Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes natural healing. It is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through all living things 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.
The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words - Rei which means "universal spirit" and Ki which is "life force energy". Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing. It works in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. Beneficial effects that include relaxation, feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.
Reiki is gentle and non-invasive. Physical contact is not required in order for the animal to benefit from Reiki, but touch may be used if the animal allows. Since Reiki treats the whole being-physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual-it is ideal for animals that have been traumatized or abused, are aggressive or wild, or are so sick that they wish not to be handled. Reiki offered during times of hospice and end-of-life often brings inner peace and understanding to both the animal and those who care for the animal.
Dr. Lauren is an Usui Reiki Master Practitioner. She was attuned by Dr. Linda Kingsbury (www.spiritherbs.com) in Moscow, Idaho. Dr. Lauren has found Reiki to be an incredibly effective modality for all types of animals, especially with aggressive pets and those who have experienced emotional trauma such as abandonment, loss of an owner, abuse or neglect.
Resources:
Animal Ally of Arizona (Nancy McDonald)
International Center for Reiki Training
Animal Reiki: Using Energy to Heal the Animals in Your Life (Fulton/Prasad)