Reiki is a holistic energy healing system where the practitioner channels healing energy from the universe through their hands. It balances the energy of the body, mind, and spirit, supporting self-healing on all levels.
Reiki originated from the teachings of Mikao Usui, who lived in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A basic Reiki course is usually only several hours long.
Why Reiki is Ideal for Horses
Reiki is particularly well-suited for horses because it is:
- Easy to learn and use
- Gentle and non-invasive
- Potent in addressing various health issues
Horses, being inherently sensitive and energetic beings, readily understand and appreciate the nature of Reiki. It offers a special way to deepen the bond between horses and humans through energetic connection.
How Reiki Works with Horses
Reiki differs from most holistic therapies by relying on the horse's willing participation. The practitioner offers Reiki in a flexible manner, without forcing treatment or expecting specific outcomes. Horses are sensitive to energetic frequencies and quickly understand the healing offered.
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Commonly, a horse will approach and place its nose into your hands as you begin. Some horses may even position the areas needing healing into your hands.
A typical Reiki treatment involves a combination of hands-on and hands-off techniques, depending on the horse's comfort and preference. In rare instances, a horse may decline treatment on a particular day; if this occurs, try again later.
Signs that a horse is receptive to Reiki include:
- Rest and relaxation
- Licking and chewing
- Frequent yawning and deep sighs
- Falling asleep
The average Reiki treatment lasts 30 to 60 minutes, concluding when the horse wakes from its "Reiki nap" and moves away.
Examples of Reiki in Action
One day, while visiting a barn, I encountered a mare in severe colic pain. With permission, I led her to the arena and cradled her head. As I felt Reiki pulsing through my hands, the mare sighed, passed gas, and had a bowel movement. She clearly felt better, and I returned her to her stall.
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Another example involves an off-the-track Thoroughbred who was nervous and unhappy. He began kicking his stall walls repeatedly. When I offered him Reiki, he immediately stopped, lowered his head, and began licking and chewing, soon falling asleep. The next day, he had stopped kicking the walls and slept soundly in the corner of his stall.
Why should you give your horse Reiki?
The Reiki Space: Connecting Heart to Heart
The story of Ariel, a shy gray mare rescued from the Mexican rodeo circuit, illustrates the power of Reiki. Initially untrusting of humans, Ariel eventually approached a Reiki practitioner during meditation, demonstrating the profound connection that can be achieved.
Connecting heart to heart with our horses in meditation is a key that can help us open the door to experiencing our True Self or spiritual energy.
The practices of the system of Reiki help us, step by step, to learn how to hold a space of balance and peacefulness within ourselves, even in the midst of a chaotic or troublesome situation.
The heart of Reiki practice is about meeting our horses’ healing challenges with grace and surrender while we to learn to listen to and be present for them in this very moment, in a compassionate space.
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Because horses are so sensitive to our inner states, when we learn through meditation to create an inner state of balance, almost immediately we can see our horses respond by also becoming calmer and more peaceful.
Touch and Reiki
Two parts of the system of Reiki incorporate touch: self-healing and assistance in the healing of others. Reiki practitioners are taught formal hand positions to use when doing Reiki on themselves, as well as hand positions for sharing Reiki with other humans.
When sharing Reiki with horses, it’s best to consider touch optional, and use it only when horse-initiated. When our horses choose it, Reiki may involve direct physical contact in the form of light touch on areas of the body that our horses are comfortable with. Thus, each practice will look unique based upon the preferences of each horse.
Reiki as a Complementary Therapy
Although many holistic veterinarians around the world use Reiki to help heal their patients, its use is not yet widespread in the veterinary community. The great thing is that anyone who has the desire can learn Reiki to help improve and support their horse’s healing and well-being. It is a very effective yet gentle healing system that animals appreciate and enjoy at all stages of life.
Marty Abdo, a volunteer, offers Reiki to horses at SAFE, observing relaxation through licking, closing of eyes, and head hanging. Reiki is considered a valuable addition to medical care, not a replacement.
Equine-Assisted Reiki Sessions
Equine Assisted Reiki Sessions are designed to harness the calming energy of Reiki while aligning spiritual and emotional connections with horses. Reiki, an ancient Japanese healing practice, uses gentle touch and energy work to promote relaxation and balance. Coupled with equine interactions, this unique therapy provides an environment for emotional healing and self-discovery.
These sessions blend the calming powers of Reiki with the wisdom of majestic therapeutic horses.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved physical comfort and mobility
- Nervous system regulation
- Emotional clarity and grounding
- A deeper connection to self and nature
How to Get Started
To get started, find a practitioner in your area and get a treatment.
Anyone who has the desire can learn Reiki to help improve and support their horse’s healing and well-being. It is a very effective yet gentle healing system that animals appreciate and enjoy at all stages of life.