Holistic Healing for Dogs
Energy runs through all living beings, and when energy becomes “out of whack,” natural healing brings the body back into alignment. Holistic healing modalities like Reiki, acupuncture, and crystals are popular with people, but they can also be beneficial for your dog.
A note on the subject: Just as some people can be highly sensitive in nature, the same is true with animals. Dogs are sensitive creatures. It’s important to be gentle and smart when using natural healing practices for your dog. Use common sense and consult with your veterinarian.
Reiki
Reiki is an energy-based method that uses healing through touch. It originated in Japan and dates back to the 1900s. The word “reiki” is made up of two Japanese words, “rei” (spirit) and “ki” (energy), so Reiki directly translates to “sprit energy.”
This hands-on healing transfers energy and can help bring the body back into balance. Even with dogs, Reiki has the power to soothe, heal, relax, and energize.
If you’re interested, Animal Reiki Practitioners has a helpful directory to finding an Animal Reiki Practitioner in your area.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical therapies in the world. The term comes from the Latin “acus” (point) and “puncture” (to prick). In Chinese it reads as the characters “needle” and “medicine.” Like Reiki, acupuncture restores the appropriate flow of “chi” or energy through the body, supporting the body’s ability to heal itself. For both humans and animals acupuncture can have wide, strong, and lasting effects for issues such as arthritis, nerve pain, cancer symptoms, GI distress, epilepsy or hormonal issues, among other things. Check out the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society if you’d like to search their database for a vet who practices veterinary acupuncture in your area.
Crystals
Crystals are also known for balancing energy. To be honest, crystals are new to us! But we’ve been learning more from Chani Ronez, the founder of Merci Collective, ever since we teamed up for our exciting collaboration (more details here!). Chani was looking for more natural remedies to alleviate her dog Benzo’s separation anxiety and wondered if the crystals that shifted her mood might also work for Benzo. Long story short: they did. If you’ve never worked with crystals before or this is your first time using crystals around your
pet, Chani recommends starting slow. Let your dog be an active participant. As we mentioned before, animals are sensitive. If your dog walks away or goes into another room when the crystals are out, take that as a sign. Chani also encourages pet owners to do some research on their own before they get started.Here’s a helpful beginner’s guide to which crystals are best for your dog.
Have you tried any of these healing modalities with your pet? Did you have success?