Animal Reiki
Share the Healing Love of Universal
Life Force for Animals
What is Animal Reiki?
Universal Healing Energy For Animals
Origin and meaning of Reiki
Reiki is a traditional Japanese healing method that was rediscovered by Mikao Usui at the beginning of the 20th century.
The word is made up of Rei (“universal, spiritual”) and Ki (“life energy”). This life energy - known as chi in China and prana in India - flows through all living beings.
Reiki is based on the idea that disturbances in the flow of this energy can cause disharmony in the body, emotions or mind. The flow of energy is harmonized and self-healing powers are activated through the gentle laying on of hands or remote transmission.
Similar to traditional Chinese medicine (meridians, energy channels) or Indian Ayurveda (chakras, energy centers), Reiki has a regulating and balancing effect - on all levels: physical, emotional and spiritual.
Why Reiki is so valuable for animals in particular?
Animals are highly sensitive beings. They perceive the energies and emotions of their environment much more clearly than we often think.
- Pets adapt closely to the lifestyle and feelings of their humans. They take on stress, fears or even illnesses.
- Animal welfare dogs, cats and horses often carry traumatic experiences of abuse or loss.
- Zoo animals suffer from unnatural living conditions, confinement and loss of freedom.
- Wild animals are confronted with the massive loss of their habitat, environmental pollution and disturbances caused by humans.
Reiki gives these animals a space of peace and security. It is a gentle, non-invasive healing method that builds trust, reduces stress and enables healing at a deep level.
How does Animal Reiki work?
Reiki does not work with pressure or manipulation, but by allowing universal energy to flow. The animal decides for itself how much energy it wants to receive - nothing is forced.
- On a physical level: support for pain, healing processes after injuries or operations, strengthening the immune system, activation of self-healing powers.
- On an emotional level: alleviating anxiety, trauma, nervousness, aggression or insecurities.
- On a spiritual level: connection to inner balance, restoration of trust, support in difficult phases of life or at the end of life.
- Reiki works with the same energetic principles as other holistic healing methods: Harmonization of the chakras (energy centers that connect body and soul and the bioenergetic field)
- Activation of the meridians (energy channels, known from traditional Chinese medicine).
- Strengthening the flow of energy so that blockages can be released.
My Vision with Animal Reiki:
Giving animals a voice, giving them space for healing and accompanying them in our world so that they feel seen, understood and loved. For me, Reiki is more than just a method - it is an attitude of mindfulness, love and connection with all living beings.
When is Animal Reiki particularly helpful?
- For stress, anxiety and restlessness
- For animals with traumatic experiences (e.g. from animal welfare)
- For regeneration after illnesses or operations
- For chronic complaints for support and relief
- For older animals to improve their quality of life
- In end-of-life care to make the transition gentle and dignified
- For wild and zoo animals that need support and rest in unnatural living conditions
What`s the Difference between Animal Reiki & Human Reiki
1.The Energy is the same
Whether for humans or animals, Reiki works with the same universal life energy (Ki, Chi, Prana).
The mode of action is also similar: harmonization of body, mind and soul, activation of self-healing powers, promotion of calm and balance.
2. The Process is different
People:
With Human Reiki, clients usually lie still on a couch and the Reiki practitioner's hands are consciously placed on certain parts of the body or in the aura. The process is more structured and more determined by the person.
Animals: With Animal Reiki, the animal always decides. Some want physical contact, others prefer to keep their distance or move during the session. The Reiki giver adapts - it is a process of trust, voluntariness and communication.
3. The Communication is more subtle
Animals perceive energies faster and more directly. They show very clearly whether they want to accept Reiki or whether it is enough.
With humans, there is often more explanation and awareness involved (“I feel this or that”), while animals react non-verbally - through body language, breathing, behavior.
4. The Issues are different
Humans usually come because of stress, exhaustion, emotional or physical blockages.
Animals often also carry the burden of humans: they take on moods, mirror emotions or develop behaviors that are related to their environment. They are also subject to greater influences such as loss of habitat, husbandry or heteronomy.
5. The Attitude of the Practitioner
In Human Reiki, the person is actively involved, open to what is happening. Animal Reiki requires even more humility and attentiveness: Reiki is not “done”, but offered - the animal decides freely.
To sum up:
Reiki is universal - for both humans and animals.
The difference lies in the attitude: while humans receive Reiki consciously, with animals we allow free will, distance and the animal's rhythm to determine the treatment.
Why is Animal Reiki so important nowadays?
Our modern world presents animals with enormous challenges:
Loss of natural habitats, adapting to the rhythms of life and emotions of their humans, stress due to noise, crowding, overbreeding or loneliness, increase in illnesses due to environmental pollution...the list goes on.
Reiki gives animals what they need most: a break, space for healing, loving care and energetic strengthening.
It is a bridge between humans and animals that helps to restore their natural balance.
The Reiki Principles
The Reiki principles are five guiding precepts created by Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, to promote personal and spiritual growth. These principles, meant to be a daily practice, are considered a powerful tool for fostering a balanced, peaceful, and positive way of living
Just for today, do not anger
This encourages practitioners to let go of anger and focus on peaceful solutions rather than reactive emotions.
Just for today, do not worry
This principle encourages practitioners to release fear and anxiety, living in the present moment instead of being weighed down by past regrets or future uncertainties.
Just for today, do your work honestly
This calls for integrity and dedication in all pursuits, fostering a mindful approach to daily tasks.
Just for today, be grateful for your blessings
Cultivating gratitude for all aspects of life helps to shift focus away from negativity and cultivate a sense of abundance.
Just for today, be kind to all living things
This principle extends compassion to oneself and all other beings, promoting a sense of interconnectedness and respect.
My Attitude in Animal Reiki
For me, Reiki with animals is always an act of respect.
I don't see animals as “patients” who have to endure something, but as independent souls who know exactly what they need.
That means for my work:
- I never impose closeness or energy - each animal decides for itself whether and how it wants to accept Reiki.
- I treat animals with humility and gratitude, because they allow us to participate in their inner world.
- I do not see Reiki as a “treatment”, but as an invitation: a gentle opportunity for the animal to allow healing, peace and balance.