Animal Reiki Guide Articles and Tips Sheryl Schlameuss Berger, Reiki Master Teacher www.animalreikiforhealing.com This Guide is not to be reproduced in any way, all or in part, without express consent of the author. -1-
Animal Reiki - A Holistic Approach to Animal Healing Reiki can offer benefits to animals as well as humans. It is a gentle technique that promotes relaxation and healing. It is non-invasive, and can never cause harm, and is a wonderful complement to traditional veterinary medicine (not a replacement for), as well as other holistic healing methods. This technique is used in the hospital setting (for humans) across the country, including Memorial Sloan Kettering. It helps support cancer patients as they recover from surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Minimally, a recipient of Reiki feels a flow of relaxation and peacefulness during the session. More significant benefits include pain reduction and an acceleration of recovery time. For animals, Reiki is an ideal method, since it is energy-based and does not have to be given hands on. It is effective at a distance, so it is helpful for feral or aggressive animals and can be offered near their cages, or in an outdoor setting. It is incredibly beneficial for shelter animals, who most often have kennel anxiety and may have suffered through abusive pasts. I have had the experience of offering Reiki sessions to a multitude of different animals over time, including those in shelters, clients animals, as well as to my own pets. This method is useful for a range of ailments and is not limited to helping any specific condition. Reiki can also ease the situation in the home of a sick or old animal who is ready to pass. In this case, it often serves to improve the quality of life in an animal s final days, as well as bringing a measure of peacefulness and acceptance to the animal s human family. I even participated in bereavement sessions for a dog who had lost her canine sibling and was showing signs of grief. The sessions helped her visibly relax and heal from her loss. I always consider any animal as a partner in healing in the sense that I make it clear the animal has the choice of accepting Reiki, and how much energy he/she wishes to take, as well as choosing from a distance or close-up with hands-on touch. Most animals have an intuitive sensitivity to energy and are quite receptive. I have always felt a special connection to our furry friends and so have included a special focus on animals in my Reiki practice. As a Reiki teacher, I offer classes to students who want to practice on people, but additionally have incorporated a specific curriculum targeted toward those who wish offer Reiki to animals, whether for their own pets or possibly at shelters on a voluntary basis. In the near future, I hope to see complementary and alternative methods, such as Reiki, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Acupressure, and herbal medicine become more available and accepted in the veterinary world. I firmly believe that combining holistic methods with traditional medicine to achieve a blend of both Eastern and Western systems will result in better overall care, healing, and longevity for the animals in our lives. -2-
Animal Reiki Techniques A Different Approach Than Reiki For People Animals benefit from Reiki just as people do. It is relaxing and healing to them. In addition to pets and tame animals, Reiki is ideal for shelter animals and feral or wild animals. Offering Reiki to animals is quite different than offering Reiki to people. I often tell this story to my Animal Reiki students about my first experience watching an animal Reiki treatment: It involved a beagle (who had been diagnosed with lymphoma) being lifted onto a Reiki table and several practitioners working on him at once. The canine was a good sport and I believe he knew the practitioners wanted to help him, but I sensed by the look in his eyes that he was not completely comfortable with this scenario. I knew there had to be a better way! Since that time a number of years ago, I have learned a wonderful way of offering Reiki to animals. A session begins with a hands-off approach and from the perspective that the animal is a partner in the healing process. It is more likely an animal will accept and relax into a Reiki treatment if he/she feels that he has the freedom to choose as much or little energy as he wishes. An easy, simple way to begin a treatment with an animal is to sit in a chair with your hands resting in your lap, palms upturned, or standing with your hands at your side, palms facing outward. Situate yourself a short distance form the animal. Do not lift and place him/her on a table or couch. Be sure to allow the animal to have freedom of movement during the session. Since Reiki is the flow of energy, and energy knows no bounds, a treatment given from nearby is just as effective as one given hands-on. This makes Reiki ideal to use at a shelter, where a treatment can be given outside the cage of an animal. Some animals decide during a treatment that they want to feel the energy up close and personal, and will move toward the practitioner, indicating they want hands-on touch. Savvy creatures that they are, most animals are sensitive and understanding about energy and know exactly what is offered to them. Others need time to relax and investigate. If you are a practitioner working with animals, always remain flexible and open-minded and let the animals lead they way as to how they want the treatment to unfold. If you have a pet, Reiki is a wonderful holistic therapy for healing. It is a very gentle healing system and is completely non-invasive. It can address any type of health or emotional issue that your pet may have. -3-
Healing Energy For A Shelter Dog The sun was shining warmly on my face as I sat on the ground in the enclosed play yard, offering Reiki to Angie, a female lab/hound mix, about eight years old. The setting was a local animal rescue, and I was there in the capacity of Reiki volunteer. After Angie had arrived at the shelter, she had been diagnosed as being heartworm positive, as well as having mammary tumors, which made it appear as if her entire underside was sagging. In addition, she had arthritis. Despite her ailments, her demeanor was friendly, with thoughtful dark eyes that begged for attention. Reiki is technique that is beneficial for relaxation, stress reduction and also promotes healing. It is gentle, yet powerful, and heals on all levels - physical, mental and emotional. The simplest explanation of how Reiki works involves the energy field surrounding the body. There is a natural flow of energy within and around the physical body; when that flow becomes weak, blocked or disrupted, a negative state of health results either on a physical and/or mental level. Reiki helps rebalance the flow of energy to its vibrant, free-flowing form, returning the body to a positive state of health. It is beneficial to animals as well as to humans. It is ideally suited for the shelter environment. In a typical session with Angie, I would sit several feet away at the start of the treatment. However, sensing the gentle flow of energy emanating from my hands, Angie made it clear that she was open to hands-on healing. She would usually lay on her side and I would lightly place my hands on her, barely touching her. These sessions would be about thirty minutes. I would hold each position for several minutes, moving along from her neck area down toward her tail. At one point, she would usually turn onto her back, offering me her chest (the area of the heart) and I obligingly let the energy flow directly to that area. She would yawn contentedly, turn back to her side and ease into a peaceful Reiki nap. Over time, I gave Angie numerous sessions to support her surgery (spaying plus removal of her mammary tumors) and healing from heartworm (which was also treated conventionally with a course of medication). Angie was adopted into a loving home and I did not see her for many months. However, upon seeing her again, I discovered that after several surgeries, she was completely healed. She is trimmer and looks radiant, even for a senior citizen. She has even learned to obey new commands! She seems content in her new home and I do believe that Reiki played a part in her road to recovery and her adoption. -4-
Animal Reiki at Home Healing Energy For Your Own Pets Most people attend my classes to learn how to offer Reiki to their own pets. Sometimes the pet has a health condition or emotional issues, but some students just wish to learn about using this healing partnership to enhance the animal/human bond. Anyone who has offered Reiki regularly to their own animal understands the closeness that Reiki can bring. When you offer to your own pet, it is from the very depth of your heart -- and the love and light can flow freely through you in an extremely pure and giving way. In general, when treating an animal, it is best to give four consecutive treatments -- one each day -- but for another s animal, that is not always possible, due to schedules, distances, etc. However, the beauty of Reiki for your own pet is that you can offer it daily -- if you feel guided to do so, and if your pet is open to it. If you have several pets, you can sit comfortably, palms upturned on your lap, and invite the whole group to come forward and take as much healing energy as they would like. When you are giving a treatment to someone else s animal, it is wise to keep your eyes open and be very aware of your surroundings for safety reasons. With your own pet, you can be supremely at ease, let go and get into a very balanced, serene Reiki space. You and your pet(s) will feel relaxed, calm and filled with the radiance of the healing energy. If you are not yet a Reiki practitioner, taking a course and learning Animal Reiki can be so beneficial for both you and your companion animals. When you offer healing energy to you furry or winged friends, it usually results in a special, deep sense of connection between the two of you. I like to offer Reiki to my own pets just before I leave the house, and envision that I am filling the living space with vibrant energy to envelop my furbabies. I feel that it is easier to leave them when they are wrapped in a bubble of white, healing light. I trust that the wisdom of Reiki is watching over them for their highest good! -5-
Preparing for an Animal Reiki Treatment Whether preparing for a people or animal treatment, you should make every effort to be supremely centered and grounded. However, when working with an animal, it is even more essential to be in a space of serenity, open-mindedness, and calm. That is because animals are so very sensitive and will pick up on the vibrations you give off. If you are relaxed, they will instantaneously feel that emanating from you. If you are nervous or distressed, they will sense that too! So it s helpful to use a grounding technique just before the session, or a meditation that you are comfortable with to help you relax, and wash away any cares or concerns of the day. Work on achieving a positive physical and mental state. Clear your mind and get focused on the treatment. Reiki will work even if you are emotionally upset or even ill, but it s best to take care of yourself first and be as comfortable and energetically balanced as possible. Make sure your basic needs have been taken care of -- food, water, rest, for instance. You should have eaten so you are not feeling hunger pangs. Also, dress accordingly regarding warmth or coolness of the weather and/or the location. Dressing in layers is definitely helpful. If you are working outdoors in the cooler weather with an animal, wear several layers and insulate yourself, so you are not distracted or chilled by lower temperatures. All in all, get comfortable, serene, focused and you will be ready to Reiki! -6-
Eye Contact Always Be Respectful Upon meeting each other for the first time, humans usually make an extra effort to make some eye contact with the new acquaintance. You look into someone s eyes, offer a hearty handshake and a verbal nice to meet you. However, meeting a new animal for the first time often requires a very different approach. Some animals find a direct gaze to be unsettling, uncomfortable and perhaps even threatening. It is our tendency as humans to just look directly at the animal, which includes focusing on their eyes, because that is how we are conditioned in terms of human behavior. However, it s best to gently avert your gaze, and watch the animal from your peripheral vision. Of course, this doesn t apply to pets you are close with (those of friends and family) who consider you a pal, and are willing and eager to make eye contact, and also would like some snuggling and affection. If you are going to offer Reiki to a new animal whose past is unknown, approach confidently, but respectfully in terms of the animal s space, and do not make direct eye contact. You do not want the animal to perceive you as a threat in any way. Cesar Milan, The Dog Whisperer and sometimes controversial, but renowned trainer, suggests a no talk, no look, no touch approach in general with dogs who are aggressive. However, regarding Reiki, two out of three apply -- talking to the animal is certainly fine, and even encouraged. Speak softly and kindly -- animals seem to pick up on your tone of voice and will make a judgment based on that. The object is for the animal to accept your presence and feel safe with you. Only then will he/she accept the healing energy that you are offering. If you end up giving a particular animal a number of Reiki treatments, then the dynamics may change and an animal will likely become closer to you and more trusting. At that point, more sustained eye contact will happen naturally! -7-
Signs that An Animal is Accepting a Reiki Treatment The technique for Animal Reiki allows an animal the freedom to take as much -- or as little -- Reiki as he/she would like. Often this is from a distance, as healing energy effectively travels across spatial distances. So how does a Practitioner know if an animal is accepting Reiki? What are the clear signs? A practitioner may feel tingling and/or warmth in the hands. You may experience a sensation of heat, buzzing, or pulsing feelings or sensations in other parts of your body or head. Eyes tearing or bursts of heat are common. Sometimes you will find yourself in a semi-meditative state ( zoned out ). It is also normal for the energy to ebb and flow. The behavior of the animal is usually a straightforward indicator of the acceptance of a healing treatment. Possible reactions may include: sustained eye contact with you; sighing; yawning audibly; light dozing. An animal may completely fall asleep -- a Reiki nap is a beautiful and significant sign of acceptance. An animal might show curious interest in your hands and lick or smell them because he senses the energy flowing from them. Some animals will direct you to exactly where they want to receive Reiki, such as rolling on their backs wanting you to Reiki their stomach. An animal may push his body into your hands or against your legs, or lie down nearby or even right on your feet. Just trust that Reiki will work for the highest good of each specific animal. If you have the opportunity to offer Reiki to an animal -- absolutely seize the moment and let the animal guide the course of the treatment. Just be relaxed, grounded and open-minded and visualize yourself as the clearest channel possible. Sometimes amazing things happen during these sessions. -8-
Respecting An Animal s Space We all know that animals are generally territorial. They have a tactile and scent awareness connected to their immediate area, as well as a kind of sixth sense. When offering Reiki, it is key to take into consideration the space thatsurrounds both you and the animal. Always be consciously focused on this area and make sure not to barge into or across an animal s space. Any quick motion might be perceived as aggressive or threatening. Always approach slowly, and in a gentle way, and do not initially make direct eye contact. Communicate in words or silently/mentally to the animal that you are there to help, that he is safe with you and most importantly, that you will respect his sense of space and territory! And of course, ask if he/she would be open to receiving Reiki. When you first connect with an animal, it is a good idea to be seated several feetaway (or with some animals, such as a horse or wild animal, quite a bit further). Begin to offer Reiki and let the healing energy flow, creating that healing space between you and the animal. Then he/ she can freely choose whether or not to move closer. However, whether or not an animal gets really up close and personal is not necessarily an indicator of how much energy he is taking. Get comfortable with the idea that Reiki flows easily through any amount of space, and trust other indicators (such as the animal relaxing or yawning) to determine if the animal is choosing to accept the healing energy you are offering! -9-
Reiki In Shelters One Experience With An Aggressive Canine Volunteering at a shelter can be emotionally demanding, but I find it to be very rewarding. Since Reiki may be given at a distance it can easily be given outside an animal s cage, and the session will be just as effective. One important aspect of being a Reiki volunteer is safety. In addition to practical safety, one needs to feel confident and trust their own abilities as well as the wisdom and guidance of the Reiki energy. I was fortunate enough to be able to work with needy shelter dogs with one of the local animal rescue organizations. I offered plenty of healing energy and it was an amazing experience as I watched the canines relax and clearly benefit from Reiki. The adoption rate was quite good (I like to believe the Reiki helped!) I want to share one insightful, but difficult, experience with you -- one that I was reminded about as I was recently discussing shelter experiences with two of my students. When I showed up for my shift one week (I did this afternoon shift on my own, no other volunteers present), there was one new large dog who looked like a husky mix. (I later learned he was an unusual type of pure breed). This no-kill Dog Center housed 8 dogs maximum. As always, with a new dog, I was cautious when leading him out from the cage. I took him for a walk and then sat with him for awhile and offered him Reiki. He was very well-behaved, and absolutely enjoyed the Reiki. Later on I got a call from the Volunteer Coordinator who informed me that this dog was aggressive, had bit another volunteer quite seriously, and would be quarantined for two weeks. His fate was uncertain, and I do not know what ever became of him. However, all I know is that the time I spent with him, he was a perfect gentlemen. But I had approached him with confidence, caring and lots of Reiki flowing so perhaps he had picked up on that. Had I known of his aggression issue (and the shelter was remiss in not informing me ahead of time) perhaps there would have been greater fear within myself and I would have not shared that special Reiki time that I had with him. Animals sense our emotions and though we may not need to be the fierce and all-powerful pack leader that Cesar Millan suggests, we do need to feel a sense of sureness and stability when working with shelter animals. -10-
Reiki Treatments How Many, How Often? The frequency of treatments is one of the most common questions that I am asked from students. Though there is no hard and fast rule, when you are first offering Reiki to an animal, it is ideally best to give four consecutive treatments, one each day. Now this is ideal in a perfect world, but many times it is not possible. So four, one every other day, or three spaced close together is fairly close to optimal. Realistically, this may not be easy to set up either, depending on the schedule and availability of the practitioner, as well as the availability and location of the animal! As a practitioner, don t be too concerned that if you can t off a set of four treatments in a row that Reiki will not work properly, and that the animal will not receive full benefit. Just do the best you can. If you can even do one treatment a week for four weeks -- do it! Even do one treatment (a single treatment) has benefits. Just trust that Reiki will work for the highest good of the particular animal with which you are working. Always remember that Reiki always gives some benefit and gets to the root of the problem, even if it is not so obvious or visible at the time. If the animal is your own pet (which I wrote about in last month s Animal Healing Column) you have the luxury of offering Reiki on a daily basis. So if your animal does have a condition, disease or issue (or you just feel like making Reiki available to him/her) just offer some every day for as long as your animal seems to accept the energy, is comfortable with it, and shows signs of improvement. If frequent sessions seem to be of benefit, you may make them shorter sessions, since they are given on such a regular basis. Sometimes, if your pet really becomes a Reiki sponge and is soaking up a great deal of energy, he or she may ask you in a very clear way for Reiki more than once a day. So go with it and enjoy the close bond that Reiki tends to foster with our beloved animal companions. Trapped at the Birdfeeder Using Reiki to Help Save a Sparrow I purchased the metal feeder several years ago, to offer food to the many birds that perch and pass through my yard. I was advised to buy this particular heavy duty tube feeder to withstand the elements of all the seasons, as well as protect the feeder from squirrels and rodents. It has a spring tension setting that closes up the feeding holes if a heavier animal makes an attempt to perch on the feeder. To me, this seemed like a great idea, but at the beginning I didn t know the fine points about setting the tension, or the potential dangers of incorrect setting. -11-
One day when the feeder was new, I came home to find a dead sparrow hanging upside down its leg had become trapped and it had bled to death. Of course, I was horrified, but I found the original instructions, and adjusted the feeder to a better and safer setting. That was several years ago. However, one day a few weeks ago, I was home (I had actually had plans that were canceled so I ended up home.) I happened to glance out at the feeder from an upstairs room and noticed that something did not seem quite right. From the distance, I couldn t be sure what was there but rushed downstairs and saw that another little bird had become trapped. He was still alive, and flapping his little wings, trying to get free as he hung there. I threw on a pair of gloves, ran out, and let the Reiki flow. I gently held the little bird up with one hand, while trying to free his stuck leg. I could feel his little body trembling and my own heart pounding. I had no idea what to do and didn t want to hurt him further. I was trying to very gently maneuver his leg out of where it was stuck. I asked out loud for Reiki/God/Divine to please help me, and the minute I said that, the bird s leg was suddenly free (a little bloody, but hopefully usable) and he flew off! It was a great relief for me but I m sure a greater one for the little sparrow! Somehow I think I was meant to be home that day to be able to rescue this little creature. And I was thankful for the divine intervention (because I believe it was more than just coincidence) that helped release this little bird to safety. So I encourage you to let the Reiki healing energy flow in all situations, especially those spur of the moment ones, when there is an urgency or real emergency. You never know how extremely helpful it may be Sheryl Schlameuss Berger is a Reiki Master Teacher living in Long Island, New York. She is on an uplifting personal journey to bring healing to the world both human and animal! A firm believer in the mind, body and spirit connection, she advocates a lifestyle based on positive energy living (including affirmations), the Law of Attraction, organic healthy eating, and self-healing practices.visit her blog at www.reikihealthylifestyle.com and her Animal Reiki website at www.animalreikiforhealing.com Relaxing, holistic distant Reiki energy healing sessions are available for you or your pet or for both of you together. Please email reiki333@gmail.com for more information. -12-