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In the News: Tails of Marin

By Ellen Bloomfield

Animal Reiki: Using energy to heal the animals in your life

I am an animal Reiki volunteer at the Marin Humane Society.

Reiki (pronounced ray’ kee) is a holistic healing system, meaning that it treats the whole being. The name comes from the Japanese words "rei" meaning spirit, and "ki" meaning energy. It is usually translated as "universal life energy." Reiki was founded by Mikaeo Usui about 100 years ago, for people. The system heals on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Reiki is not massage; it is healing energy from the universe that is channeled through the practitioner's hands. It can be used along with conventional and alternative medical care, and is used in hospitals, hospices, and clinics around the world.

Reiki is effective with animals because they choose how much healing energy they wish to accept. It is very powerful, but gentle and non-invasive. Reiki produces deep relaxation and relieves stress. It goes directly to the source of the problem, whether the practitioner knows it or not.

One day while volunteering at the Marin Humane Society, I was asked to offer Reiki to a depressed, withdrawn dog who had been found wandering around Novato. He was a shaggy dark shape, huddled miserably in the back of his kennel, avoiding eye contact with anyone, even the Special Care Volunteer who sat quietly with him. I sat down outside his kennel and asked him if he wanted some Reiki. He didn't move, but my hands began to tingle, which means Reiki is flowing. After about fifteen minutes, the dog raised his head and looked at me. The Special Care Volunteer exclaimed, "Look, he's smiling!" He petted the dog, who definitely seemed happier. I sat there for another half an hour. When the tingling sensation in my hands subsided, I knew that the dog had received as much Reiki as he wanted. I stood up. The dog came to the front of the kennel and looked directly at me and wagged his tail. He was still smiling. I was thrilled.  I thanked him for the honor of letting me give him Reiki. I found out subsequently that he had blossomed into a lovely, friendly dog, and had been adopted by a wonderful family.

Another time at the Humane Society, I offered Reiki to a homeless cat named Daisy. After recently having a litter, Daisy contracted a respiratory infection, bloody stool and a fever. She was on antibiotics, but remained in critical condition. I sat near Daisy and asked if she would like some Reiki. Her breathing was loud and she trembled. My hands tingled strongly, so I knew she was receiving a lot of Reiki energy. I stayed with Daisy for about an hour. By then, she had stopped trembling, and her breathing was easier. When I returned the next day, I was happy to hear that she was better. With more TLC from the MHS staff, and more Reiki, Daisy recovered completely. She now lives happily with three other cats.

I also give Reiki to the small companion animals at MHS: rabbits, Guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, mice, and birds. I have also given Reiki to horses, chickens, and pigeons. It can be beneficial for all animals.

Anyone can learn to practice Reiki. It can be used for self-treatment, or on other people, or on animals.  It remains with the practitioner for life, whether it is used or not.

Ellen Bloomfield is a licensed Reiki practitioner and volunteer for the Marin Humane Society, which contributes Tails of Marin articles.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal