Animals and Reiki~

 

         In my experience, almost all of the animals that I have had the opportunity to know and give healing to have absolutely loved their Reiki treatments.  In fact, some of them, a certain English Springer Spaniel that I know and Frito, the cockatiel pictured on the left, are very adamant about receiving the energy when they sense its presence, even when I’m not channeling it specifically for them! 

        

         Animals in general are extremely sensitive to everything and everyone around them and there have been those

occasions when the animal that I have wanted to give healing to was so startled by the energy coming from my hands, that it took a greater length of time for them to adjust to the sensations and trust them but in the end, they excepted the energy whole-heartedly and enjoyed it immensely. 

 

The Treatment Itself~

 

         Like humans, all animals are individuals and they all have similar and yet different wants and needs and some animals will accept more energy, some less.  Generally, either the energy stops flowing or the animal will walk away when treatment is at an end.  Also, smaller animals such as hamsters, reptiles, and birds will usually take less energy than larger cats, dogs, and small farm animals.  In turn, dogs and cats etc., will take less energy and time for treatment than most horses.

 

         A full treatment for any animal usually consists of hand placements that cover all of the chakras (energy centers) and meridians (energy pathways) used in acupuncture.  The Reiki practitioner gently lifts and places their hands in these positions while the energy flows and the animal may experience a number of different sensations including heat, tingling, vibrations, pulsing or throbbing.  As with humans, they may become very sleepy and yawn, stretch or snore.  Some are energized and want to eat directly after a treatment and a lot of the time, Reiki will trigger a purge and the animal will feel the need to eliminate.  Remember, Reiki always goes where it is needed most!

 

It is also my belief and preference that the animal’s person participate in their animal’s healing by either holding them or their cage and in the case of horses, holding the lead rope and maybe talking to them softly.  Of course, the best way to know what your animal may experience with Reiki is to have a treatment yourself but chances are, that by being an active participant in your animal’s healing, you will also reap the benefits as well!