Animal Massage Guide » Reiki

Offering Reiki To Sheep

cattie — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:43:29 +0000

Many people would be surprised to learn that practitioners of alternative and complementary medicine not only focus on people’s pets, but also wildlife, zoo, and farm animals. It’s important to not forget about them, or take them for granted. They are living beings with feelings and emotions just like us, and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.

This wonderful case study comes to us from Caroline Thomas, who was our featured practitioner in the Bach Flower Remedies post. Caroline, founder and owner of Animal Magic, lives and works in Chelmsford, England, where she practices a variety of complementary therapies such as Crystal Healing, Reiki, Bach flowers, Alaskan Essences etc. She is a Reiki Master, Bach Flower Practitioner, soon-to-be Animal PsychAromatica practitioner, and a founding member of SARA (the Shelter Animal Reiki Association).

Caroline is a long-time volunteer at Remus, a horse and farm animal sanctuary in Ingatestone, England, and this story takes place at the sanctuary.

In Caroline’s own words:

I woke up on a very cold day to howling winds and rain falling hard against my window. I was going to Remus and I needed to bundle up: when doing Reiki healing outdoors, you can quickly become too cold and start focusing on your own discomfort rather than the Reiki.

It was raining so hard that a river had burst its banks and the road to Remus was flooded. I kept thinking about the animals I was going to get to work with – there are so many wonderful animals at Remus including pigs, horses, goats, sheep, and cats.

I met up with Sue, founder of Remus. Remus is very open to holistic therapies, especially Reiki. Sometimes, Sue sends me a text message asking me to send Reiki to an animal or a situation. One of the many wonderful qualities of Reiki is that it can help even when I can’t be present in person.

We talked about the past week and I asked if any of the animals needed Reiki. Sue said, yes, three of the sheep, Guiness, Mum Sheep and Peep, were not well. All three were old and frail and suffering from chronic arthritis. As sheep are farm animals and part of the food chain, they don’t often reach old age, but these three had been lucky enough to end up at Remus and allowed to grow old with dignity. People think sheep are all the same and cannot think for themselves. I can assure you that they are all individuals with big or small characters. It is such a misconception that a herd of sheep are all the same.

I have offered Reiki to the sheep many times before, and they are very clear about accepting it or not. When I entered the sheep shed, all 20 sheep were looking at me as I walked through them to the sheep I was going to work on. The three of them lay in a circle in the middle of the shed. I’m not sure if they knew I was going to offer them Reiki or if this is what sheep do when they feeling poorly. Lying down is a vulnerable position for all prey animals.

I closed my eyes and asked them if they would allow me to offer Reiki. My intuition came back with a resounding yes; these three sheep were definitely in need of Reiki.

I centered myself and offered healing support to the animals, allowing them to take whatever energy they needed. While the Reiki was flowing, many of the other sheep entered this healing circle, staying for a short or longer time depending on their needs. Peep, Guinness, and Mum Sheep, lay peacefully in the energy while it ebbed and flowed. At one point Mum Sheep lay her head gently on the floor sighing as she lay. The Reiki treatment session went on for about 40 minutes. Naturally each sheep got up one by one and moved away from the energy.

It is important to remember that it is the animal who is in charge of their healing and not to force the Reiki onto the animal even though you have best intentions. Observing the animals’ body language and behaviour are also a key part of having a successful Reiki session.

Each time I have visited Remus, I have offered Reiki to the above sheep. I have observed that whilst offering Reiki, the other sheep have become more inquisitive of the energy and are quite happy to bask in the Reiki. They seem less fearful of my presence in their company and more accepting of the lovely Reiki energy.

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Alternative Healing Modality: Reiki

cattie — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:17:37 +0000

As I mentioned in my post on Friday, I’m starting a new series here at AMG where we learn more about a specific healing modality in each post and also get to meet a practitioner and read one of their case studies. I’m very excited about this series; it’s fascinating to read all the stories, and I’m sure you will enjoy them as much as I have.

First out is Reiki. I had never heard of until I was a student at Bancroft and we had a class exploring energy healing techniques. I remember having a very interesting experience while practicing it on one of my teachers – I wasn’t even touching her, but something in her leg that had been bothering her all of a sudden twitched, and my arm did too at the same time.

I always assumed that you had to have a special gift in order to do any kind of energy healing, but anybody can learn how to use Reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese holistic energy healing system that is gentle and noninvasive but still has the power to heal the body, mind and spirit. It is administered by laying on hands or healing from a distance (you don’t have to have physical contact with the person/animal you are treating) and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy (“ki”) flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s ki is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress.

The name Reiki, pronounced ”Ray-key”, comes from the Japanese words ”rei” meaning spirit, and ”ki” meaning energy. It is usually translated as ”universal life energy.”

When using Reiki to heal, the practitioner simply sets an intention to facilitate the healing process and allows Reiki to flow in whatever amount the client wishes to receive and for whatever he or she needs most. The energy “knows” where to go; you don’t even have to be aware of what the problem is exactly in the person/animal you’re treating. You are just a conduit for the energy.

It is ideal for use with animals because with Reiki, since effectiveness is not dependent upon physical contact, the animal controls the treatment, accepting Reiki in the ways that are most comfortable for them, either hands-on or from a distance, or a combination of both.

Reiki is easy for anyone to learn and use, and can’t do any harm, even when used by the most novice practitioner. It always goes to the deepest source of the problem and always supports a path towards balance and harmony.

To become a practitioner, you go through training sessions with a Reiki Master where you get attuned. There are 3 levels: Level 1 is the basics, Level 2 is advanced (where you also learn certain symbols) and Level 3 is the Master level (you can take a teacher training at this level after which you are able to teach Reiki to others).

Meet Kathleen Prasad

Today’s case study comes from Kathleen Prasad, world-renowned animal Reiki teacher, founder and director of Animal Reiki Source, and President of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association. She teaches animal Reiki courses and workshops in the San Francisco area, and also holds teleclasses on a regular basis. Kathleen is truly a leader in her field, and I am greatly honored that she agreed to be part of this series.

While Kathleen was teaching in the San Francisco public schools in the 90s, she designed curriculum and community projects for her students in animal kindness, encouraging volunteer work in animal shelters. In 1998 she learned Reiki and began volunteering Reiki with local shelter animals. Inspired by her volunteer experiences, Kathleen decided to dedicate her teaching career to Animal Reiki full time in 2002.

Since then, she has co-authored the books The Animal Reiki Handbook and Animal Reiki: Using Energy to Heal the Animals in Your Life and written many articles on animals and Reiki for publications such as The Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Fair, The Whole Dog Journal, Dog Fancy, Animal Wellness Magazine, Equine Wellness Magazine and Natural Horse Talk Magazine. In 2007, Kathleen authored The Animal Reiki Practitioner Code of Ethics – the first code of ethics for the profession – which has been published in professional Reiki publications and adopted by practitioners around the world. Her second book, Tails from the Source: The Animal Reiki Source Newsletter Collection, Volume I, was published in March 2008. She has also been featured on several radio shows as well as her local news.

She has provided Reiki training to the staff of organizations such as The East Bay SPCA, The Humane Society of Silicon Valley, BrightHaven Healing Arts Center for Animals, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and The Elephant Sanctuary. Her students come from all walks of life and from all over the world. In October of 2008, Kathleen was invited to teach a seminar on Animal Reiki at the 33rd Annual Conference of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.

In May of 2008, Kathleen co-founded the non-profit Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA). SARA aims to boost adoption rates in shelters nationwide by reducing stress and supporting healing in homeless animals. The mission will be achieved via a standardized rollout of animal Reiki programs in shelters worldwide and the creation of an unprecedented global information resource for practitioners and facilities that assist animals in need.

Here is Kathleen’s case study, in her own words:

Reiki For Feral Cats

One of the wonderful things about Reiki is that it can be given from a distance. Thus, it works well with any animal, whether tame, wild, or somewhere in between, as is sometimes the case when treating rescues. In addition, when the Reiki treatment is approached in a way that gives the animal choice, in my experience animals almost always choose to receive the healing that Reiki can offer.

The following anecdote illustrates the importance of being willing to treat animals from a distance, meditatively and respectfully “offering” rather than physically and actively “giving” Reiki. As you will see in the below story, cats are especially sensitive to Reiki energy and will greatly benefit from this approach. And in incorporating this philosophy with all animals, animal Reiki practitioners, too, will find wonderful benefits: a greater openness from the animals and thus greater successes in their treatments.

I placed the chair about ten feet from the cage. Inside, two feral kittens, one gray and one black, stared at me, terrified. The black one stood in front of the gray, clearly protecting her little brother. They had been rescued the previous day from a hillside just off the freeway. My friend Janet, who feeds several feral colonies throughout San Francisco and also frequently rescues and gives aid to these kitties, had taken the two kittens into her home until the SPCA could evaluate their adoption potential. Thus far, Janet had been scratched and bitten, and had to wear gloves when reaching into the cage to feed or clean. The other members of her cat family were also very interested in the new arrivals, sitting near the window where the cage was located.

One of these cats, Honeydew, had been previously rescued and adopted by Janet from the same colony. Still quite feral, she had hidden herself in another room when I arrived. Before I began the Reiki treatment, I asked permission from the kittens, mentally introducing myself to them and letting them know I would offer them some healing, but that they need only take what they were comfortable with. I visualized myself several feet away from them and not breaching this space. I let them know that I would definitely not be approaching or touching them at any time during my visit. In addition, I avoided eye contact, so as not to push any kind of physical connection with them. I closed my eyes, rested my hands on my lap, and began to offer Reiki. As I began the treatment, I sent thoughts of peace and tranquility to them. It was obvious that they were tremendously fearful and stressed, and I knew Reiki would help them relax. I also visualized Janet and let them know she was a safe, good person. They were in a good place where they would have food and shelter. I sent Reiki to their future situations for their highest good.

Although I didn’t open my eyes for nearly a half an hour, I felt the energy flow strongly to the kittens and knew they were accepting the treatment. At the end of the treatment, when I began to feel the energy dissipate and my mind return from the deep meditation I had entered, I opened my eyes. The two kittens had moved to the front of the cage, closest to me, and fallen fast asleep. In addition, Janet’s cat Honeydew had come out of her place of hiding and was curiously watching me from just a few feet away. As I met eyes with her, she held my gaze quizzically for a long moment, then looked at the kittens, and then back to me. Then she disappeared as silently as she had come. It was as if she was telling me, “I felt the energy too. Thank you for helping them.” Janet had been quietly watching Honeydew’s visit from the next room. She smiled wide-eyed at me, amazed at her cat’s uncharacteristic behavior.

In just one treatment, the kittens showed good improvement. As early as the next day, Janet was able to reach into the cage and hold and pet the gray kitten. The black one was still fearful, but refrained from attacking her hands. Soon, with continued distant Reiki and patient work from cat socializers, the kittens learned to trust people. Within a few months, “Cody” and “Millie” were adopted into good homes.

Don’t miss our other Reiki case study, where Caroline Thomas offer Reiki to rescued sheep

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Alternative Health Care Modalities

admin — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:12:07 +0000

There are many ways to promote health through touch, and animal massage therapists are often trained in several different therapies.

Do you know of, or are you practicing, a modality not listed here? Please contact us so that we can include it.

Acupressure
A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) technique based on the holistic system where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, chi, through the body. Acupressure is performed by using finger and palm pressure on certain points along the meridians (the energetic pathways the chi travels along) to improve the flow of chi and thereby health.
Acupressure Case Study – Rabbit

Acupuncture
Similar to acupressure, acupuncture is based on the principle that there are energetic pathways throughout the body that influence associated internal organs and structures. Energy from these pathways surfaces at various points on the body, identified as acupuncture (or acupressure) points. By inserting fine needles into these points, the acupuncturist is able to help the body return to a healthy state.
Acupuncture Case Studies – Dog with Allergies & Paralyzed Cat

Applied Kinesiology
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis.

Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

Bowen for Animals
Invented by Australian Tom Bowen, The Bowen technique is a soft tissue remedial therapy where the therapist use fingers or thumbs to move lightly over muscle, ligament tendon and fascia in various parts of the body. By doing so, the therapist helps the body relax muscle tension and activate its own healing resources, resulting in fast and lasting relief from pain and discomfort.

Chiropractic
A system of diagnosis and treatment based on the concept that the nervous system coordinates all of the body’s functions, and that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function. The bones of the spine and joints are maintained in a specific alignment, and when even a small change in this alignment occurs, it affects the the nervous system, local muscles, joints and even distant organs, glands and body functions. The chiropractor manually applies a controlled force (called manipulation or adjustment) into joints that have become restricted in their movement. This manipulation of the affected joint and tissues restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.

CranioSacral Therapy
Craniosacral work is a holistic healing practice which uses extremely light finger pressure to optimize body movement. Using a soft touch generally no greater than about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord) to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
EFT, or “Tapping”, is based on the belief that “The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system” and that “Our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pains and diseases.”

EFT can be described as an “emotional version” of acupuncture, but without needles. Instead, energy meridian points on the body are stimulated by tapping on them using fingertips, thereby helping the body release and letting go of negative emotions and fear.

Foot Reflexology
Yes, people do this on dogs, and even bunnies! Reflexology is based on the principle that reflex points formed by 7,200 nerve endings in the each hand and foot correspond to glands, organs, or other parts of the body. The practitioner applies pressure to these points, and the body in turn is allowed to re-pattern, balance, and heal itself.

Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA)
Healing Touch for Animals® / Komitor Healing Method, Inc. (HTA/KHM) uses bio-field therapies to integrate, balance and clear the energy body. It works by releasing endorphins to establish a deeper relaxation and state of being, allowing the body to function at a greater level. By allowing muscles to relax, circulation is increased, sending more oxygen, nutrients, and hormones into the body to support healing. Practitioners use their hands with light or near-body touch.

Hydrotherapy
Swimming for animals. In addition to being a great cardiovascular exercise, swimming improves muscle tone, help speed recovery after operations and slow the progression of degenerative conditions. Spinal injuries or surgery can cause impairment of motor function, which may be treated by allowing the dog to exercise in water; it provides support and allows the dog to continue to exercise its muscles while nerve regeneration is taking place. Degenerative conditions can make normal weight bearing exercise difficult and pressure on joints and limbs may aggravate some conditions, so hydrotherapy can be used in these cases to allow the dog to exercise in an environment where there is no pressure on the affected areas. Obese dogs can build fitness and lose weight as a result of exercise in a hydrotherapy pool without putting excessive weight on their joints. Hydrotherapy may be used as part of a general fitness routine for dogs.
Hydrotherapy Case Study – Sophie the Weimaraner

Massage – Deep tissue or Swedish
A massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, releasing the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure, thereby removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic.
Massage Case Study – Gus the Cat
The Basic Massage Strokes

Reiki
Reiki is administered by “laying on hands” (or by holding the hands over the body, treating the aura) and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. The Reiki practitioner is the conduit for the energy, which goes into the patient’s body and finds its way to the area that needs to be treated.
Reiki Case Study – Feral Kittens
Reiki Case Study – Sheep

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is, just like Acupressure, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) technique where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the energy (chi or qi) flow through the body. Shiatsu is performed by using finger and palm pressure on points along the meridians (the chi’s “highways” in the body) to improve the flow of chi and thereby health.

TTouch® (the Tellington Touch)
Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch is a method where circular movements of the practitioner’s fingers are applied all over the animal’s body in order to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence. Ttouch helps to release tension and increase body awareness, allowing the animal to gain self-confidence, help with recovery from illness or injury or enhance the quality of the animal’s life. Read more on our Recommended Products page.
TTouch Case Study – Dog With Separation Anxiety

“Hands Off” Therapies

Animal Communication
Animal Communication is exactly what it sounds like: talking to animals. A trained communicator talks to the animals telepathically, sending and receiving images, smells, tastes, feelings, and thoughts, and can even feel an animal’s pain in their own body. This is not limited to pets and other domesticated animals, animal communicators can talk to wildlife and animals that have passed away as well. Some communicators can also help with finding lost animals.
More on Animal Communication (including an interview and testimonials)

Bach Flower Therapy
The system was discovered by British physician Dr. Edward Bach in the early 1900s. He believed that that the true cause of illness and disease in human beings lies in the personality – in the mental and emotional patterns through which we view ourselves and the world around us. To treat these personality patterns, Dr. Bach discovered and developed 38 different flower remedies, each a correcting vibration for a state of mind or emotion that needs to be gently rebalanced. Since the body is a direct reflection of the mind, transforming negative vibrations into positive good vibrations allows the body to respond naturally with better health.
Bach Flower Remedies case study- Horse

Crystal Healing
Crystals regulate energy blockages. Certain crystals work with certain organs or conditions. For example, Calcite is good for skeletal problems; Hematite for the muscular system; Rose Quarts for injuries and wounds, etc. When a practitioner holds the appropriate crystal near a certain organ (or other materials), the vibration of the organ becomes regulated and in harmony with the rest of the body. After repeated treatments, the organ will be restored to health.
Crystal Healing Case Study – Dog with Seborrhoea and injured leg

Homeopathy
Discovered by German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700s, homeopathy is based on the theory that each naturally occurring element, plant, and mineral compound that can cause an illness can also be a cure. Hahnemann believed that, by diluting these substances in a standardized manner, they could be used to treat the very symptoms they were known to produce. This is called the Law of Similars (“treat like with like”).

Shamanic Healing
Shamanic healing is spiritual healing, an ancient practice performed by a Spirit with the help of a shaman. The shaman acts as a conduit for the Sprit, allowing it to use his/her mind and body in order to connect with the patient. Cures include soul retrieval, depossession, power animal retrieval, curse removal, cord cutting, extraction, soul remembering, or house and/or land clearing.
Shamanic healing case study – Rescued German Shepherd

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