What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing. It can be offered to humans or animals of any age and is a gentle, safe method of healing. It involves the transfer of "Universal" or Source energy from practitioner to client; this can be done hands-on, from a short distance, or by proxy across a large distance. The premise is that when flooded with this universal energy, the body is able to heal and balance itself as it was meant to. So the practitioner is not healing the client; he/she is facilitating the transfer of energy that helps the client to heal him/herself. Reiki supports an energetic environment that optimizes healing, relaxation, and general well-being for its recipient.

How can Reiki benefit my dog or cat?

• Promotes physical, emotional, & spiritual health
• ​Pain management, reduced inflammation, accelerated healing; helpful for chronic pain issues or acute injuries / post-surgery
• Stress reduction & relaxation; helpful for nervous, anxious, or skittish animals.
  
• Complements traditional training & rehabilitation. Reiki can support behavioral plans for both dogs and cats by reducing emotional stress, removing energetic blockages, and supporting a more confident, stable animal who will be receptive to growth and change.
  
• Supports your animal near end-of-life (hospice) and also at the time of passing. Reiki can provide your animal with comfort, relaxation, pain relief and spiritual connection at their sacred time of transition.
  

Are there side effects or contraindications?

No. Reiki is completely safe for all animals, from puppies/kittens to adults and seniors. Reiki is not a substitute for veterinary care, but as with other alternative methods, it provides a gentle and effective addition to your animal's health care plan.

How does Reiki work?

Our entire universe is made up of energy, and as quantum physics has shown, everything (and everyone) in this universe is made up of the same "stuff," and part of a collective consciousness. In addition to this, within our own bodies, we have chakras, or energy centers, and meridians, or pathways that the energy follows. So when this energy is flowing smoothly, without blockages or stagnant areas, then the other functions of the body are working at their best.

How does it help someone emotionally? Well, an emotion is energy, with thought and intention behind it. Our emotions start in that same energy field, and so are also supported when influenced by Reiki. Each thought has a vibration, which sends signals to your brain and throughout your body. Think of how when you are depressed, you may feel heavy, sluggish, and fatigued. The emotion of depression...the energy....the vibration...is connected to every cell in your body. This influences the body in the moment with temporary symptoms, and can also create long-term conditions when the emotion/energy is chronic or stagnant.

Animals are naturals when it comes to taking in Reiki because they don't intellectualize or question it. They are instinctual and accept the healing energy when they feel it. Our dogs and cats are energetic sponges and it's not always easy for them to live with us! We know that we share deep, intimate bonds with them. I believe that we owe it to them to help them clear and balance themselves, as they go through their journeys with us, and share in our energy fields.

You can offer Reiki from a distance? Really?

Yes, really! Energy is not a physical object limited to a location in time and space. You can sort of think about energy like you would your cell phone service or Wi Fi access--It easily connects all of us over distances both great and small. But it's even more incredible than that because its effectiveness is not diminished in any way by any amount of distance!

Although receiving energy healing in person can be a wonderful experience, getting it from a distance can be just as amazing, and also has some additional benefits to consider. Since distance Reiki is not limited by location, the recipient can remain in the comfort of their own home. Or, the human or animal can be at the doctor's office, being given a procedure at the exact same time (such as during a surgery), or even at the animal's euthanasia appointment. 

• Read more to understand how physics explains Reiki and how this type of healing is possible
• An Integrative Review of Scientific Evidence for Reconnective Healing

How often should my animal get a Reiki session?

This will depend upon the animal and the situation that you are addressing. For general health and well-being, it is a gift to give your dog or cat a monthly Reiki session. If you can afford to do it more frequently, all the better! Because my animals live with me, they are around Reiki (being given to any one of them or myself) on a daily basis. No one can overdose on energy healing, so it is up to you, your goals, and your resources.
​
For chronic conditions or as part of a rehab plan, I recommend starting with weekly sessions, then moving to bi-weekly, and then monthly maintenance. Whatever you can do, know that your animal will receive some benefit even from an occasional session. If your dog/cat just needs extra support healing from an injury, post-surgery, or following a traumatic emotional event (or time of grief), a few sessions can help to accelerate their healing and provide pain relief as they recover. The ways in which Reiki may be given are numerous and can be tailored to each individual.

Schedule a reiki session