What is Animal Reiki?

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Animal Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that supports wellbeing by helping restore balance within the natural energy system. Like people, our animal companions can experience stress, emotional changes, illness, or environmental shifts that affect their overall wellbeing.

Reiki creates a calm and supportive space where they can relax and receive healing energy in a way that feels comfortable.

Depending on the individual, Reiki may be offered with hands placed lightly on the body or held just above it. Your companion is always free to move, rest, or approach the energy at their own pace, allowing them to receive Reiki in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

Distance Reiki can also work very well, allowing them to remain relaxed in their own familiar environment while receiving the energy.

Animals are naturally sensitive to energy and often respond quickly to the calm and peaceful space created during Reiki.

Signs an animal may benefit from Reiki:

• seems anxious, nervous, or easily stressed
• has experienced a recent change in environment or routine
• is recovering from illness, injury, or surgery
• is older and may need gentle support for mobility or comfort
• has a rescue background or past trauma
• simply needs a calm, supportive space to relax and rebalance

Reiki can also be a beautiful way to support animals during times of transition or when they need extra comfort and reassurance.

What happens during a session?

Each session is guided by the animal's comfort and natural behaviour.

Some may choose to lie down and relax, while others may move around, stretch, or come closer when they feel comfortable receiving the energy.

Common signs of relaxation during Reiki include:

• yawning or deep breathing
• lying down or resting
• becoming calm and settled
• gently moving closer to the practitioner

Sessions are always calm and unforced, allowing them to remain in control of their experience.

Reiki works with the natural energy system and supports balance across emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual layers of wellbeing. Just like people, our animals experience the world through these different layers. When they feel safe and relaxed, their bodies and energy can begin to settle and rebalance naturally.

Many animals become deeply calm during Reiki sessions, often showing signs of relaxation such as resting, sighing, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

At Sacred River, Reiki is always offered with patience, compassion, and respect for your companion’s comfort and natural behaviour be it in their own environment, the Sacred River studio or simply a space they enjoy being in.