A few years ago the idea of Reiki, or energy healing, was relegated firmly in the outer fringes. If not considered outright quackery, it was often thought of as wishful thinking or not real. In the last few years, as this ancient system has become more and more mainstream many have embraced this alternative healing system for themselves and their dogs.
Below is a very quick overview of what Reiki IS and how it can help your dog feel better.
Reiki (ray-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is shared by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Reiki comes from the Japanese Rei and Ki meaning spiritually guided life energy. This definition is from reiki.org and applies to animals and people alike.
The Reiki practitioner hands hover over the recipient's body using different hand positions or mudras that allow the energy to flow via the practitioner into the subject.
A Reiki practitioner receives the ability to share the flow of Reiki through attunements or initiations from a Reiki Master. There are various of levels of Reiki training, but the core concept is that anyone can learn to share the energy known as Reiki.
Think of it this way, when a child falls down they run to mom or dad and wants a kiss or a hug. Loving energy is shared to help make the ouch better. Same principle.
Usually a person receiving Reiki feels relaxed, calmer, as their tension flows away. Many massage therapists, acupuncture practitioners etc. use Reiki along with their other modalities as it is works well with other modalities.
Just as Reiki can helps emotional and physical issues with people, it can also help our dogs, (and other animals). Reiki can help many physical and emotional issues that our dogs have. It seems that the longer they live with man, the more problems dogs seem to develop. Spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle commented he is surprised dogs are able to stay as sane as they DO after living so closely with people for so many centuries.
• Anxiety and stress-related issues (thunderstorms, 4th of July, travel, etc.)
• Chronic pain or discomfort like hip dysplasia and arthritis
• Heart disease and cancer management
• Helps rescued dogs assimilate into their new loving home (yours)
• Ease the transition for dogs near death (this has been a great help for me and my own dogs)
Reiki is shared with hand positions that are specific to each type of Reiki. Each position is used to create a certain energy outcome to help bring your dog into balance.
Many Reiki practitioners use Reiki on the dog’s chakras to balance the dog. Then they concentrate on the specific area that may be of concern.
Dogs have the same chakra systems that people do (for the most part) with extra centers in their paws, etc. This is covered in great detail on our Dog Chakra Info section.
These charkas are specifically connected to different glands in your dog. Reiki helps the glands release hormones directly into the blood stream and control all aspects of your dogs daily activities and healthy thinking.
The key is balance…all things in moderation and in balance!
Reiki is a gentle but powerful healer. It can balance your dog’s energy, organs, and glands. It has proven to strengthen immune systems, relieve pain, clears toxins, and enhances personal awareness while relaxing your dog.
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