What is Reiki Therapy for Pets?

Reiki meditation therapy has been used for thousands of years to promote healing and relaxation in humans, as well as dogs, cats, horses, and other animals.
To help raise awareness of this ancient Japanese practice and how it can benefit our pets today, February 3rd was marked World Animal Reiki Day by The Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA). Learn how Reiki meditation therapy works and how it could make a difference in your pet’s physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

How Does Reiki for Pets Work?
Reiki therapy is based on the belief that electromagnetic energy, also known as life force, chi or Qi, runs through all living things. The chi flows through the chakras, or energy centers, that spin like disks throughout the body.
In a healthy body with balanced chakras, the chi flows smoothly to promote healing, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. In a human, pet, or other being is that is unwell, Reiki practitioners believe that one or more chakras may be blocked, preventing the flow of energy through the body.
Reiki practitioners encourage relaxation and meditation by creating a calming environment with music, soft lighting, and aromatherapy.
During a Reiki therapy session, the therapist gently places their hands on or just above their client’s body, using the flow of energy through their hands to direct the client’s energy, correct imbalances, detect and help open blocked chakras and pathways. Reiki practitioners describe themselves not as healers, instead focusing on stimulating the body’s ability to heal itself.
The practitioner works towards making their dog or cat client as comfortable as possible. Most pets relax, and may even fall asleep during the session, and that’s a good thing - the body is said to be more receptive to healing during sleep.
It’s common for pets to remain calm, relaxed, and rejuvenated for the rest of the day following their session. Positive changes may be seen immediately afterwards or soon after, and can compound with recurring appointments.

How Can Reiki Benefit My Pet?
Reiki can be used for preventative health or to aid recovery after an acute illness or injury, or to help manage chronic health issues.

Reiki is commonly recommended to…

• Help boost immunity in pets fighting illness or receiving chemotherapy
• Stimulate the body to rid itself of toxins and disease
• Lower perception of chronic pain
• Help relieve anxiety and manage behavioral issues

Does Reiki REALLY Work?
If you’re new to the concept of metaphysical healing or just consider yourself a skeptic, it might be hard to imagine how a practitioner can help their clients with a gentle touch, or in many cases, no touch at all.
Reiki therapy is not fundamentally based in medical science, but it is becoming more widespread in hospitals, hospice facilities, nursing homes, veterinary clinics, and other medical settings. The practice dates back over 2000 years, but was more recently rediscovered in the early 1900s. Until now, positive results and stories of recovery from both humans and pet parents have been the only evidence that Reiki truly works.
There have been several small scientific studies on the effects of Reiki on both humans and animals, with mixed results. Reiki has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls unconscious processes like breathing, heart rate, digestion, and sleep. Some studies suggest Reiki can be effective at reducing pain, improving sleep, and relieving anxiety. Though current data looks promising, more research is needed to understand how Reiki works and how it compares to conventional therapies.

Does Reiki Replace Medication and Surgery?
Reiki has never been intended to heal broken bones, provide instant, complete elimination of pain, or otherwise replace conventional medicine. Reiki is the practice of stimulating the body’s existing immune system, energy pathways, and parasympathetic nervous system to encourage healing, calmness, and a sense of well-being.
The practice of Reiki is best used alongside other treatments, including conventional and other holistic remedies. Some patients have been able to use lower doses of medication with Reiki possibly due to its ability to make the body more receptive to healing and less perceptive of pain.
Reiki does not come with any side effects, nor does it interfere with other treatments. At the very least, it encourages relaxation and helps manage stress, which can be beneficial to overall health.
Whether done with the help of a certified practitioner or tried at home, it can be a great way to help your pet relax and strengthen your bond. For thousands of years, people have seen incredible results for both humans and animals, and it might just do wonders for your pet.

Where To Try Reiki Therapy For Your Pet
Some Reiki practitioners work work humans and animals, while others specialize. You can find a practitioner who’s certified in the Let Animals Lead® Method of Animal Reiki through an association directory. You can also try Reiki at home with your pets with the help of books or videos to guide you through a basic meditation.