THERIOTHERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Theriotherapy is a term derived from the combination of two Greek words, "therios" meaning "beast" or "animal," and "therapy" which refers to the treatment or healing of diseases or disorders. It encompasses a branch of medical or psychological intervention that utilizes animals as an integral part of therapeutic processes to improve an individual's physical, emotional, or cognitive well-being.
Theriotherapy involves a range of approaches that incorporate animals such as dogs, cats, horses, dolphins, or other species into therapeutic activities. These animals are selected for their ability to promote positive interactions and provide emotional support to individuals in need. The therapy may take different forms, including animal-assisted therapy (AAT), where animals are present during therapy sessions, animal-assisted activities (AAA), which involve animal visits, or even animal-assisted education.
The use of animals in therapeutic settings is believed to have various benefits. The presence of animals can enhance emotional well-being by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and increasing social interaction. Theriotherapy has shown effectiveness in improving physical health outcomes, such as reduced blood pressure and heart rate, increased mobility, and improved fine motor skills. Additionally, it can aid in communication and cognitive development, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disabilities.
Theriotherapy has gained recognition as a complementary therapy in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and nursing homes. Trained professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, or social workers, typically oversee and administer theriotherapy sessions to ensure the welfare and safety of both the participants and the animals involved.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for THERIOTHERAPY
- rheriotherapy
- fheriotherapy
- gheriotherapy
- yheriotherapy
- 6heriotherapy
- 5heriotherapy
- tgeriotherapy
- tberiotherapy
- tneriotherapy
- tjeriotherapy
- tueriotherapy
- tyeriotherapy
- thwriotherapy
- thsriotherapy
- thdriotherapy
- thrriotherapy
- th4riotherapy
- th3riotherapy
- theeiotherapy
- thediotherapy
Etymology of THERIOTHERAPY
The word "theriotherapy" is derived from two Greek roots: "therio" and "therapy".
1. "Therio" (θηρίον) is a Greek word meaning "beast" or "animal". It comes from the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵʰwer- which denotes wild animals. It is also related to the Greek word "thēr" (θήρ), meaning "wild animal" or "beast".
2. "Therapy" (θεραπεία) is another Greek word meaning "medical treatment" or "cure". It is derived from the Greek verb "therapeuō" (θεραπεύω), which means "to attend" or "to treat".
Similar spelling word for THERIOTHERAPY
