Interview - Healing Connexions
- Samantha
- Sep 6, 2015
- 8 min read
To close off on our Natural Health Week we have a very special post about natural healing by Healing Connexions.
Ann-Marie has been practising natural healing for animals for about 3 years and has been practising professionally since September 2014, after she qualified from Healing Animals Organisation in the UK in Animal Healing and Natural Food Remedies. I had the pleasure of meeting Ann-Marie at WODAC this year and thought it would be wonderful to interview her for the blog, as I know of a few friends who have been battling with ill furchildren the past few months. Harsh medication can take a strain on a cat and sometimes they just need the strength to help them push through and get strong enough for the treatments. It is hard for us as purrents to know what our baby wants and needs to feel better.
What got you into Animal Healing?
“It all really started in September 2012 when my beautiful boy cat, Cole was diagnosed with Lymphoma and immediately began an intensive course of chemotherapy, targeting the tumour that had developed in his large intestine.
I had qualified in 2012 as a Reiki practitioner and decided right away to try out daily healing on my boy, especially before and after treatments. The effects of the Reiki energy were amazing and Cole responded beautifully and soon started coming to me for the healing himself. During his healing session, Cole would often rest his little head in my hands and just sit quietly for at least 20 minutes. The heat from his head would subside after a while and he would jump down and get on with his cat business feeling much more comfortable and light, or he would relax into a peaceful sleep.
During this time I became aware of the full potential of this powerful healing technique. The results were amazing and definitely reduced Cole’s discomfort caused by the side effects of the chemo.
Changing his diet and bringing in more natural foods and holistic remedies were also a key factor in his recovery.
Cole is still with me today, 3 years in remission and we still enjoy our Reiki sessions as often as needed.”
Cole – September 2012 3,4kg
Cole – August 2015 5,8kg
I’m sure by now you are saying, “Yes ok, but what is natural healing?” That is ok. We are going to cover what natural healing is and what all it involves all provided by Healing Connexions.
What does Animal Healing involve?
“Animal healing is basically Reiki (energy healing) that can be used for any ailment, at any stage of life addressing imbalances on all levels. The ultimate goal is to align the body, mind and soul, promising a happier, healthier, more balanced state of being.
Cats in particular respond to energy healing in the most remarkable way and thrive on the energetic experience. This holistic approach is considered to be so effective because change occurs on all levels and as a result, positive changes are more likely to last long-term and improve an animal’s overall quality of life.”
What are the benefits of Animal Healing?
“Animal healing benefits a wide range of physical, emotional or psychological conditions, working holistically on the entire animal rather than treating isolated conditions. It is deeply calming and relaxing, promoting a sense of wellbeing, strengthening the immune system and reducing stress. It helps to reduce fever and pain and supports your animals at every stage of rehabilitation. Healing also enhances the bond of love and trust between animal and caregiver and additionally provides comfort at the end of life and can make the transition more peaceful. It is an overall emotional blanket for many issues and conditions.”
How will I know if my cat needs animal healing?
“Most cats LOVE healing energy, whether they are sick or healthy. Your kitties will adore the healing energy at any time.
Many of my clients will look to healing when their babies are either ill or experiencing drastic emotional issues. However, there is no right or wrong time to offer healing to our feline friends. The beauty of healing energy is that it will bring peace and relaxation to any time, any place.
Sick animals will benefit beautifully. Animals at the end of life will reach out and accept the energy to help them to transition. Healthy animals will embrace the energy. You can almost compare this to a spa treatment. As humans, sometime we need some pampering. We go to the spa. We feel relaxed and refreshed. This is how a cat would feel after a Reiki treatment.”
What area of healing would respond better to natural healing versus conventional medicine?
“Vets offer the best care available, but in certain cases, they may not have the time or the resources to offer additional holistic services (eg. for emotional issues, chemotherapy support, bereavement counselling etc.). This is where healing can assist - working together with your vet to give a supportive service in addition to their professional care.
If your kitty is healthy and well, they will definitely benefit from a lovely relaxing Reiki treatment, aligning them body mind and soul. A regular Reiki treatment will help to promote good health, general wellbeing, and a happy cat. “
Why should pet owners consider choosing this option above conventional treatment?
“During illness, animal healing is never a replacement for veterinary care. If your cat is experiencing illness or disease, the first port of call is your local vet. Only they are qualified to diagnose the nature of the illness. Animal healing is offered as an alternative complementary therapy in additional to veterinary care.”
How does it work? (I.e. What physical contact is there with the pet and how do they normally respond?)
“Reiki is energetic healing and does not need physical contact at all. Some cats love hands on healing and others prefer to be healed from a distance (for example shy or traumatised cats).
Healing is never forced but is usually accepted readily. You, the parent and members of your family are present during the healing session. We all sit quietly and allow the healing to flow.
Every healing is different and each cat will respond differently. Sometimes they would move toward my hands or turn around to allow the energy to flow to a certain part of the body where they feel it is needed. Purring, licking and total relaxation are subtle signs that the healing is being processed. Sometimes they become so relaxed that they fall off to sleep.”
How many sessions would a pet typically need for a day to day ailment?
“There is no set time period and each case is different. For illness, (example chemo support), a couple of times times a week would benefit or after treatment or surgery. Each case is different and we usually assess and ‘feel’ the progress of the animal. I would never force the healing, and sometimes kitty will not feel like it or will walk away. In these cases, I will return a few days later to try again.
I have had recent emotional healing cases where one session was sufficient and the cat made a remarkable recovery overnight.”
Do you come to me or must I bring my cat to you?
“I will travel to you. Most cats enjoy their own space and they are most comfortable in their own environment. Coming into your home also gives me the opportunity to assess the environmental conditions and allows your other pets and family members to be part of the healing session.”
What are your working hours?
“I am very flexible, as most people work office hours and I will work around your schedule. Weekends and evenings are my busiest times, as this is when pet and owner are mostly at home and relaxed.”
What other services do you provide?
“Holistic Pet Aupair service – pet sitting service in the comfort of your own home – Reiki and calming herbal remedies are included as an optional benefit, ensuring your babies chilled and relaxed. The usual services such as feeding, administering meds and vet visits are added extras.
Chemotherapy Support – Healing and natural remedies help to ease any adverse side effects and supports you and your loved one through this challenging time.
Senior Care – Taking care of Senior and chronically ill animals. Healing helps in the sunset years and when their time is drawing near. Reiki helps to bring peace and acceptance to both you and your lifelong companion.
Bereavement Healing – Supportive help and healing for you and the other animals in your household. The grief can become overwhelming and sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Reiki is also an option for you during this very emotional time.
Natural meals and treats – delicious home-made meals and treats made with love and natural ingredients.”
Natural food – do you prepare meals for my cat or do you show me what and how to prepare it?
“I can teach you how to cook home-made meals and treats, and share my recipes with you or you can order from me anytime. I also make gift packs for special occasions. These meals and treats can be frozen for up to 3 months.“
What type of ingredients does your food contain?
“I like to use ingredients that are as natural as possible. As cats are carnivores, all my meals and treats contain animal protein such as salmon, chicken, tuna etc. Some meals also contain chopped vegetables, such as potato and carrots or green beans for an extra boost.
The treats are delicious and contain sardines (packed with Omegas), tuna, salmon, catnip or chicken.”
Feline fishcakes
Feline hotpot simmering gently
Catnip munchies
Does it have all the vitamins and minerals that cats need?
“Yes, however, I do not radically change the diet you are already feeding. What I do offer is nutritional advice and the option to use home-made food in addition to the food you already use, thereby enhancing the feeding experience and also promoting the fact that we need to feed the best possible nutritional diet that we are able to afford.
If there is any doubt, you may chat to your vet first to ensure that the diet is balanced and contains all the nutrients your kitty needs at that specific time.”
What other benefits does natural food have?
“Natural food does not contain artificial colourings, preservatives, high salt and sugar as commercial cheaper food does. You pay for what you get. Economy ranges will contain very little vitamins and minerals. Obviously some people can only afford the cheapest food for their animals. Pet owners need to know that there are alternative options and methods to add extra nutrition to the feline diet.
I also introduce you and your feline friends to my beautiful infused herbal food oils which have all the vitamins that are required. These oils may be offered as part of the healing session on a self - selection basis. Your kitty will choose what he/she needs by choosing the relevant oil/s.”
How much does a session cost - if a treatment plan is required would this cost be multiplied by number of session or does one enter into a "special treatment” plan?
“Again, this varies from case to case, but generally, the first session involves a consultation and case history, and is approximately R300 plus petrol (for 2-3 hours). Follow ups are R200 per session plus petrol (approx. 1 hour). A treatment plan could definitely be negotiated for chronic cases.”
What are your prices for natural food?
“Food and remedies are reasonably priced and depend on quantities and the ingredients used.”
After this interview, I wanted to call everyone I know with animals and tell them to call Ann-Marie straight away for a consult and I wanted to give her my bank card and tell her to book me for a one a month session for Isabella to keep her calm and happy!
I really do think this is an amazing service for any pet owner, especially if your furrchild (cat or dog) is ill, or has a chronic illness with strong medication that can take its toll on their tiny little bodies.
Isabella is generally pretty healthy and happy, but I have already planned to see Ann-Marie next month for a consultation as I would love to see how Isabella takes to this. I personally think it will also be good for any animals who deal with stress or have been through a stressful event such as moving or bringing a new pet into the house.
If you would like to contact Ann-Marie from Healing Connexions:
Cell: 0825799478
Website: www.healingconnexions.com
Thank you so much to Ann-Marie for her time and letting me interview her to find out more about Healing Connexions and I look forward to working with you more in the future!
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