What is Reiki?
The Japanese word 'Reiki' means Universal Life Force. In other cultures, it is also called chi, qi, prana, orgone or vital force. It is the ‘heart ray’, or simply put, unconditional divine love - the energy that animates us, what we call ‘life’.
Reiki therapy is the ancient hands-on healing art that passes this life force from the Universe, through the practitioner, to the client.
Reiki's Origin
The origin of Reiki dated back in ancient Egypt and 10,000 years ago from Tibet when Tibetan monks used this energy for healing. In our time, Reiki was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese spiritual thinker, in the 1800’s after a long quest based on one question: ‘How did ancient Zen monks, Buddha, Jesus and other spiritual masters heal?’.
Dr. Usui continued his quest for many years which ended following a 21-day meditation on top of Mount Kurama-yama where he received Reiki attunement in his meditation.
What does Reiki do?
Reiki works to balance, harmonize and strengthen all levels of our being - body, emotion, mind and spirit. This balance promotes our body’s own ability to heal itself. Reiki energy is especially effective on our heart chakra and etheric body. Reiki has its own innate wisdom, as do all life, it knows where to go and what to do.
A Reiki practitioner acts as a channel that allows Reiki to be drawn in by the recipient, regulated by the body's innate intelligence. Reiki is beneficial for people, animals and all life forms.
What does Reiki do for Animals?
Reiki promotes healing and is known to be beneficial for many ailments. Reiki has been known to help animals with digestive pain, bee sting, twisted ankle, post surgery healing, nervousness, injury and lack of energy. Others have used it for cancer, coughing and easing the dying process.
In human, Reiki helps with the healing of stress, tension and depression; dissolves emotional blockages; relieves pain and discomfort; promotes the healing of wounds, physical and emotional trauma; speeds up post-surgical recovery; and strengthens the nervous and immune systems.
How does a Reiki session work?
Reiki energy healing can be done in person or long distance. In a local session, the practitioner will touch or put their hands just above the body to allow the pet draws in the amount of Reiki s/he needs. The practitioner will remain relaxed, alert and observe any guidance from the animal.
Usually the animal relaxes quickly and may even fall asleep during a Reiki session. The pet may also feel heat, coolness or tingling in certain areas, and/or feel energized and relaxed. Sometimes existing pain, physical or emotional, will surface, and a skilful practitioner can assist the pet to release and heal. The session usually ends with grounding and a well-deserved cookie.
A long distance Reiki healing is similar, only the pet is not physically present. Since we are working with energy, physical presence is not crucial. A long distance Reiki healing is sometimes done when the animal is present because the dog, cat or horse is just too nervous. After the pet settles down, s/he will allow a more hands-on approach.
It is important to point out that it is the recipient’s divine readiness that ultimately dictates the resulting amount and quality of healing, regardless of the therapy, surgery or medicine employed.
How is a Reiki session for Pets different?
Reiki healing for animals is very similar to that for people. The difference is the animals usually know where they need healing and how long they need it for. They will show the Reiki practitioner using their own cues and body language.
Animals love energy healing but sometimes they need to adjust to the energy frequency at the beginning. This is especially true for very sick animals who are in pain. Starting sessions with short duration and gradually increasing the length of time usually works very well.
How many sessions are needed?
This depends on the ailment and the pet. A bee sting may need 3 ten-minute sessions, a mild injury may need 2-3 half-hour sessions, a digestive upset may need 2 one-hour sessions and more serious ailments may need Reiki healing more frequently.
Can Anyone learn Reiki?
Absolutely! Reiki is passed down from teacher to student by a process call attunement. You can start practicing Reiki after the first attunement. The second attunement allows you to use Reiki long distance. The third attunement gives you all the symbols and tools to become a professional practitioner. The fourth attunement enables you to teach and attune others to Reiki.
Reiki energy is gentle yet powerful. It is recommended that you take at least a few months in between each level to ground the energy, digest the learning and practice what you learnt.
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