FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an ancient Japanese healing technique where practitioners use gentle touch to help regulate and balance the body's energy, promoting healing and relaxation. Broken down, Reiki means Universal (rei) Energy (ki). Reiki is an increasingly popular form of complementary medicine that has been used in many well known hospitals, universities, and research facilities. Many practitioners, including myself, set the environment with relaxing music, candles, incense, essential oils, or healing crystals. The practitioner usually asks before the session begins if there are any areas of concern, or where you would like to see improvement. Clients lay comfortably and fully dressed on a massage table as the practitioner helps move the flow of energy to where it's needed most in the body, assisting the client in natural self healing.

What is Equine Reiki?

Equine Reiki is the same as human reiki, except the horses don't lay on a massage table. Typically the horse will be standing in a stall, in a pasture, or with a halter and lead rope while they receive their reiki treatment. As the universal energy flows through the practitioner's hands into the horse's body, the horse may experience deep relaxation, muscle spasms, licking, chewing, deep breaths, or yawning. Rarely, the horse will fall asleep. Anyone standing in the vicinity will also feel relaxation and calmness. For this reason, I encourage owners to stand nearby and experience this blissful moment with their equine partners. I do ask to please refrain from touching or giving attention to the horse while they receive their treatment.

Do you help treat terminal or chronic illness?

Yes. Many people seek reiki healing while they are going through treatment of underlying disease. This often includes Cancer, Anxiety, PTSD, and stomach problems. Reiki has been known to increase the efficacy of medications, and can even help reduce or replace medications. For other terminal illnesses, reiki has provided greater longevity and comfortability. See articles below for more information.

How should I prepare my horse for a session?

When your horse gets a reiki or massage treatment, allow them access to plenty of water before and after the session. Before a massage treatment, it's recommended that you walk your horse for about 5 minutes beforehand to make sure the muscles have time to warm up. If your horse has a known injury, please make it known before the session starts so the area can be approached with safety and care. Any fly masks, boots, and blankets should be removed prior to the session. If flies are bothersome, please have fly spray available. Riding prior to a reiki or massage treatment is fine. It may be best to allow the horse to rest after a reiki or massage treatment.

Is there any actual science behind reiki?

"There is little scientific evidence that explains exactly how Reiki works, but studies have found that Reiki can have measurable benefits when it comes to lowering blood pressure, improving sleep, lessening anxiety, and reducing pain. (Some of those studies have been done in specific groups, like people recovering from surgery, and others have been done in healthy individuals.) Keep in mind, however, that Reiki is mostly seen as a complementary therapy by mainstream medicine and is intended to be used alongside standard medical care — not in place of it."

All About Reiki: How This Type of Energy Healing Works and its Health Benefits

Penn Medicine : Reiki: Helping to Relieve the Anxiety of Cancer Patients

BreastCancer.org: Reiki

UCLA Study : Reiki for Mind, Body, and Spirit Support of Cancer Patients

Resources: FAQ