Influence of Reiki on the well-being of dogs

Abstract

Reiki, an integrative/complementary therapy, treats the individual, aiming to restore energy balance and improve quality of life and well-being. This study aimed to assess the behavior of dogs by applying Reiki. Thus, ten dogs were evaluated in three experimental groups: Reiki (RG), Placebo (PG), and Imposition (IG) Groups. Pre-and post-therapy filming was performed for further analysis and behavioral assessment by four blind evaluators. Heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were also assessed before and after treatment.  The animals received the therapies in the same room, where an auxiliary researcher, a non-Reiki practitioner, and a Reiki practitioner were present, according to the therapy groups. The data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prisma® software, and the differences were considered significant for p≤0.05. RG showed greater relaxation when comparing the moments before and after therapies, as assessed by body movement and behavior A. PG and RG presented greater relaxation after therapies, as indicated by the assessment of posture and the average of the evaluators' summations. There was no difference in relaxation between animals receiving Reiki and those receiving hand imposition as assessed by behavioral evaluation.