Animal Reiki

ANIMAL REIKI

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WHAT IS

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS AND HEALING

"Look into the eyes of an animal and you see their soul; look a little deeper and you see your soul. "

Kim Remillard

WHAT IS ANIMAL REIKI ?

The name Reiki, pronounced "Ray-key", comes from the Japanese words, 'rei', meaning universal, spiritual consciousness, and 'ki' means life energy.

Reiki is a Japanese form of stress reduction and relaxation. It also promotes healing. Based on a Asian concept of life energy, subtle energy is channeled from the hands of a practitioner to the client either directly or from a distance. It is this energy that creates the healing effect.

Reiki is a non-invasive energy healing system that yields powerful results for the mind, body, and spirit. Reiki is very gentle and can do no harm. Reiki energy always goes to the source of the problem and always works to the higher good.

Traditionally Reiki had centered on the healing and well being of humans. Animals by nature are more sensitive to energy then humans. Animals teach us

to live in the moment, to be forgiving, to listen, be non judgmental, unconditional love, and to be joyful and happy with what they have, loyalty and devotion. They provide comfort and they are our confidants. For all they do why shouldn't they experience the same benefits that Reiki can give humans for emotional healing from trauma, abuse, neglect, trust issues. Also Reiki can be a powerful tool to accelerate healing and pain management from surgery, illness, or injury, complimenting conventional western medicine and alternative therapies such as massage, aromatherapy, and other forms of healing. Reiki can reduce side effects of chemotherapy and other medications. Provide compassionate support for a dying animal and its family during the transition time with peace and acceptance.

Reiki is a powerful tool and healing modality because it is gentle and non-invasive. It does not cause stress, discomfort or pain, and yet yields powerful results. Reiki can help maintain health on all levels. Reiki's power has the ability to heal emotional, behavioral, and physical abuse as well as illness and injuries. Reiki can help maintain overall health, enhances relaxation, and provides an emotional sense of well being.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR MY PET OR MYSELF FROM A REIKI TREATMENT ?

Everyone reacts differently to Reiki. Animals are more sensitive to Reiki energy then humans. Most animals prefer 'hands off' treatment or at a distance. A few may physically seek out a practioner's hand and want to maintain physical contact to absorb the energy. This choice is always left to the animal. For humans treatment can be hands on treatment by touching or by placing hands slightly above the body, or at a distance. The choice will be up to you and your animal. Results can be felt immediately or over a period of time after the Reiki treatment.

The most common responses will be deep relaxation. You may see the animal fall asleep during a treatment or yawn and hear a heavy sigh during the session. For humans it has been reported that you will feel contentment or at peace, or a sense of well being. As the body begins to absorb the energy, some humans feel a tingling sensation or you may feel buoyant or you can feel heavy. Most animals upon their personal acceptance of Reiki will be very relaxed and at at peace.

On a few occasions an animal may be restless, letting the Reiki practitioner know they are uncomfortable with the Reiki treatment. The Reiki practitioner will be aware of this and not force the treatment on the animal until they are ready to accept it. It may take several sessions to help the animal become comfortable. As always Reiki can do no harm.

Please note, Reiki is not a substitute for regular consultations with your medical professional or veterinarian. Reiki can work to support and enhance an overall health program.

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty"

Albert Einstein

Animal Reiki Practitioner Code of Ethics

Developed by Kathleen Prasad, Founder of Animal Reiki Source

Guiding Principles:

I believe the animals are equal partners in the healing process.

I honor the animals as being not only my clients, but also my teachers in the journey of healing.

I understand that all animals have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects, to which Reiki can bring profound healing responses.

I believe that bringing Reiki to the human/animal relationship is transformational to the human view of the animal kingdom.

I dedicate myself to the virtues of humility, integrity, compassion and gratitude in my Reiki practice.

In working on myself, I follow these practices:

I incorporate the Five Reiki Precepts into my daily life and Reiki practice.

I commit myself to a daily practice of self-healing and spiritual development so that I can be a clear and strong channel for healing energy.

I nurture a belief in the sacred nature of all beings, and in the value and depth of animalkind as our partners on this planet.

I listen to the wisdom of my heart, remembering that we are all One.

In working in the community, I hold the following goals:

I model the values of partnership, compassion, humility, gentleness and gratitude in my life and with the animals, teaching by example.

I work to create professional alliances and cooperative relationships with other Reiki practitioners/teachers, animal health-care providers and animal welfare organizations in my community.

I strive to educate my community in its understanding of the benefits of Reiki for animals.

I continually educate myself to maintain and enhance my professional competence so that I uphold the integrity of the profession.

I consider myself an ally to the veterinary and animal health community. I work to support their efforts in achieving animal wellness and balance. I honor other disciplines and their practitioners.

In working with the human companions of the animals, I will:

Share information before the treatment about my healing philosophy, the Reiki healing system and what to expect in a typical treatment, as well as possible outcomes, including the possibility of healing reactions.

Provide a clear policy ahead of time regarding fees, length of treatment and cancellation policy, as well as "postponement" policy, should the animal not want the treatment that day.

Never diagnose. I will always refer clients to a licensed veterinarian when appropriate.

Honor the privacy of the animals and their human companions.

Share intuition received during Reiki treatments, with compassion and humility, for the purpose of supporting their understanding of the healing process.

Respect the human companion's right to choose the animal's healing journey, selecting the methods, both holistic and/or conventional that he or she deems most appropriate, with the support and advice of a trusted veterinarian.

In working with the animals, I follow these guidelines:

I work in partnership with the animal.

I always ask permission of the animal before beginning, and respect his or her decision to accept or refuse any treatment. I listen intuitively and observe the animal's body language in determining the response.

I allow each animal to choose how to receive his or her treatment; thus each treatment could be a combination of hands-on, short distance and/or distant healing, depending on the animal's preference.

I let go of my expectations about how the treatment should progress and/or how the animal should behave during the treatment, and simply trust Reiki.

I accept the results of the treatment without judgment and with gratitude toward Reiki and the animal's openness and participation in the process.