Reiki Energy Healing with Animals, Does Reiki have the Potential to Strengthen the Human-Animal Bond?; A Review and Comparison of Literature to First-Hand Opinions from Reiki Practitioners

Abstract

Reiki energy healing as a complementary medicine is a broad and complex topic; my research specifically covers how the application of Reiki to aid in the healing of animals might have the potential to strengthen the human-animal bond. In an inductive, qualitative, and phenomenological manner, I have explored the practice of Reiki with animals by examining many testimonials and case studies in order to deduce what healing has taken place, and the potential ethical and welfare issues that could arise. Additionally, I have interviewed a few Reiki practitioners about their practice, opinions, and experiences with Reiki and animals. Various testimonials suggest that the experience of receiving Reiki for both ourselves and our animals only strengthens the already existing bond that we have with them. If it is beneficial, non-manipulative, and essentially harmless to assist individuals and their animals for their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing, then I see no reason for the elimination of this alternative and natural healing modality. Until now, we have not been able to fully comprehend, nor has scientific research been able to conclude, if Reiki can strengthen the bond between humans and animals. My findings suggest that it does. Although Reiki is in part an intangible and immeasurable feeling or emotion, a similar phenomenon happens in how we experience the bond with our animals. The concept of Reiki and the human-animal bond are multidimensionally interconnected and may be uniquely qualified to bring to light.