Energy Work and Animal Patients: Beyond the Physical
By Chris Bates M.Ost, DipAO, EEBW, BHSAI
In the animal therapy industry, energy workers, Reiki practitioners, and other esoteric healers have existed for a very long time. In fact, considering the historical roots of energy work, one could argue that these practitioners came first. Because of the intangible nature of these disciplines, scepticism persists among some owners and practitioners regarding their validity and effectiveness. However, on the other side of the discussion are passionate advocates—many of whom regularly seek these therapies for themselves and their animals.
Within osteopathy, we value approaches that are tailored to the individual and demonstrably beneficial in clinical settings. It is therefore unsurprising that many Animal Osteopaths integrate forms of energy work into their practice. This article explores the foundations of energy work and its place in the wider therapeutic landscape.
The Ancient Origins of Energy Healing
Across ancient cultures around the world, energy-based practices emerged independently yet with strikingly similar principles. Many involved cultivating or directing a vital force within the body, using methods that reflected both local culture and shared human intuition.
Prana and the Indian Tradition
In ancient India, physical discipline and specific breathing techniques were cultivated to guide Prana, the life force, through channels known as Nadis. Gestures called mudras helped direct and regulate this flow of energy, supporting both physical wellbeing and spiritual development. Elements of these practices survive in modern Yoga, although often in simplified or modified forms compared to classical texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Vedic scriptures.
Ayurvedic medicine also developed from these traditions. Closely connected with Yogic philosophy, Ayurveda focuses on maintaining balance across the lifespan—from prenatal care to old age. Central to this system is the theory of the three Doshas. When these elemental forces become imbalanced, remedies, lifestyle practices, or spiritual pursuits are used to restore equilibrium.
Reiki: Japanese Universal Life-Force Energy
Reiki, now widely practised internationally, originated in Japan. Dr Mikao Usui developed the system in the early 1900s after a 21-day meditation retreat in the mountains. The term Reiki translates as “universal life-force energy.” Practitioners channel this energy through themselves into a person or animal, and Reiki can also be applied distantly.
Reiki incorporates symbolic tools revealed to Dr Usui during his spiritual awakening—symbols that practitioners use to enhance healing or attune others to Reiki energy. These elements form a distinctive aspect of the discipline.
Ritual, Crystals and Vibrational Healing
Some energy-based approaches incorporate crystals, sound, and vibration therapies. Research continues into how specific frequencies may influence physiological or emotional states.
Ritual plays a significant role in certain traditions, reflecting historical, cultural, and spiritual influences. Crystals, for example, may be arranged in grids at points corresponding to particular intentions. In Reiki and related systems, hand positions often correspond to the chakras—energy centres described as vortices governing physical and spiritual functions. While traditions differ, most acknowledge seven major chakras along the spine, with additional minor centres elsewhere in the body.
These ritual frameworks evolved over millennia, often through trial, error, and experiential learning, later explained using the philosophical language of each culture.
How Does Energy Healing Work? The Science Behind the Practice
Most energy therapies involve interacting with a universal or spiritual force that cannot currently be measured by scientific instruments, a limitation that fuels ongoing scepticism. As a result, practitioners may encounter professional resistance from some colleagues or veterinarians.
Despite this, the real-world experiences reported by owners and therapists are difficult to ignore. Although placebo effects can influence human studies, it is hard to attribute physiological changes in animals to placebo, regardless of how intelligent we believe them to be.
Evidence for Reiki in Animal Studies
A growing body of research demonstrates measurable, calming effects of Reiki on animals. Practitioners frequently discuss its influence on parasympathetic activity—the “rest and digest” branch of the nervous system.
For example:
- Baldwin, Wagers & Schwartz (2008) showed that Reiki significantly reduced heart rate in rats exposed to noise stress.
- Baldwin & Schwartz (2006) also found that Reiki reduced microvascular leakage and tissue damage caused by noise-induced stress.
These findings highlight the potential role of Reiki in improving resilience to environmental stressors—an effect valuable across both human and animal healthcare settings.
Shiatsu: Finger Pressure and Meridian Therapy
Shiatsu, another Japanese therapy, translates to “finger pressure.” Practitioners use carefully applied pressure to support the flow of Ki—energy—through pathways known as meridians. Ki is conceptually similar to the universal energy recognised in other traditions, nourishing both the physical body and the energetic system.
Some modern hypotheses suggest meridians correspond closely with major neural pathways, dermatomes, or myotomes, offering possible physiological explanations for Shiatsu’s effects. These include reduced pain sensitivity, decreased muscle tension, and systemic responses mediated through somatovisceral pathways.
Some Shiatsu schools also incorporate the Five-Element theory, which mirrors aspects of Ayurvedic reasoning. Before modern physiology, elemental metaphors may have been a practical way of describing physical presentations such as lethargy, heat, or inflammation.
Where Osteopathy Meets Energy Work: A Holistic Integration
Osteopaths aim to optimise the body’s ability to self-regulate by improving internal and external environments. By supporting circulation, nerve function, and lymphatic flow, we help restore balance and encourage healthy homeostasis.
From this perspective, energy-based interventions such as Shiatsu share notable similarities. Both disciplines seek to remove restrictions—whether to energy flow or to physical structures—so the body can function more effectively. It is entirely plausible that stimulating meridians also influences the physical vessels and neural pathways osteopaths work with.
Universal Energy as a Vital Input
Healing approaches that channel universal energy—whether referred to as Chi, Ki, or Prana—fit comfortably within Osteopathic principles. Osteopaths view the animal as a whole and consider all forms of input affecting vitality. If research and clinical experience demonstrate that energy work enhances wellbeing, this can be understood as an additional means of supporting the body's vital reserve.
Although osteopaths do not typically offer advanced nutritional planning (unless separately qualified), general advice on balanced, species-appropriate diets is part of holistic care. Nutrition, like energy work, is another form of input that influences health. The same logic applies to universal energy: the body may require the right “energetic nourishment” alongside physical and environmental support.
Conclusion: Multiple Paths to Animal Health and Wellbeing
All therapists share a common goal: to help patients achieve health and wellbeing. Because every patient is unique, the best path toward healing will vary. The diverse disciplines that serve animals and humans simply approach the same goal from different angles—different routes leading up the same metaphorical mountain.
Dismissing any path solely because we do not fully understand it is limiting. Fortunately, many osteopaths are increasingly open to collaboration with energy practitioners and some pursue additional training themselves. Osteopathy remains a forward-thinking, integrative profession. The evidence supporting energy work continues to grow, and it is reasonable to argue that healing—whether energetic or manual—is a legitimate part of evidence-based medicine.
Learn About the LCAO International Diploma in Animal Osteopathy Program
FAQs
Does energy healing like Reiki actually work on animals?
Yes. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrates measurable physiological effects. Studies show reduced heart rate, decreased stress responses, and diminished tissue damage in animals receiving Reiki. Because animals do not experience placebo effects in the same way humans do, these findings provide compelling evidence for its therapeutic value.
Can osteopaths use energy work alongside manual therapy for animals?
Yes. Many Animal Osteopaths successfully integrate energy modalities into their work. Approaches like Shiatsu complement osteopathic principles by supporting circulation, nerve function, and lymphatic drainage, and by helping reduce stress and anxiety.
What is the difference between Reiki and Shiatsu for animals?
Reiki involves channeling universal life energy through gentle touch or hands held near the body. No physical pressure is required. Shiatsu uses direct finger pressure along meridians—similar to acupressure—to stimulate energy flow. Both promote relaxation and healing, but Shiatsu is more physically hands-on.
References
Baldwin, A.L. and Schwartz, G.E. (2006). Personal interaction with a Reiki practitioner decreases noise-induced microvascular damage in an animal model. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), [online] 12(1), pp.15–22. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.15.
Baldwin, A.L., Wagers, C. and Schwartz, G.E. (2008). Reiki improves heart rate homeostasis in laboratory rats. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.), [online] 14(4), pp.417–422. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.0753.
Cardim, J.M., Braga, B.P., Santos, D.M., Quaresma, E.C., Thais, I., Da, S.V., Franklim, L., Junior, Dos, R., Dos, R., Rodrigues, D., Richer Praxedes Maia, Salgado, D. and Auzier, H. (2023). The Benefits of Shiatsu for a Holistic Approach to Health: A Systematic Review. Journal of advances in medicine and medical research, 35(23), pp.238–257. doi:https://doi.org/10.9734/jammr/2023/v35i235298.
Longhurst, J.C. (2010). Defining Meridians: A Modern Basis of Understanding. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, [online] 3(2), pp.67–74. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s2005-2901(10)60014-3.
AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association)
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