Dolphin therapy to be applied in Armenia
Armenian pedagogues already have a chance to get acquainted with a non-traditional and wide-spread method of treatment -dolphin therapy.
A group of Ukrainian specialists has arrived in Armenia to familiarize Armenian pedagogues with the therapy.
Before that, an agreement was signed between Armenian State Pedagogical University after Kh. Abovyan and Ukrainian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education named after P.L.Shupyk.
Anatoli Chuprikov, an academician of the Ukrainian Medical Academy, says he has observed unbelievable changes among children who interacted with dolphins.
"I believe, that during the treatment doctors, pedagogues, psychologists should join efforts to help disabled children whose number is rapidly increasing in the world," said Chuprikov.
Before the signing ceremony, magistrates of the Pedagogical University tested the effect of regular swimming sessions with dolphins on children.
Tereza Azatyan, a senior representative of the Armenian Pedagogical University, said the trial had shown some tangible results.
"It can help alleviate some symptoms associated with children conditions by enhancing their healing process but cannot finally correct the disease. Dolphin therapy is not a cure" she said.
The sides agreed that the course of treatment is greatly effective though expensive. Each interaction lasts 25-30 minutes and costs AMD 20 000.
Dolphin therapy is already used to help children undergoing rehabilitation for a range of conditions.
Specialists state that dolphin-assisted therapy can help people who suffer from neurological disorders, especially autistic children. Researchers say dolphins' aesthetic value, and emotions raised by the interaction may have healing properties. Using animals in this way could be a productive way to treat depression and other psychiatric illnesses.
