Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner

   The benefits of massage and other holistic modalities are many. Massage therapy contributes toward greater flexibility, range of motion, aids in releasing adhesions and soft tissue restrictions, reduces the risk of injury during play and competition and reduces recovery time should an injury occur. It also aids in digestion, circulation and lymphatic drainage. Other benefits could include optimized endurance, a more positive attitude, and an increased capability to focus and think more clearly.
    One other important area of consideration is so called behavior problems. Often, behavior problems are actually a result of body pain and tension that has gone undetected by the rider or trainer.
In many cases, once the pain issues have been addressed, the objectionable behavior is greatly reduced or even eradicated completely.
    Some common signs of discomfort could include bucking, rearing, switching leads, difficulty picking up a foot for the farrier, uneven gaits and grinding of the teeth.
    Aromatherapy adds a wonderful dimension to massage, and can be used to enhance both emotional and physical well being. A horse must be well balanced and centered physically, emotionally and mentally in order to be ready and able to take on the rigors of training and competition. The results can be amazing and long lasting, and it is a wonderful way to bond with your horse. Please remember, these are the same benefits that should be enjoyed by the rider as well, thus allowing both horse and rider to reach their maximum potential together.

What is Reiki?
   Reiki is a form of healing energy that has been around for thousands of years. It is a form of energy work that is very powerful and yet very gentle, and it can be used on horses, humans, plants, and any other species you so choose. The man who is responsible  for Reiki being revived in modern times is Mikao Usui. He was born in Japan in 1865 to a family who followed Buddhist traditions. He had realized that the ability to heal others had been lost over the centuries. He decided to create a system of energy healing based on ancient Buddhist traditions and Taoist practices where the practitioner draws in energy and projects it to others. This energy flows through pathways in the body called Meridians, and energy centers called Chakras. All humans and animals have Meridians and Chakras. There are seven main Chakras that run along the spine of the body. A Chakra could be described as wheels of energy. Each Chakra has certain colors and emotions associated to them. Often there are one or more Chakras out of balance. Energy also flows around the body in a field called the Aura. When the bodies energy flow is disrupted, the body is no longer in balance and both physical and mental disease can result. Reiki works by clearing the pathways of negative energy and re-establishing a healthy flow. In simple scientific terms, energy projection can affect the hemoglobin component of the recipients blood cells. The result is a low amplitude alpha state of calmness and relaxation, increased blood flow, and hastening the healing of injuries. Many scientific studies have been done to prove these  theories. Physicists no longer view matter as solid matter, but as a density of energy , and all things as having different energy patterns or vibrations of energy. There have even been many documented studies of plant "healings" with Reiki.
   There are always going to be those who do not believe in energy work. However, it is difficult to dispute the results of using Reiki when one can see very real changes in the recipient almost immediately. Horses are particularly sensitive to Reiki, and they are very accepting of it once they understand your intent. Reiki is non-invasive, its very gentle and also quite relaxing. It is very common to see horses begin to nod off, yawn, drool, stretch, drop, and occasionally even want to lay down and go to sleep! It is not unusual to notice the other horses nearby begin to get very relaxed and quiet. I used to work on a Friesian mare whos dam was stalled next to her. Every time I did Reiki on the mare, her dam would lay down, fall asleep, and snore! You will find that the owners often mention that they too are feeling calmer and more relaxed at the same time.
   Reiki can be learned by anyone with some basic knowledge and proper intent. There are a number of hand positions and placements to be learned, but much of it is also done by allowing the horse to guide you. Intuition plays a big part as well. It is very important to understand the energy centers called Chakras. The Chakras run along the spine, and can be easily felt once you have had enough experience with them. There are different levels of Reiki practitioners, each being a stepping stone to attaining Reiki Master status. Once you have learned the basics, you will be able to offer a great deal of comfort and benefit to your horse. Just allow it to happen, relax and let it flow.
   There is something else that may be of surprise to many people. Reiki, and other forms of energy healing, can be done without actually touching the body of the recipient. It can be just as effective to work within the Aura of the horse or person. I have worked on many horses that have been thru severe abuse, and I was not able to start by actually laying my hands on their body. Another benefit of Reiki, it can be done from a distance. Yes , that is right, you could be somewhere on the other side of the world and still send healing light and energy to the recipient. Of course, many people are very skeptical in the beginning. But, seeing is believing. I have always said, the horses are my best advertisement. They do not lie, and there is no placebo effect. Reiki is very real, and it is a lovely experience for both the horse and practitioner, and a wonderful way to connect with your horse on a new and deeper level.