Reiki and Animals
Aileen D’Angelo RMT, Cn. TPM
Traditional Reiki Master
Reiki (pronounced Ray Key) is the channeling of the Universal Life Force Energy to promote spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional healing. Rei means “Universal” and refers to the spiri-tual dimension of the soul. Ki means “The vital life force energy that flows through all living things.” When combined, its meaning is “Universal Life Force Energy.” A laying-on of hands healing technique thousands of years old, it is thought to have originated as a Tibetan Buddhist practice that was rediscovered in the late 1800’s by Dr. Mikao Usui. Reiki can also be used over distance and the sessions are just as effective as a hands on session.
Just as we use Reiki in conjunction with traditional Western Medicine, Reiki is a useful tool when used in conjunction with traditional Veterinary medicine. I have had the privilege of seeing it work to improve an animal’s well-being when traditional methods have failed or had no more to offer. Just as with humans it can decrease pain, improve health, enhance the effectiveness of traditional treatments, and sometimes, even do the impossible. With my own animal’s companions, I use Reiki as a regular part of their wellness care. A few minutes of Reiki everyday seems to add to their feeling of well-being.
Reiki and animals are a natural combination. Those of us who do Reiki with humans have had the chance to see the wonderful benefits Reiki brings to folks lives. This is the case with animals as well. In my experience I have come to believe that animals are so much more in touch with the energies around them than we, as humans, often are. This being the case, they are also incredibly open to receiving, and even giving Reiki energy.
My first opportunity to Reiki an animal came when I adopted a Greyhound named George. After deciding that he was the dog for me I needed to wait until he had been neutered before bringing him home. The day of his surgery the adoption agency called to tell me that he had collapsed afterwards and was bleeding internally and was not expected to live through the night. I immediately started sending him Reiki and sending him feelings of love and wanting him to come home to live with me. The next day the agency called to say that the vets could not explain it but he was getting better and they expected him to survive. That was six and a half years ago and George is my class assistant whenever I teach a Reiki class. George also has a seizure disorder and comes to me each time he feels one coming on and pushes his head into my hands so I can Reiki him.
Since that time I have had the honor of touching the lives of many companion animals and their people. Each animal who has allowed me the honor of touching them in this way has taught me something. I have learned about their willingness to give, I have seen the depth of their unconditional love for their human companions. I have felt them struggle as they try to decide whether or not to hang on for a little while longer (usually for the sake of their person) or to let go and move to the Spirit world.
Working with Reiki and animals is fun, exciting, an exercise in patience and creativity. Some animals take to it immediately and will allow me to work for long periods of time. Others need to take frequent breaks; they go away and then come back a few minutes later for more. Some do not wish to be physically touched but will allow me to beam the Reiki energy towards them. I have learned to watch for very subtle signs that indicate an area that needs work but they are trying to keep me from getting to. And I have learned to ask questions of the humans to see what may be the root cause of the issues facing the animals. Sometimes it is not the animals who have the real issues but their people.
One of the things that amazes me the most is how much our animal friends will take on in an effort to help their human companions. I have experienced them take on physical, emotional, and mental things for their people in an effort to ease the suffering of their human. They are so connected to us and their love for us is so unconditional that there is not anything they will not do in an effort to help us. My first experience with this occurred when doing a distance session for a cat in New Jersey. During the session I had the impression that this cat was suffering from a migraine headache. When I spoke with the owner after the session she informed me that she had been suffering from a migraine for 3 days prior to the session with her cat.
I have had the thrill of watching as I treat one animal in a home that another animal will come to help with the session. I was treating a 12 year old German Shepard and each time I saw him his cat companion would come to help with the sessions. The first time I was there to treat this wonderful dog I was working on one hip and his cat companion came into the room, lay down behind this huge dog and placed his paws on the other hip and stayed there for 15 minutes. I have no doubt in my mind or heart that this little cat was giving his pal Reiki and helping with the treatment.
With my own animal companions, my cat, Dragon, spent 3 days and nights keeping her paws on me after I had a surgery. I felt the energy coming from her when she did this and I know she was helping me with my healing process.
There are also times where the highest healing good for the animal is to help to ease their transition from this world to the Spirit world. Though it is sad to see them leave and to see the grief of those they are leaving behind; it is also an awesome privilege to be a part of this process. Being there as a Reiki practitioner during this time of transition is humbling. I have had the honor of being there for several of these and each time it leaves me filled with awe and wonder.
For any Reiki practitioners considering adding animals to their practice I would highly recommend it. My advise would be to watch and listen to the animal, they will show you and teach you. Each of them will be very individual in how they will allow you to work with them. Keep your sense of humor about you and be willing to work with them on their terms (which may also include a lot of time down on the floor). Use petting and massaging as a part of the treatment to help to relax them as they adjust to how the energy feels. And lastly, remember to thank them when you finish for allowing you to touch them in this way.
Bio
I am a Traditional Usui Reiki Master Teacher with a practice working with animals and their people. I have been a practitioner since 1996 and a Master/Teacher since 1998. I also work as an Animal Communicator and Canine Triggerpoint Myotherapist. I am a member of the International Association of Reiki Professionals and the Animal Wellness Association and I serve on the board of the central Massachusetts Business Council.
Hoof, Paw & Claw
