The Healing Practice of Reiki for Dogs -

Japanese symbol for Reiki For the past few months I have been working on my certification to become a Reiki practitioner for both humans and animals. I have always had an interest in this practice and have received treatments myself in the past. But a few months ago I had what you could say was a a calling to learn Reiki. My ultimate goal was to use its healing power on shelter dogs as well as my own pets.

I found a wonderful master teacher, Dr. Anthony Wojnar. He was a student of William Lee Rand, a Reiki master from the Usui Master Lineage.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. [source: reiki.org]

Today Reiki is being used in private practices and in many hospitals across the country as well as animal shelters and veterinary clinics. After completing a series of intense classes, I have now received my certification in both human and animal Reiki.

In order for Reiki to be effective, one must be receptive to it’s healing power. Humans can make this choice, animals must be invited to accept Reiki. Therefore the techniques are a little different. We perform Reiki on animals by creating a “healing space” for them. We let them come to us. Some animals are more receptive than others.

The pioneer of animal Reiki is Katheen Prasad, who has written many books on the subject. The best known is REIKI FOR DOGS. I was fortunate to also have Prasad’s student, Mr. Mark Gerger, as a guest teacher at the Holistic Life Center in Mountain Top, Pa., where I completed my training.

Ms. Prasad has worked with shelter dogs for many years. As she says in her book “The most compassionate forgiving and loving beings I have known have been dogs.”

As a shelter volunteer at Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter in Allentown, Pa., I hope to improve the lives of some of the dogs I see on a regular basis. Aside from walking and playing with them, maybe I can send some healing energy to the ones who choose to accept it. Of course my dogs get their Reiki daily.

Animals are remarkable, wise, sensitive creatures that deserve all the help we can offer. I am excited about my new path. I know the animals will teach me a great deal as well.

Kathleen Prasad includes a Native American Proverb in her book that is something to think about. “Every animal knows more that you do.”

For more on Reiki, see the following resources: