What is Reiki?
Reiki was created by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century in Japan. It is a spiritual practice that uses meditation as its base. It has gradually been gaining popularity as an integrative healing method and stress reduction technique. In Japanese, “Rei” means spirit and “Ki” means energy, which directly translates to “spiritual energy.” In a Reiki session, a practitioner creates a space of peace, harmony, balance, and compassion. The animal or human can choose to be a part of this energy and by doing so, they determine what healing they’re open to receiving. The goal of Reiki is not to send energy to a being, but to create a healing space for one to voluntarily join.
One of the core teachings of Reiki is that we are all deeply connected. To simplify this, we are “all one”. As we more fully understand this concept, we also understand that compassion is universal, and is a key component in healing. Feeling compassion toward ourselves and others is one of the foundations of Reiki.
Recently in the United States Reiki has become more popular and has even been used in hospitals across the country. A study done in 2007 by the National Health Interview Survey found that 1.2 million adults and 161,000 children received one or more sessions of energy healing therapy in the previous year. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, 15% or over 800 American hospitals offered Reiki as part of their services (Center for Reiki Research). Hospitals have reported that they use Reiki because it reduces stress, decreases the amount of pain medication required, improves sleep and appetite, and accelerates the healing process.
There is less direct research about practicing Reiki with animals but it has the same healing potential as with people. In a Reiki session with animals, they often experience a deep state of peace and relaxation. Reiki helps to clear any imbalances within the animal which allows for new and harmonious patterns of health and wellness to emerge. Physical contact is not required within a Reiki session and traditionally an Animal Reiki practitioner will begin a session with an animal with a hands off approach and let the animal determine if they want physical contact. This allows the animal to control the treatment. They can accept Reiki from a short distance or approach the practitioner’s hands. What is important to understand in an Animal Reiki session is that the practitioner offers Reiki by providing a space, and the animal chooses to be a part of it.
It is ideal to use Animal Reiki to support an animal’s overall wellness program. It is not a substitute for veterinary care but can complement both allopathic and holistic modalities. Reiki can address issues whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual (though practitioners do not diagnose unless they are veterinarians). It is gentle and noninvasive.
One of the core teachings of Reiki is that we are all deeply connected. To simplify this, we are “all one”. As we more fully understand this concept, we also understand that compassion is universal, and is a key component in healing. Feeling compassion toward ourselves and others is one of the foundations of Reiki.
Recently in the United States Reiki has become more popular and has even been used in hospitals across the country. A study done in 2007 by the National Health Interview Survey found that 1.2 million adults and 161,000 children received one or more sessions of energy healing therapy in the previous year. According to the American Hospital Association, in 2007, 15% or over 800 American hospitals offered Reiki as part of their services (Center for Reiki Research). Hospitals have reported that they use Reiki because it reduces stress, decreases the amount of pain medication required, improves sleep and appetite, and accelerates the healing process.
There is less direct research about practicing Reiki with animals but it has the same healing potential as with people. In a Reiki session with animals, they often experience a deep state of peace and relaxation. Reiki helps to clear any imbalances within the animal which allows for new and harmonious patterns of health and wellness to emerge. Physical contact is not required within a Reiki session and traditionally an Animal Reiki practitioner will begin a session with an animal with a hands off approach and let the animal determine if they want physical contact. This allows the animal to control the treatment. They can accept Reiki from a short distance or approach the practitioner’s hands. What is important to understand in an Animal Reiki session is that the practitioner offers Reiki by providing a space, and the animal chooses to be a part of it.
It is ideal to use Animal Reiki to support an animal’s overall wellness program. It is not a substitute for veterinary care but can complement both allopathic and holistic modalities. Reiki can address issues whether they are physical, mental, emotional or spiritual (though practitioners do not diagnose unless they are veterinarians). It is gentle and noninvasive.
Photo by Sandra Haines