Reiki
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) energy healing is a
gentle, painless, yet powerful modality that works on animals and humans alike.
Reiki can be used in conjunction with all
other holistic medical or therapeutic techniques as well as with traditional
medical treatments to relieve side effects and promote recovery. It is a common
misconception that Reiki energy is just for sick or injured animals. While
Reiki energy can be used on a sick or injured dog, it can also be used as a
preventative to any potential illness or ailment or to maintain the general
well-being of a dog.
However, a level one or level two Reiki
practitioner can provide in-person, hands-on healing. Because Reiki consists of
the same Universal Life Energy that makes every living thing alive, any living
thing can be helped by Reiki energy. Reiki works throughout the body and each
chakra to create a positive energy flow and remove any energy blockages that
may exist.
Chakras exist throughout the body and are
sometimes referred to as the main energy centers in the body. Chakra is a
Sanskrit word which means “wheel of light”. Humans have seven main
chakras. Dogs have the same seven chakras plus one additional chakra known as
the brachial chakra. The brachial chakra in a dog is the beginning point for
clearing chakras in dogs. Each of the chakras regulates a specific area or
areas of the body. However, all of the chakras work together to keep the body’s
energy aligned and flowing smoothly. When there is a physical or emotional
problem within the body, the chakras will become blocked and energy will not
flow properly. Which chakras are blocked will depend on the area(s) of the body
affected. Until the chakra is cleared of its blockage, the issue will remain.
During a Reiki healing session, the dog may
become very relaxed and sometimes will fall asleep. Other times, the dog will
become invigorated and energized after the session has concluded. Each dog will
react in a way that the Reiki energy best suits them. A Reiki energy session
can be as short as five or ten minutes in length or as long as an hour or more.
The length of the session depends on how much healing the dog feels it needs.
Once the dog has absorbed all of the energy it
feels it needs, it will walk away. Often, in my experience, before walking
away, the dog will give me a sign of affection as a way to say, “Thank
you”. This has usually taken the form of a ‘nose nuzzle’, ‘love lick’ or
‘love nibble’.
When I perform an in-person Reiki session, I
will ask the client to have their dog in their most relaxing or favorite room.
I want to make sure their dog is comfortable, relaxed and familiar with their
surroundings. They don’t need to hold their dog in place or force them to stay
on a bed or table. The Reiki energy will flow throughout their dog no matter
where they are in the room. Often, they will lie beside me and allow me to
gently move or place my hands over various parts of their body.
Reiki energy can be given to your dog in
regularly scheduled intervals or as needed. Because it is a gentle and
non-invasive energy modality, it can be used safely with any animal no matter
the age, size or breed.
Using Reiki as a complimentary therapy at a
veterinarian’s office is an excellent way to help ease the increased stress
level your dog may experience while at the office. Reiki can also help your dog
heal emotionally and physically from any treatments that may have to be
performed once you return home. If your dog has had surgery, Reiki can help the
overall healing process.
When I perform a Reiki session at an off-site
location, I will try to make the room as comfortable as possible. I dim the
lights, provide a comfortable bed for them to lie in if they wish and maybe
softly play meditation music. It is important that everyone is open to the
energy healing and remain relaxed. This includes the dog, their human companion
and me.
Another practical use for Reiki is to assist
with separation anxiety that a dog may experience when you’re away from home
and they’re left at home or boarded away from their home. Many of my clients
use my Reiki services in this fashion, even if their dog is doing well
otherwise. As a side benefit, knowing that their dog is calm while they are
away, it helps ease the mind of the human companion while they’re traveling.
When they arrive home, they find their dog to be well-adjusted and at ease. No
longer do they worry about the dog’s routine being changed or any unexpected
behaviors transpiring while they’re away.
Providing Reiki on a regular basis for your
dog will help your dog stay emotionally, mentally and physically strong and
happy.
Please keep in mind that Reiki is typically
used as a complimentary therapy and is not a substitute for veterinary care if
your dog is sick or injured.