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  What is Reiki?

 Reiki is a natural healing energy therapy which is based upon the method of hands-on-healing and is activated by intention. It is pronounced 'Ray Key' & means 'Universal Energy'. Eastern medicine has always recognised and worked with this energy which flows through all living things & is vital to well-being. The practice of Reiki is a method of healing developed by Mikao Usui in Japan early in the 20th century.

It is a holistic system for the body, mind, emotions and spirit and is a gentle & non-invasive complementary therapy. Reiki promotes the self-healing process, pain relief & energy rebalancing. It can boost the immune system and acts as a relaxant in people & animals, so is a lovely experience to treat yourself or them to.
 

How does it work?

The Reiki energy is channelled through the Practitioner's hands so that they can transmit it to the client. This is carried out by the laying on of hands: on the body or just above the body. It is totally non-manipulative & no pressure is applied. The Practitioner undertakes a sequence of specific hand positions in order to treat the whole body, which incorporates the chakras & the aura.

 

How Can Reiki Help Small Animals & Birds?

 Reiki has been found to be beneficial with helping many conditions for small animals and birds, including:

 Arthritis or Rheumatism

 Lack of Energy

 Depression or Bereavement

 Injury

 Muscular Aches, Pains or Strains

 Post Surgical Recovery

 Anxiety, Stress or Nervousness

 Skin or Coat Problems

 Allergies

 Idiopathic Conditions

 Lessening Side Effects From Conventional Medications ie When An Animal Is Being Treated For Cancer

 

What Happens In A Treatment?

 Before a treatment I undertake a full case history with the animal's owner/carer. This involves going through the history of their health, behaviour and lifestyle. It also includes paperwork for the owner/carer to sign to consent to the healing being carried out and acknowledging that it is not being used as an alternative to veterinary treatment. Therefore please allow extra time for your animal's initial session.

The Reiki treatment is adapted to the individual:

- Dogs and cats often like to sit or lay down to receive the Reiki (either on the floor, sofa or on their owner's lap)

- Dogs that are nervous & cats (as they are very sensitive to the energies) are often more comfortable having the Reiki from a slight distance - the energy works just the same as it does if given 'hands on'.

- Rabbits & guinea pigs tend to prefer their session either in their owner's lap or arms

- Smaller animals prefer to be in the hands or receive Reiki from the outside of their house/cage

- Birds are also more comfortable having treatment whilst remaining in their cages (Reiki works whether a Practitioner is working on the client 'hands on' or from a distance (i.e from the edge of a cage etc). 

 Please note that for them to be as relaxed as possible so that they can achieve maximum benefits from the treatment it is stongly recommended that you choose a time when their surroundings are undisturbed as possible.

 When I work with the individual & the Reiki energy I will cover their chakras, aura, particular areas that they have had problems with and areas that I am drawn to that I feel need the energy. This is usually undertaken via hands-on, hovering my hands a few inches above, from a slight distance or beaming the energy a slight distance.

You may see the physical effects of the Reiki being absorbed by your animal/bird such as them licking, chewing, their head dropping, muscular twitches, yawning, sighing, relaxing or them falling asleep. 

Sometimes a small animal/bird may not be comfortable with the Reiki due to the fact that they are with a stranger, or if they are particularly aggressive or nervous. If this happens then I will not pressure them in any way but will instead opt to give them a distance healing treatment instead (you will only be charged petrol expenses & will incur no other charge for my visit). I have had a case in the past when dealing with a very nervous dog that after two distant sessions she then accepted me, allowing me to undertake her Reiki in-person

 

What Should I Take Note Of?

 It's important to remember to allow your animal to relax & rest post-treatment as they may feel very tired, therefore in the case of dogs do not take them for long walks for at least 5 hours after the session. Make sure that all animals and birds have plentiful access to fresh water as they may be very thirsty post-treatment. 

       How Many Treatments Would He/She Need?

 This is totally up to you - I can advise as to what I would recommend but then it is left in your hands with no pressure given - even one session may make a difference.

As a rough guide those that are not suffering from a serious condition can benefit from a treatment every one-three months for example, whereas those that are experiencing something more, would get much more benefit from having regular treatments such as every 3-4 weeks (whilst reviewing their progress).

        

Reiki is not intended to replace veterinary treatment/medication, but to work alongside it. No guarantees are implied or stated. If your animal experiences health or medical problems, you should consult a vet.  

Reiki Practitioners do not interfere with the treatment being given by Veterinary surgeon's nor do they prescribe medication, or perform medical treatments.
It is a requirement that you have informed your Vet of the intention to use Reiki as a complementary therapy, alongside their conventional treatment. 

THE LAW

The Veterinary Surgery Act of 1966 prohibits anyone other than a qualified Veterinary Surgeon from treating animal's diagnosing ailments & giving advice on ailments. However, the healing of animals by contact healing of laying on of hands or by distance is legal. The Protection of Animals Act 1911 does require that if an animal is in obvious need of treatment from a Vet, that the owner must obtain this. Reiki Practitioners must have the full assurance that the animal has been examined by a Vet. Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Schedule 3) it is permissible to give emergency first aid to animals, for the purpose of relieving pain or saving life.