The support for and use of natural and holistic complementary therapies such as Reiki is increasing and as we enjoy and realise the benefits of Reiki, many people now consider this therapy for their animals.

What happens in an Animal Reiki Session?

The Animal Reiki Practitioner will gather information relating to the reason for Reiki being sought, the animal’s health / well-being, both past and present veterinary diagnoses, the animal’s previous experience of Reiki (if any) and details regarding the animal’s temperament.  Reiki will be explained, along with expectations from this therapy.

For any undiagnosed known or suspected conditions, a veterinary diagnosis should first be sought before requesting Reiki for your animal.

The Reiki session will vary depending upon the animal, their physical, mental and emotional state and the reason why Reiki is sought.  Ideally, Reiki will be offered in an environment that is familiar and quiet for the animal, and at a time where animals can feel relaxed and most at ease. 

The animal is in charge and they choose whether, and if so, how much Reiki they wish to take, how they wish to receive it and for how long.

If offering an in-person session, Reiki is offered from a distance, allowing the animal to come closer and seek a hands-on (versus hands off or distant) therapy session if they wish.  Reiki may be offered hands-on, hands off (a few inches to a few feet away), remotely (typically 6-10 feet away, or slightly further) or distantly (from any world-wide location).

When a Reiki practitioner places their hands on or near an animal, the practitioner will often feel heat, tingling or pulsing. This will happen when Reiki energy is flowing from the practitioner’s hands.  The Practitioner will typically be aware of areas of higher energy sensitivity, for example where the sensation (such as heat) is intensified and this will relate to areas where the body is drawing more of the ‘healing’ energy.

When Reiki energy flows, people usually feel warmth from the practitioner’s hands and a sense of calm relaxation typically follows, although other feelings or benefits are possible, and it is believed that animals feel the same.  They certainly show signs of relaxation in many instances.   Animals appear to have a better natural understanding of this energy than us and may push their sore body area(s) into a practitioner’s hands and then move their body round when that area has received enough and another area requires attention; offering a lick or nuzzle to show their gratitude at the end of the session.

Animal Reiki sessions typically last 30 minutes to 1 hour but it depends entirely on how much Reiki the animal wishes to receive.  In some instances, more than an hour may be appreciated by the animal. 

Travel costs will typically be added as Animal Reiki Practitioners usually travel to you, allowing the animal to be in a place that feels safe and familiar. 

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Jimmy’s Story tells the story of Jimmy, a horse based in the north of Scotland who, after receiving a series of Distant Reiki sessions, was able to release suppressed trauma.

Benefits of Animal Reiki

As with Reiki for humans, Reiki for animals is also relaxing and comforting, improving the feeling of wellbeing and sense of self.  Reiki is often offered to animals:

• to help with stress, anxiety or other emotions (this may also benefit related issues)

• to help reduce pain, stiffness or discomfort

• to support and possibly speed up recovery from illness, injury or surgery 

• for general well-being

• to support ageing animals and those at / near their end of life

• to help relax an animal before a situation that may be stressful (their response may then be less reactive)

• for a wide range of other situations and conditions where relaxation will be beneficial.

Many animals sleep when Reiki is offered to them.  If you think about a time when you or your animal have been ill or recovering from illness / surgery, it is common to sleep more than at other times.  In this relaxed state the body is in its best state for self-recovery and tissue repair.  When Reiki is offered it helps the body to reach a relaxed state where sleep is easier and natural healing is promoted.

Reiki supports conventional veterinary medication and treatment and must not be viewed as a replacement for it.  It can comfort animals that are passing and may assist when no other treatment has helped. 

Although veterinary consent is not required, a vet’s diagnosis should be gained prior to Reiki being offered to animals when a medical health issue is known or suspected to exist.   A Reiki practitioner is not permitted to make a diagnosis. 

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