What Is Reiki?

Can a gentle healing touch help your pet?

Reiki is known as a form of healing in the human world, but just like acupuncture and herbs, the holistic modality also extends to the animal world. The energy transferring technique originated in Japan in the early 20th century.

Best combined with other alternative therapies, Reiki can be a hands-on or hands-off practice, with the option of long distance sessions. However, Reiki Masters can only perform the therapy on patients who accept it. But how can we know if animals are open to it?

Animals and Reiki Acceptance
Body language of an animal is a sure sign that he or she welcomes the energy practice. Distantly, Reiki masters can feel if their energy channel is being blocked by the intended recipient, alerting the practitioner that the animal is not open to receiving the healing. Most of the time, the animals have been ready and waiting for this type of healing to come along.

Reiki Masters
Reiki Masters are attuned with training passed down from generation to generation all dating back to the first Reiki Master and Buddhist monk, Dr. Mikao Usui. Attunement typically involves learning the universal hand postures and Reiki symbols as well as understanding that the energy transfer must be welcomed and accepted by the recipient at all times throughout a session. Treatments can last anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes.

Pet Response
Directed energy flows from the Reiki Master, who acts as a channel, to the patient. Many pet parents have noted their animals seem more peaceful when they are receiving Reiki, be it in the clinic or from afar with the pet in the comfort of its home.

During a session, animals that have been restless are suddenly relaxed. We had a kitty with inappetence rip into a bag of her food when Dr. Rewers started a distance Reiki session. Studies have even shown Reiki to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in Petri dishes. Reiki can also help pets as they begin the transition to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Reiki at Ancient Arts
Dr. Darla Rewers, Ancient Arts clinic owner and practicing veterinarian, is a Reiki Master. She has practiced Reiki on dogs, cats, birds, mice, rats, and more. Pets have even come up to her and "asked" for Reiki! If you'd like to schedule an appointment for Reiki, give the clinic a call. Remember to schedule a Holistic Exam and be open to other modalities, too, including Food Therapy with our Associate Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Regis!