It is a treatment method for psychological and physical disorders. Reiki is becoming essential for our animal friends too, who are all too often exposed to the stress and discomfort of human beings.
Reiki is an energetic system of natural healing and rebalancing capable of generating physical, mental and emotional harmony. Perfect for human beings in moments of great stress and social discomfort, reiki is proving to be a panacea for pets as well, who are often victims of the same problems as their owners. A disturbance, a psychological or behavioural problem in a dog or cat can often be traced back to an energetic imbalance. It is in these cases that reiki represents a perfect rebalancing system that helps the animal reactivate its own vital functions, generating a process of relaxation and healing.
"Reiki treatments are effective at both a physical and a mental and emotional level; particularly good results are seen in behavioural disorders, which are now so common in our four-legged friends," explains Dr Verena Giavelli, a reiki practitioner for animals.
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Reiki is an energetic healing system based on the premise that all living creatures are pure energy and that the universe itself is composed of energetic forces. The scientist Albert Einstein himself said that what we call matter and what we define as energy differ only in their vibratory frequency. From an energetic point of view, an illness or a psychological disorder can thus be regarded as the expression of an imbalance between the universal energy that surrounds us and the vital energy that permeates the individual.
"It goes without saying," notes Dr Giavelli, "that this extends to the animal world too, and that many disorders — both physical and behavioural — are caused in the first instance by imbalances at the emotional level." This type of treatment is therefore a potential aid for cats and dogs, but also for other domestic species, which are often subjected to the stresses and discomforts that are peculiar to our society and to the way of life that characterises it. Reiki can also be used to treat goldfish and tropical fish — obviously not through direct contact, but by placing the hands on the aquarium at the sides of the tank. The same applies to small birds, which often do not like to be handled by humans: in this case too they are treated inside the cage or aviary.
"A concept that is very important to emphasise," continues Verena Giavelli, "is that reiki is never an alternative to traditional veterinary medical diagnosis and treatment, but rather an integration and complement to them." It is therefore a method that can increase the chances of success of therapies and behavioural interventions, promoting the total rebalancing of body and mind for our small friends too.
Reiki proves very useful on a physical level for reducing pain, speeding up recovery — for example after surgery — or for reducing the side effects of medications, improving quality of life in elderly animals or those suffering from chronic illnesses.
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"Or, indeed, to accompany the small patient through the dying process, alleviating pain and suffering," adds Dr Giavelli. On the mental and emotional level, the effects of treatment are evident in behavioural disorders, especially in domestic animals that live in closer contact with humans. The practice of reiki is used successfully to reduce stress and induce a state of relaxation, to manage unjustified anxieties and fears, and to diminish insecurity and aggression. "Reiki," the expert explains, "has characteristics that make it ideal for animals precisely because it is a non-invasive, gentle, respectful and kind treatment." It can be applied to the small patient's whole body, or only to the problematic area, without any reduction in its effectiveness.
"It is also possible to treat," adds Giavelli, "certain acupuncture points indicated by traditional Chinese medicine, with specific effects — for example analgesic and calming ones." Ideally, treatment should take place in a quiet and peaceful environment, with enough space to allow the animal to move around if it wishes. It is never possible to establish how many reiki sessions are needed to resolve a physical or behavioural problem. "It all depends on the severity of the problem," the expert points out, "on how long the disorder or illness has been present, and, above all, on the individual animal's response to treatment."
How does one find a vet who is expert in this methodology? In Italy, reiki for animals is still taking its first steps, gradually establishing itself thanks to the commitment and dedication of experts who are studying its methods and areas of application. "Unfortunately in our country reiki is appreciated and offered almost exclusively for human beings, while it is still little known in the field of animals. But, little by little, the application of these energetic rebalancing and healing techniques is also reaching Italian universities and the academic world through specific meetings and seminars," concludes Giavelli.
Its potential for our animal friends too remains aligned with the natural love we feel for them and with the perpetuation of the positive energy that binds human beings to nature and to the surrounding universe.
For information about expert therapists or vets who practise this methodology, you can contact Animal reiki energy.