Animal Reiki treatment involves using the principles and practices of Reiki—a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing—to benefit animals. 

While animals don't have the same cultural and psychological overlays as humans do about healing, they can be very receptive to the energy of Reiki. 

Animal Reiki is the practice of using the Reiki energy healing system—a method of channeling universal life force energy to promote balance, healing, and harmony—specifically on animals. Reiki originated in Japan and has been used for decades to help heal physical and emotional ailments in humans. In recent years, its principles have been applied to animals as well.

Here are some key points about animal Reiki:

Holistic Approach: Reiki is considered a complementary therapy. It's holistic, meaning it addresses the whole animal—body, mind, and spirit—rather than targeting a specific illness or symptom.

Energy Channeling: Practitioners channel universal life force energy (often visualized as a light or warmth) through their hands, either by lightly touching the animal or by holding their hands a short distance away.

Stress and Relaxation: Reiki can help animals relax, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for rescue animals or those with traumatic histories.

Self-healing: Reiki is believed to stimulate an animal's natural healing processes. It's not about the practitioner "fixing" the animal, but rather supporting the animal's own capacity to heal.

Remote Healing: An interesting aspect of Reiki is that it doesn't always require the practitioner to be physically present. "Distance Reiki" can be performed from afar, which can be useful for animals that might be stressed by the presence of a stranger.

All Animals Can Benefit: While often used for domesticated pets like dogs and cats, Reiki can also be beneficial for larger animals like horses and even wild animals in rehabilitation centers.

Complement to Veterinary Care: It's crucial to understand that Reiki is a complementary therapy and should not replace veterinary care. While Reiki can support well-being, any medical concerns should always be addressed by a qualified veterinarian.

Building Trust: Animals are often seen as intuitive and sensitive to energies. Reiki sessions can help build trust and deepen the bond between animals and their human caregivers.

Safety First: When performing Reiki on animals, especially unfamiliar ones, it's crucial to approach with caution and respect, paying attention to the animal's comfort level and cues.

While there is anecdotal evidence and many personal testimonials regarding the benefits of animal Reiki, scientific research on its efficacy is still in the early stages. As with all complementary therapies, it's essential to approach with an open mind and consider the individual needs and responses of each animal.