Reiki for Pets: How Japanese Energy Healing Is Helping Animals

The Japanese energy healing practice has extended beyond humans to the animal world.

Gaining momentum a century ago in Japan, Reiki treatment has traditionally been used to help humans with personal development, stress relief, and even with the healing process for certain diseases. The energy-channeling method is now being used on all sorts of pets—dogs, cats, rodents, reptiles, birds, and even larger barnyard animals.

Because animals cannot verbalize their fear or discomfort, veterinarians often have to focus on symptoms and diagnostic testing to come up with a treatment plan. Reiki energy masters attempt to break through that communication barrier by tapping into the energy centers, or chakras, of an ailing or distressed animal. The Reiki master then further attempts to move that life energy within the body to restore balance. The energy transformation is channeled through the Reiki practitioner.

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Before Reiki sessions can begin, a patient needs to accept the invitation. This can be more difficult to assess with pets, but Reiki masters can pick up on a defensive force that won't allow them into the chakras. If this occurs, then the animal is not a candidate for the alternative therapy.

Reiki healing can be performed distantly (distance Reiki) or in person (hands-on Reiki) with the Reiki master hovering, or sometimes with a light touch over parts of the animal's body, similar to the hand positions of Reiki performed on humans. A healing energy session typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

Reiki masters have helped pets combat arthritis, inappetence, injuries, and behavioral disorders ranging from fear to anxiety and aggression. In fact, pets that haven't had strong appetites for weeks have been reported to all of a sudden rip into a bag of food mid-session. Unadoptable shelter pets become adoptable after one or more sessions. Some pets have even been said to "request" the Reiki practice, begging their owners or Reiki masters for the treatment.

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Reiki is not a stand-alone medical practice but can be used in conjunction with veterinary care and medicine to offer alternative healing.

One of the best parts about Reiki is that there are no negative side effects. The only "side effect" that might come out of a natural healing session is an increased bond between the pet and its guardian.

What do you think? Can Reiki help pets and their overall well-being? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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