| We all must remember that everything in the universe | | | | rescues, it may be prudent to sit outside of their cage |
| is made up of a form of energy. What I want to talk | | | | or run. They will receive the same benefits. |
| about is a healing technique called Reiki. It is a powerful | | | | While some techniques stress to start at the head end |
| healing tool that is passed from Master to student. | | | | work your way down, when you are dealing with an |
| Anyone that would like to may learn to practice the | | | | animal they will tell you where to go. Do not force the |
| these techniques. The best starting point is to practice | | | | animal to go where you want to. Normally they will |
| on your animals. This may create a stronger bond | | | | come towards the energy with the body part that |
| between you and your pets. | | | | needs the most help. They may come over and lick or |
| Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is translated as "Universal | | | | nudge your hands. They also may lean towards you |
| Life Energy". It is a holistic healing that treats the body | | | | or they may also just walk around. Sometimes, if they |
| as a whole. It also addresses issues at all levels: | | | | are unsure of the energy, they may keep their |
| physical, mental and spiritual. The healing is done by the | | | | distance. This usually occurs in those that have trust |
| transmission of energy through the practitioner to the | | | | issues. How they react depends on their previous |
| client. Energy work goes directly to the source of the | | | | interaction with people. Always remember to keep |
| problem. It is a gentle, non-invasive and painless session | | | | your intention pure. |
| that is absolutely stress-free for the animal. | | | | While giving the treatment you may feel a little tingling |
| Reiki can be done in person or at a distance. It can | | | | in your fingertips or nothing at all. But trust that the |
| assist to maintain balance in health and energy. | | | | energy is flowing. It may seem strong at times but |
| The best thing about practicing energy work with the | | | | either way the healing is taking place. |
| animals is that there are no expectations set on their | | | | Like humans, animals can become ill when matters of |
| part. The animals can teach us many things as it | | | | emotions have not been resolved. Reiki will help them |
| pertains to the patience and trust that comes with a | | | | let go of these issues. Due to this being a positive |
| session. A great part of this technique is that it may | | | | aspect of this form of energy work, using this on |
| create a trust where there was none, or very little, in | | | | those that have been abused, abandoned or have |
| situations such if you work with an animal rescue | | | | behavioral issues can be of tremendous help. |
| agency. | | | | Just keep in mind that when the healing process |
| For the animal, they retain a great deal of control over | | | | begins, whether physical or emotional, it may seem |
| the situation and the session. In this way they become | | | | that the condition is worsening. It becomes the old |
| a willing partner in their own healing process. They also | | | | adage that things get worse before they get better as |
| do not need to be restrained with a halter or collar. | | | | this is the process of cleansing and detoxifying. |
| You don't even need to touch them, it can be their | | | | Patience and caring is always needed throughout, |
| choice. For unfamiliar animals, such as those in the | | | | before during and after your session. |