| The Proof is in the Pudding... by Lena Swanson Animals are spiritually very aware and wise, often more so than many of the people we come into contact with on a daily basis! Because they are spiritual beings with energy systems similar to ours, animals respond very well to holistic health care methods traditionally reserved for people. The "proof" of successfully treating animals with holistic methods is truly found "in the pudding" because any improvements made cannot be written off to the placebo affect so often used to debunk complementary modalities for people. I have found Reiki, animal communication, flower essences, and shamanic healing techniques especially well-suited to helping animals and their human companions achieve and maintain emotional and physical health. Reiki and animals Sabai looked up from her prone position with a long gaze and said, "Thank you. That feels so good." My beloved 13-year-old Golden Retriever was being slowly and painfully immobilized by the common old-dog ailments of arthritis and hip dysplasia, and there was nothing regular veterinary medicine could do beyond dispensing the usual anti-inflamatories. Enter Reiki, the gentle healing method that breaks up areas of energy blockage and restores the normal flow of Ch'i, Ki or Qi (life force) so that the natural healing processes of the body are enhanced. I was truly amazed at the improvement in Sabai from regular Reiki treatments. And when it came time for her to cross the Rainbow Bridge, Reiki assisted both of us in the entire process with stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki is completely non-invasive and can be used with animals, people, even plants. Most emotional or physical problems will respond to Reiki, but it is of course not intended to be a substitute for regular veterinary care. Flower essences The emotional state of our animal companions can be influenced and balanced through the use of essences or extracts from flowers. Emotional disruptions in animals can occur for reasons such as environmental changes, physical trauma and emotional stress. Some animals are predisposed to emotional upset due to their genetic makeup and personality. They may also act as mirrors reflecting the emotional states of their humans. In the 1930s Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician, discovered 38 specific flower essences and their power in healing the spirit and mind. The essences are derived by bathing flowers in spring water in the presence of bright sunlight. The energy of the flower is infused into the water and then preserved with a small amount of alcohol. Typically four to five different essences can be added to a dosage bottle. The essences work to balance emotional states in animals, as well as people. Like homeopathic remedies, they can do no harm and are extremely dilute, nontoxic and cannot be overdosed. There are no side-effects associated with flower essences and they will not harm other animals who may ingest them, because the remedy is specifically created for the individual. Rescue Remedy for acute stress or trauma and a detoxification formula are especially important to keep on hand. The detox formula is recommended after vaccinations and surgery. Flower essences are completely compatible with all other treatment modalities and medications. If you feel your animal companion may be mirroring your emotional state, you might consider flower essences for yourself as well. Animal communication A friend asked me to communicate with her dog who is blind to find out how he was feeling and if anything was bothering him. He related that he was feeling fine and only one thing bothered him -- he needed a room of his own where nothing changed. This didn't make sense to me until I told my friend what he had said. She laughed because she and her girlfriend often like to rearrange their apartment and of course it was hard for him to navigate the place after each new arrangement! Therefore, "a room of his own that never changed!" Telepathic animal communication is becoming more well known as people try to find new ways to connect with the earth and all beings. Everyone is capable of communication with animals, but we unlearn these skills as children. It is possible to make this connection again through training and practice. By actually communicating with our animal companions, we can solve problems through discussion and compromise. We can also get valuable information about health issues and physical and emotional symptoms to help veterinarians and other health care practitioners better diagnose problems and offer treatments. Animals have so much to share with us, and telepathic communication solidifies and deepens the relationships we already have with our special companions. It allows us to form relationships with animals in nature, as well. Shamanic practice I knew by the tone in my friend's voice that something was terribly wrong. Her cat had been shot at close range with a BB gun and was doing poorly. The vet had painted a picture of doom and gloom talking about blood transfusions, surgery and days in intensive care. She asked me to communicate with her cat and ask if he was up for this battle -- or if this was his time to depart. During the communication, he not only let me know he wanted to fight (showing me himself wearing tiny boxing gloves on his front paws, no less) but asked me to do a shamanic journey and retrieve a power animal for him to help with this struggle for his life. I immediately did the journey. My own power animals did a healing on him and then helped me retrieve a beautiful female gray mouse named Daphne to help him. About two hours later, my friend called again. Her cat was improving and would need no blood transfusion. He had surgery later that day and was allowed to go home the next! Shamanism works with the spiritual aspect of illness. The word shaman means "healer" or "one who sees in the dark" and it is used to denote a man or woman who travels outside of time and space in an altered state of consciousness induced by the repetitious beating of a drum or rattle. Working in what is referred to as "non-ordinary reality," a shaman meets spirit helpers that appear as animals or teachers in human form. These helpers work through the shaman, assisting in information gathering and guidance for specific healing techniques or divination. A shaman is called to this healing path and accepts the sacred responsibility to be of service and to heal. I have found shamanic practice to be incredibly effective with animals. It also ties in very well with animal communication, because for a shamanic practitioner, many different realities can blend and overlap. Therefore, because animals are aware of reality on so many different levels (much more than most people), shamanic healing work is a perfect match with what they relate to and respond to energetically. Because shamanism works with the spiritual aspect of illness, physical results can vary from the truly miraculous to very subtle changes. A spiritual healing always occurs. Lena Swanson specializes in wellness for both animals and people. She is a Reiki master, animal communication specialist, flower essence advisor, and shamanic practitioner. Her practice, Sabai Healing, is located in St. Paul and serves the entire metro area. She is also available for group talks and workshops and can be reached at (651) 206-0644. In a past life, she taught English as a Second Language in St. Paul Public Schools for 22 years. Copyright (c) 2002 Lena Swanson |
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