Animals can absolutely be treated and comforted with Reiki energy. No one knows exactly what an animal experiences during a Reiki session, but something in them seems to let go and relax. They normally will become very still and seem to sense that something very special is taking place, and gratefully take the energy in.
Animals respond very well to Reiki, and just like humans, Reiki can be used for all types of illnesses, injuries and emotional problems. Reiki can accelerate the healing process of animals, ease pain, and improve or help to continue their quality of life.
The healing principles of Reiki are the same whether you are treating a family member, your neighbor, a complete stranger, or an animal. The Reiki energy flows just the same in all cases. Animal anatomy is very similar to human anatomy, so you can usually judge hand positions fairly easily if you are trying to treat specific organs.
It is very unusual to encounter an animal who will not readily accept Reiki. For healthy animals, Reiki helps to maintain their overall health, and will enhance relaxation and promote a sense of peace and contentment.
Reiki is a safe, natural method for treating animals who are sick, and as with humans, will enhance the benefits of any other therapies or treatments the animal is receiving, as well as reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
For animals who are terminally ill, Reiki can provide a gentle though powerful method of relieving pain, fear and anxiety, and providing peace and comfort for the animal during this difficult time.
Treating Cats, Dogs and other pets.
I usually come to the animals home where they feel most comfortable. I will start by opening up to reiki from a distance and mentally asking the pet if they wish to accept the healing energy. This gives the animal chance to feel the healing energy and realise what it is before i come any closer to them. If an animal cannot use the energy, they will instinctively move away, though this is generally not the case.
The animal instinctively knows how much healing they need and will generally move away when they have had enough. Some animals choose to stay a short distance away but they will still receive the healing energy the same. Your pet will usually be quite sleepy afterwards and will want to rest quietly.
Treating Horses
Your horse must feel at ease and in their normal surroundings and routine as much as possible in order to get the most from the treatment. After their feed, when they are not going to get worked later, is best as a session will leave them feeling very relaxed and some horses take a nap soon after as part of the healing process.
If they are under veterinary care you must obtain their permission for reiki treatment to be given and they may even want to be present.
A reiki session can be anything from 20 minutes to an hour as the horse dictates when he/she has had enough, usually by going to the back of the stable. If it is a shorter session it does not mean it has been less successful as some horses, like some people, take up and use the healing energy a lot more effectively than others.
During a session, which can be hands on or hovering the hands just above the area or even from a distance, whatever your pet is more comfortable with, they will respond to the healing energy in various ways. These include a lowering of the head and a softening of the eyes, chewing and licking, sighing and sometimes they are so relaxed their eyes close completely. Like a person recovering from illness or responding to treatment, your pet will need quiet and rest and may need to drink more water to help flush out toxins from the body.
IMPORTANT LEGISLATION It is very important that you obtain veterinary treatment for a sick animal and that you inform them that you wish to give them reiki healing also. The paragraph below sets out the relevant legislation with regard to treating animals
The Veterinary Surgery Act of 1966 prohibits anyone, other than a qualified veterinary surgeon from treating animals, including diagnosis of ailments and giving advice on such diagnosis.
However the healing of animals by contact healing, by laying of hands or distant healing is legal. The Protection of Animals Act 1911 requires that if an animal clearly needs treatment from a veterinary surgeon the owner must obtain this. To give emergency First Aid to animals for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain is permissible under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Schedule 3. (taken from the Reiki Federation Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice- March 2002)