Reiki – the energy that is changing the future of veterinary medicine

The beginning of the year is always a time for reflection. In this first article of my blog in 2026, I would like to share some thoughts about the future of animal health and how we can positively influence it—not only for our animal companions, but also for their loving families. Increasingly, we are living in true multispecies households.

From my point of view, it is undeniable that we are entering a new era in medicine—one that recognizes not only the physical body, but also the subtle and emotional dimensions that influence healing and overall well-being.

In human healthcare, Reiki is no longer seen solely as “alternative,” but increasingly as an integrative and complementary approach. It is used in some hospitals to support recovery, reduce stress, and promote balance in the mind and body. Despite the challenges that still exist, research into Reiki therapy has grown steadily over the past decades.

According to the World Reiki Research database, which collects scientific papers in multiple languages, by June 2025 there were over 400 peer-reviewed studies and more than 100 meta-analyses related to Reiki, showing consistent growth year after year. In addition, the Center for Reiki Research lists more than 150 peer-reviewed studies published in English, many focusing on stress reduction, pain management, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

So the question naturally arises: why shouldn’t this same integrative mindset be explored more deeply in veterinary medicine?

From my experience as a veterinarian, animals—just like humans—are highly sensitive beings. In fact, many animals seem to perceive and respond to subtle changes in their environment even more clearly than we do. Their healing processes are strongly influenced by calm, safety, and compassionate presence. When Reiki is integrated into veterinary care, it does not replace medical treatment, but rather supports it by creating conditions that allow the body to heal more efficiently.

From a physiological perspective, the benefits we observe in animals are similar to those described in humans. For example, Reiki appears to support activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest, repair, and recovery. This state is associated with increased release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in calming the body. Additionally, research in neurophysiology has shown that increased vagal (parasympathetic) activity plays an important role in regulating inflammation through what is known as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In simple terms, when the body is relaxed, it is better able to prevent excessive or harmful inflammatory responses.

Many studies also show that stress hormones such as cortisol tend to decrease during a Reiki session. It is well known that chronic elevation of cortisol negatively affects immune function, hormonal balance, and overall resilience. In both humans and animals, long-term stress is associated with weakened immune responses, increased inflammation, and a higher susceptibility to disease. By helping the nervous system shift out of “survival mode,” supportive practices like Reiki may contribute to restoring balance rather than directly “stimulating” the immune system.

From a health perspective, these stress-modulating effects may be especially relevant in conditions where emotional or physiological stress worsens symptoms—such as chronic pain, anxiety, behavioral issues, fatigue, recovery from surgery, cancer-related discomfort, or end-of-life care. Reiki should not be considered a curative treatment on its own, but it can be a valuable supportive tool that enhances comfort, emotional stability, and overall quality of life. It can also strengthen the human–animal bond, allowing caregivers and professionals to connect more deeply with what the animal is experiencing.

This is not about replacing science—it is about expanding our definition of care. As our understanding of animal cognition, emotional complexity, and sensitivity continues to grow, perhaps our medical approaches should evolve as well. Treating animals as whole beings is not a radical idea, but a natural next step.

So maybe the question is no longer why we should include energy-based supportive care in veterinary medicine, but when. And perhaps even more importantly - how soon we are willing to begin. And the time is now!

#reiki #veterinarymedicine #energybasedmedicine #reikiresearch #animalwellbeing