| The sun was shining warmly on my face as I sat | | | | However, sensing the gentle flow of energy |
| on the ground in the enclosed "play yard," offering | | | | emanating from my hands, Angie made it clear |
| Reiki to Angie, a female lab/hound mix, about | | | | that she was open to "hands-on" healing. She |
| eight years old. The setting was a local animal | | | | would usually lay on her side and I would lightly |
| rescue, and I was there in the capacity of Reiki | | | | place my hands on her, barely touching her. These |
| volunteer. After Angie had arrived at the shelter, | | | | sessions would be about thirty minutes. I would |
| she had been diagnosed as being heartworm | | | | hold each position for several minutes, moving |
| positive, as well as having mammary tumors, | | | | along from her neck area down toward her tail. |
| which made it appear as if her entire underside | | | | At one point, she would usually turn onto her |
| was sagging. In addition, she had arthritis. Despite | | | | back, offering me her chest (the area of the |
| her ailments, her demeanor was friendly, with | | | | heart) and I obligingly let the energy flow directly |
| thoughtful dark eyes that begged for attention. | | | | to that area. She would yawn contentedly, turn |
| Reiki is technique that is beneficial for relaxation, | | | | back to her side and ease into a peaceful Reiki |
| stress reduction and also promotes healing. It is | | | | nap. |
| gentle, yet powerful, and heals on all levels - | | | | Over time, I gave Angie numerous sessions to |
| physical, mental and emotional. | | | | support her surgery (spaying plus removal of her |
| The simplest explanation of how Reiki works | | | | mammary tumors) and healing from heartworm |
| involves the energy field surrounding the body. | | | | (which was also treated conventionally with a |
| There is a natural flow of energy within and | | | | course of medication). Angie was adopted into a |
| around the physical body; when that flow | | | | loving home and I did not see her for many |
| becomes weak, blocked or disrupted, a negative | | | | months. However, upon seeing her again, I |
| state of health results either on a physical and/or | | | | discovered that after several surgeries, she was |
| mental level. Reiki helps rebalance the flow of | | | | completely healed. She is trimmer and looks |
| energy to its vibrant, free-flowing form, returning | | | | radiant, even for a "senior citizen". She has even |
| the body to a positive state of health. It is | | | | learned to obey new commands! She seems |
| beneficial to animals as well as to humans. It is | | | | content in her new home and I do believe that |
| ideally suited for the shelter environment. | | | | Reiki played a part in her road to recovery and |
| In a typical session with Angie, I would sit several | | | | her adoption. |
| feet away at the start of the treatment. | | | | |