A beginners Guide to Reiki!

When I was taught Reiki and began my holistic animal practice, I never envisaged teaching an animal holistic module at a veterinary college. Kathleen Prasad was my teacher and is the leading expert in the world in Reiki techniques with animals, I learnt to Master level and have taught and practiced Reiki for many years and run many Reiki workshops.

Frans Stein, after the death of Hawayo Takata researched Reiki and realised that Mikao Usui had intended his symbols and attunements to be used in a different way, as Howayo Takata had interpreted their use incorrectly.

Reiki is now, recognized and respected and used in conjunction with main stream medicine. It compliments and supports orthodox veterinary medicine and I was very happy to teach Emma Hedderson a veterinary surgeon who was keen to learn. Some Pet insurance companies are starting to include Reiki treatments within their pet insurance policies. However, it is best to check this as it may require a vet to refer your pet for their Reiki treatment or to give consent. It is so good to see that Animal Reiki is now becoming a profession and respected in its own right.

Although there is no legal requirement to request or obtain veterinary consent before Reiki is offered to animals, Reiki is not a magical cure and should always be used in conjunction with veterinary care to check for any physical health problems. If you are seeking Reiki for behavioural problems you should always check with your vet as these could also be the result of a physical health condition.

There are many veterinary practices who now have Reiki practitioners working alongside them and also holistic animal centres. I am so happy that vets now see the valuable emotional support that Reiki gives to both animal and owner and especially given to an animal who is in transition before euthanasia is performed.

There are a small number of animal studies which show the benefit of Reiki and putting it into mainstream therapies, but much more needs to be done. I am at the moment conducting a study on Zoo animals and Reiki and hope to see more trials in the area of animal shelters and Reiki.

Two Studies Published:

“Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model” in the journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2006 Jan-Feb; 12(1)15-22

“Reiki improves Heart Rate Homeostasis in Laboratory Rats “in the journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (14(4):417-422, 2008

Reiki is used in cat and dog rescue centres, at horse/dog racing yards, stables and horse sanctuaries and where veterinary care has not been able to diagnose the issue or find a helpful treatment. It is used to treat animals with behavioural issues and can improve the quality of life for older animals

Reiki is a natural calm therapy that promotes the bodies natural process of self-healing. Animals are far more aware of energy than us humans. It can reduce stress, and helps emotional issues which can be very helpful for rescue animals who have experienced trauma, and nervous pets. For example. a visit to the vet, travel, bonfire night, storms and thunder and other stressful situations. Sometimes there is a need to treat both the owner and animal as the animal’s problems may have arisen from a stressed owner.

Reiki always acts for the animals highest good. Animals will choose whether to accept Reiki or not and cannot be forced. If their body does not want to receive it the energy will not flow. This is the case when they have received enough healing the energy will stop flowing as they no longer need to accept it from the practitioner. There is no need to disrupt or move an animal, they can be beside you in the comfort of their home or it can be given through distant healing. In fact letting the animal choose is by far the best way to offer Reiki to an animal.