Reiki: Healing for Pets & their People

Written by Stacy Jennson

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese technique of energy healing. It was discovered in by Dr. Mikao Usui over a century ago. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words: Rei and Ki. The general definition for the word "Rei" is simply “universal.” As it is used in Reiki, the more accurate interpretation for "Rei" is higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness. This is the all-knowing Universal Consciousness or God-Consciousness. The word "Ki" has the same definition as "Qi"(pronounced Chee) in Chinese or "Prana" in Sanskrit. They are all defined as energy or life force. This is the nonphysical energy that circulates in and around all living things. When a living thing dies, its "Ki" departs. When your "Ki" is low or there is a restriction in its flow, you are more vulnerable to illness. When it is high and flowing freely, you are less likely to get sick. "Ki" is also the energy of our emotions, thoughts, and spiritual life. So in short, it is the God-Consciousness called "Rei" that guides the life energy called "Ki" in the practice of Reiki. A Reiki Practitioner is a conduit for this energy and channels it to the recipient either directly with a hands on approach or from a distance.

Benefits of Reiki

We and our pets all inhabit the same kingdom together—Animalia! So we experience stress and trauma in related ways, and therefore, can both benefit from Reiki. But when it comes to the process, animals speak a different language. While they naturally receive and gravitate towards Reiki, some pets may prefer to receive Reiki at a distance for a few minutes before approaching and placing the area of their body that needs healing directly into the practitioner’s hands.
Both humans and pets can experience some or all of these benefits from their Reiki sessions, but, of course, their experiences are not limited to the ones listed. There will likely be some unexpected and welcome benefits along the way as well!

It’s probably no surprise to y'all that people and pets can sometimes mirror one another's physical and emotional states. Animals are natural healers and often take on and attempt to heal their person's problems. This happens because of the deep bond between a pet and his/her person. Energetic imbalances can be shared as well because of this bond. Joint treatments for pets and their people can often be quite beneficial and offer great bonding opportunities!  

• Overall wellbeing: even healthy people and pets can have occasional physical, emotional and mental imbalances that, if left untreated, can manifest as disease or illness. Periodic Reiki sessions can help maintain a natural state of well-being.
•  Release and healing of emotional imbalances due to any traumatic situation such as abuse, neglect, abandonment or an accident.
•  Healing of behavioral issues such as nervousness, hyperactivity or aggression by promoting relaxation and by reducing stress and anxiety.
•  Quicker healing of sickness, injury or after surgery.
•  Reiki can help prevent side effects from conventional medications and provides relief of pain and relaxation to promote an enhanced natural healing response.
• Bring peace and comfort during the transition to the next life. Reiki helps to relax the recipient so that they are not afraid or struggling to stay a part of this life when it is time for them to depart.
• Increase trust and bonding between person and pet

Reiki Treatments

Reiki treatments can be given in person at the pet’s home, in the veterinary clinic while they are hospitalized, and even at the kennel they may be boarding at. Whether the pet prefers the treatment directly hands-on or at a short distance from across the room, the benefits are equally effective. 
Distance sessions, also known as remote treatments, can be explained using basic Quantum Physics. This method is extremely effective and sometimes more effective than the in person, hands-on treatments. Quantum Physics shows us that everything in the Universe is made up of energy and everything is connected. Distance healing is like “wireless” healing. We accept that cell phones, TV’s and the internet work wirelessly. Is it really that much of a leap to accept that all energy, even healing energy can travel this way? In distance sessions the Reiki Practitioner connects with the person or animal and requests the healing energetically. We are all part of the same universal energy with our own unique frequencies. The Reiki Practitioner is able to “dial in” to the recipients frequency and then send the healing energy to them. Both in person and distance sessions can typically last from 15 minutes to one hour. 

All in all, Reiki is a powerful yet gentle and loving technique to facilitate overall wellness for any living being.