The Power of Reiki for Pets
Animal Communication and Calming Techniques
What is Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports healing. It involves the transfer of universal energy through the practitioner’s hands to the recipient. Reiki can be beneficial for both emotional and physical healing, helping to balance the body's energy and facilitate natural healing processes.
Reiki for Pets Pets, like humans, can benefit immensely from Reiki. It can help them heal emotionally and physically, providing a gentle and non-invasive form of support. Reiki is particularly effective for animals because it works holistically, addressing the whole being—mind, body, and spirit.
My Reiki Journey Looking back, the first time I was introduced to energy healing was in 2001 in a small town in Costa Rica called Golfito. I lived there for a short time with a French Canadian woman who was a healer. At the time, she did not have a name for what she was doing. People from the village would come to her, and she would place her hands on them, providing comfort and healing. One story that stands out to me was about a woman who had a terrible infection on her arm from an oil burn while cooking. Within a day, the infection had pushed out, the wound scabbed over, and healing had begun. Another memorable story was the comfort she offered to an elderly man who was transitioning, followed by the solace provided to his wife after he passed. It was a beautiful lesson in holding space.
A few years later, in 2009, back in the States, I was suffering from severe anxiety and depression that was impacting my autoimmune system. I was in a constant state of pain, and my thoughts were totally consuming. I booked a massage with a healer, and she mentioned she incorporated Reiki. Not knowing what this was, I was still open to the experience because I had tried so many things with no success. Once the session began, a familiar lightness came over me. It reminded me of how I felt when accompanying my Costa Rican friend on her healing calls. For the first time in my life, I felt the heaviness of the anxiety and depression leave my body. The pain also left.
Wanting to understand more about this modality, I began studying it myself and years later became a Reiki Master. You will often hear me credit Reiki as the modality that guided me to my path of healing. It was my "gateway" energy modality.
Usui Reiki and My Journey with Animals As an Usui Reiki Master, I have found the traditional "hands-on" method of Reiki and "beaming" energy to sometimes be overwhelming for many animals, especially cats and those with trauma. These sensitive beings often prefer a more subtle approach. I frequently offer Reiki with a "hands-off" technique and sometimes even practice distance Reiki while sharing the same physical space with the animal.
The Let Animals Lead® Method My journey with Reiki took a transformative turn when I discovered Kathleen Prasad and her Let Animals Lead® method. I completed her Level One course and became a certified practitioner. This method focuses on offering Reiki in a way that respects the animal’s autonomy and comfort. Not only did LAL®  give structure to my Animal Reiki practice, it gave me a community who valued the agency of animals as much as I do.  Often as humans we think we know what is best for animals, but I like to believe they are able to choose what is best for them.  Forcing a healing on an animal never really sat right with me.  Instead of imposing energy, it invites animals to participate in their healing process at their own pace.
In the Let Animals Lead® method, the practitioner meditates and creates a healing space, allowing the animal to approach and interact with the energy as they feel comfortable. This approach is particularly beneficial for shelter animals, animals with a history of trauma, and those nearing the end of their lives.
End-of-Life Care Support: A Personal Story Reiki is exceptionally supportive during end-of-life care. It provides comfort, reduces anxiety, and helps animals transition peacefully. This method is gentle and respects the animal’s needs, making it ideal for providing solace during their final days.
A personal story that highlights the power of Reiki involves my beloved Serama rooster, The Boss. He was the only one of 13 eggs that hatched in 2016, emerging with assertion and force. Seramas are the world's smallest chickens, but The Boss had a personality much larger than his size. A clutch of quail had hatched, so I added him to their brooder. Â He immediately took on the role of supervisor, keeping the quail chicks near the heater and out of the water, demonstrating his big personality from the start.
A few months ago, I noticed The Boss was starting to slow down. Age had caught up with him, and he became a little slower and stiffer, allowing others to step into his supervisory role. I began offering him Reiki sessions, and he would come close, lay down, and soak up the energy. After each session, he would have a renewed spark. Towards the end, he received daily Reiki sessions, which comforted him immensely during his transition period.
Reiki offers unconditional love and compassion, providing a gentle and supportive energy that helps animals and humans alike during difficult times. I also practice this method on humans, offering comfort and support during the throes of grief.
Continuing Education and Commitment I am committed to continuing my education with Kathleen Prasad and my friend and collaborator, Sunny. We plan to advance to Level Two this fall. I am also a member of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA), which underscores my dedication to supporting shelter animals through Reiki.
Reiki offers a compassionate and holistic approach to healing for both pets and humans. It helps bridge the gap between physical health and emotional well-being, ensuring that our beloved companions receive the care they deserve at every stage of their lives.
Resources: If you would like to learn more about Kathleen Prasad and her Let Animals Lead® method please check out her site:
https://www.animalreikisource.com/
To learn more about how you can get involved with SARA (Shelter Animals Reiki Association) Check out their site:
https://shelteranimalreikiassociation.org/
To book a reiki session with me for one of your beloved animals: https://calmingcreek.com/services
Originally Published July 31, 2024
My name is Melissa, and I bring to you these insights as a certified holistic pet health coach, pet nutritionist, canine herbalist, animal communicator, Reiki Master and animal energy healer, allowing me to provide holistic solutions for our four-legged friends. I reside on a farm sanctuary surrounded by animals, including seven dogs and four cats. Â
Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.Â