improvement in the state of mind of the mother.
One doctor examining the expectant mothers after their dolphin therapy session said that the sounds had helped balance the left and right side of the brain. "The dolphins and the sounds they emit produce a harmonization in the cerebral hemispheres. Harmonization is balance between both hemispheres, the right and the left," she said.
The positive effects of contact with dolphin have been noted before. A study by the University of Wales found that 70 percent of people who listen to tapes with recordings of dolphin sounds show a significant improvement in their mental abilities.
Quirky. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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