Is There Proof That Reiki Can Help Horses?

If you've ever asked yourself if there is proof that Reiki really works, you are not alone.

There are believers in Reiki. There are disbelievers in Reiki. And there are those in the middle who simply want to understand.

It's precisely the place where the discussion should be had.

Neither on the extreme sides of belief and disbelief. But rather on observation, scientific knowledge, and experience.

What Is Reiki, Really?

At a core level, it is about shifting the balance in the body with energy and intent.

"Energy"? Maybe a term that sounds too new age.

Yet the idea of it is pretty simple: our body runs on electrical energy. The heart creates an electromagnetic field. The nervous system is constantly scanning and reacting to the environment around it. Reiki happens on those layers of the body.

It's not about imposing a change but rather creating an environment within the body to shift from being in the state of high tension and stress to the state of regulation.

Can Horses Be Influenced Through Energy Work?

Horses are prey animals.

Everything in them is focused on noticing subtle cues from the environment that will help them survive – long before anything dangerous occurs.

This includes:

Body language
Tension
Breathing patterns
Emotions

Including the emotions of the person working with them.

Here is where nervous system physiology comes into play.

Horses are great responders to co-regulation – meaning influence of the nervous system of another animal (or human).

When the practitioner remains regulated, consistent, and calm, the horse will usually do so as well.

Simply because their body will recognize the safety in this state.

Supportive Research

As far as actual research on Reiki goes, there is very little of it.

However, there are numerous studies conducted in the areas of complementary practices which support the effectiveness of Reiki:

Touch-based practices as triggers of parasympathetic nervous system activation
Effect of heart rate variability during deep relaxation practices
Impact of human interaction on stress in animals
Co-regulation of nervous systems in different species

Science shows us that regular, slow, and non-threatening input can shift the body from the state of fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest.

Not controversial, right?

It's basic physiology.

And Reiki works the same way.

What I See During a Session

Here is where the magic of Reiki happens (pun intended).

Even if you choose not to believe in it, horses do.

During each session, I always see the following reactions in the horse:

Licking and chewing
Slow blinking
Head dropping
Softening of the eye and jaw muscles
Weight shifting

One of the most underrepresented reactions to energy work:

Diaphragmatic function

Did you know that this muscle is one of the main players of the body?

From breath control to posture to nervous system regulation, this is the powerhouse muscle of the body.

Often times, when the body of the horse starts to relax, you may notice changes in breathing patterns and relaxation of the diaphragm muscles.

Once it starts happening, relaxation moves further down the body.

Which makes this reaction much more than just nice to see.

Placebo Effect? Let's Talk About It

This is where Reiki often gets attacked.

It's true.

Placebo effect is a real thing, especially in humans, which is why in any medical setting there is a requirement of having control groups.

The only problem with horses is: they don't have belief in Reiki.

They don't know what it is.

They aren't trying to make it work for them.

And yet they continue to give signs of response.

Which doesn't mean that Reiki is above or beyond scientific evidence.

Rather there is some sort of reaction that needs further explanation.

How Can You Benefit from Reiki?

Reiki is not a replacement for proper veterinary care, training, or overall horse management.

Nor it's a quick solution or a cure-all.

It's meant to complement all of the above.

Including:

Bodywork
Proper tack and bit fitting
Good training techniques
Good nutrition

Because none of the above will ever be as effective until the body is properly relaxed.

What Does It Mean for You?

You don't have to believe in Reiki to experience it.

You just need to be open to seeing it.

And when you start paying attention to the patterns and the nervous system responses,

It becomes much less about believing.

And more about what actually happens in the horse.

Interested in Reiki Sessions for Your Horse?

I provide both in-person and virtual sessions across the country and all over the world. I am located in SC/GA and travel around South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

If you wish to practice Reiki on horses, check out my course:

👉Book a session or learn more:
https://spottedhorseLLC.com