WHAT DOES A REIKI SESSION FOR AN ANIMAL LOOK LIKE? As an Animal Reiki Practitioner, I strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics developed by Kathleen Prasad for the purpose of treating animals with Reiki. This means that I work in partnership with the animal and honor the animal’s choice of how they choose to receive their treatment, and even if they want to receive the energy at all.  Asking the animal’s permission to send them Reiki is paramount.  I have had rare occasions where an animal just did not want the energy. One such case being my own elderly horse Bill (but that’s a story for another column). To someone that may not be familiar with Reiki, a session for a pet may appear to be just a person and animal hanging out in the same room.  But that is the beauty of Reiki and why it’s so well-suited to treating animals – the practitioner doesn’t have to be touching the animal at all for the energy to be working.  Reiki healing can be sent from a distance – in the same room, across the country, or even the globe – and the effect is as strong as if the animal was being physically touched.  This allows the animal to choose exactly how they want their treatment.  Some pets will lay down a slight distance away from the practitioner and absorb the energy that way, often moving closer as they become more relaxed.  I’ve even treated dogs that actually placed certain parts of their bodies in my hands for maximum benefit! As pets get more experienced with the treatments, they will eagerly come to greet you and often lay right down at your feet, ready to receive the energy.  A hands-on treatment can then consist of the practitioner gently touching the animal, allowing the energy to flow where it’s needed.  When they’ve had enough, they will usually get up and move away or indicate to you in some other way that the treatment is over.  At that point they very often will nap some more after taking a long drink of fresh water. Reiki is especially beneficial for animals that have been traumatized or abused since it heals on emotional as well as physical levels. Distance Reiki can be extremely useful under these circumstances since an animal that hasn’t had positive experiences with humans may be untrusting or even terrified.  In this case all the practitioner needs to do is to be nearby if it’s an in-person treatment and can send the energy from across the room if necessary.  The animal can receive the energy without being stressed by yet another frightening encounter.  Seeing an animal that’s been abused relax and nap during a Reiki treatment is especially gratifying. Reiki can be offered for any circumstance in an animal’s life. The energy can do no harm and will always go where it’s needed.  If you need to leave your pet for a time, either at home or in a kennel, Reiki can ease their confusion and stress.  Bringing another animal into the home?  Did your pet lose a companion, either animal or human?  Adding a baby to the family?  Is there some change in the family status, or is the whole family moving?  Any of these life changes can negatively affect pets.  Reiki treatments can help balance the animal’s emotions and address any issues they may be having. While no-one likes to think about losing a pet, the death of our beloved animals is something we all must deal with at some point.  Reiki can be a very positive experience at this time, for both the animal that’s transitioning as well as the family members involved, both human and animal.  It can ease the stress and trauma felt by everyone involved, helping the animal to leave without guilt or sadness. Reiki energy is a gentle, yet powerful means for helping the animals in our lives.  They give us so much. I’m grateful to be able to share this healing energy with them.  ]]>