What is Animal Reiki?

My journey with Animal Reiki was at first, a self-serving one. As a young child the only present I wanted every birthday and every Christmas was a dog. It didn't have to be a puppy or any certain breed. I begged my parents and begged them until I cried, hoping that they would give in. They did not. I settled for stuffed dogs for years but kept the inner knowing that I was meant to be in the company of animals.

As life happened, I built a great career working with humans in both community college and university capacities. I then shifted in a leap of faith into private practice therapy, a journey of incredible connection and humbling lessons that I cherish. Recently I left private practice and created a more streamlined trauma-informed process of healing that works with the root of repeating thoughts and patterns. I love the new process and that healing an issue can occur in 4-6 sessions. I was also very excited that it meant I could learn about and spend more time with my first love - animals.

Reiki is a gentle Japanese energy healing technique returned to us by Master Usui in the 1920s. Many of us feel that this is actually an ancient process that allows the Universal Life Force energy to awaken the healing potential we were born with - humans and animals, too. Reiki is a specific frequency from the One Source - it is like an inner lamp we all possess that can be plugged in and turned on when we are attuned to the Reiki energy. Once we are attuned the lamp stays on. Reiki is never harmful and doesn't drain the practitioner as they become a vessel for the infinite and gentle energy to flow through them into the energy of the person/animal.

I've been learning Reiki in various capacities for almost 4 years. I am a Reiki Master Teacher for both humans and animals. What I love about Animal Reiki so far is that I can help my own animals (two dogs and a cat so far) reduce their stress before going to the Vet, reduce anxiety when my partner or myself are away, (Animal Reiki is just as effective from a distance) and that our bond feels stronger. I am more able to tune into their needs and body cues than ever before. And our household is very peaceful - a bonus I didn't consider.

Animal Reiki does not take the place of medical care, and my pets regularly see a Vet, receive medication, have yearly check ups, etc. Reiki can help with decreasing pain, faster recovery after surgery or illness, improve mental and emotional balance, promote relaxation, and assist animals in end of life passing, it can be a form of palliative care. If your pet is naturally healthy and well, Reiki can feel like the best massage and relaxation they have had.

Reiki can be done in person from a distance or from an alternative location, like the practitioner's healing room. The effectiveness of Reiki does not shift and in fact, it can be easier for traumatized or aggressive animals to forgo human contact when receiving Reiki energy. Reiki can be given to small animals, fish, birds, domestic animals, farm animals and even wildlife.

The process starts with me getting into a state of meditation, either a few feet away from the animal/animals or in my healing room. I call in the healing power and invite the animal in to the session. Animal Reiki is never forced and is led by the animal. The animal will let the practitioner know if and for how long they wish to receive the Reiki energy. I love how empowering this is for them and feel grateful that they can always have a choice. If I am in the animal's environment, they may come up to me and lick my hands or lay close to me. If it is safe and I can sense that they will enjoy it, I may lay my hands on the animal in a few places where I am directed. It is perfectly fine and works just as well if I do not place my hands on the animal at all. When my hands stop feeling the flow of the energy and/or the animal leaves the session, I thank and close down my connection to the animal. I thank the Reiki energy, and I speak with the animal's guardian. Sessions might be a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the animal's size and needs.

Reiki has been shown to be effective in regulating the nervous system in humans and animals alike. In a world where fireworks and other loud noises are prominent, I am extra grateful that I can help my pets and the animals around me to return to a state of calm and ease. I am also regularly sending Reiki to land preserves and neighborhoods when I walk through them. I plan to choose some locations that have been hit by natural disasters and send Reiki to those animals as well.

If Animal Reiki resonates with you and you want to learn more, feel free to check out my Animal Reiki webpage or email me: ren@6rayhealing.com. I am happy to chat with you about how you might wish to approach Animal Reiki so your animal friends can interact with this amazingly soulful and gentle energy.

With love,

Ren