Animal Therapies
Discover a range of gentle, holistic techniques designed to support the health and wellbeing of your beloved pets and farm animals
A Holistic View of Health & Wellbeing
In my practice, whether working with humans or animals, I see the individual as a whole being — not simply a collection of symptoms. Physical health, emotional experiences, environment, lifestyle, and relationships are deeply interconnected.
Stress, trauma, injury, or prolonged emotional strain can disrupt the smooth flow of chi. When energy becomes stagnant, depleted, or blocked, it may manifest as discomfort, fatigue, behavioural changes, or illness.
Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, my intention is to gently restore energetic balance and support the body’s natural intelligence to recalibrate itself.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practised for thousands of years and forms an important foundation within my work — both with people and animals. Its wisdom lies in its beautifully holistic understanding of life and the body.
At the heart of TCM is the concept of life force energy — known as chi (or qi). In other traditions, this same energy is referred to as ki or prana. Whatever name we give it, this vital force is understood to flow throughout the body, nourishing and supporting every system.
Chi moves through pathways called meridians, which communicate with the organs, tissues, blood, and bodily systems. When energy flows freely, the body exists in harmony — a state known as homeostasis — where physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing can flourish.
Understanding Energy Blockages in Humans & Animals
Energy imbalances can arise from many sources, including:
Physical injury or strain
Environmental influences such as dampness, cold, or dryness
Emotional experiences including fear, grief, anger, or sadness
Chronic stress or trauma
When these imbalances are not addressed, they can deepen over time and begin to show up physically or behaviourally. My approach is proactive wherever possible — supporting the body before symptoms intensify, and when they are present, gently exploring the root cause rather than only the surface expression.
Emotional Health in Animals
While physical discomfort may sometimes be visible, emotional distress can be more subtle — especially in animals who cannot verbally express their experience.
The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness acknowledged that many animals are conscious and sentient beings, capable of emotional and intentional experience. This affirms what many guardians already know — that animals feel deeply and can be affected by stress or trauma in ways similar to humans.
Dogs may withdraw or guard a painful area. Horses, as herd animals, are instinctively inclined to mask vulnerability, often compensating in more subtle ways. When working with animals, I carefully observe:
Body language
Posture and gait
Movement patterns
Muscle tone and fascia
Temperature variations
Behavioural or training changes
Social dynamics within their environment
These cues offer valuable insight into underlying imbalance.
Trauma, Stress & “Locked” Emotions
Both humans and animals are profoundly influenced by trauma and chronic stress. While animals are naturally equipped to discharge stress — often through shaking or physical release — repeated or prolonged distress can become held within the body.
These “locked” emotions may manifest as stiffness, behavioural changes, fatigue, or low mood. Emotional experience is not separate from the body; it is stored within it.
The documentary E-Motion explores this connection between emotional energy and physical wellbeing, offering an interesting perspective on the mind-body relationship.
Holistic and energy-based therapies are among the oldest healing approaches. Though gentle in nature, they can be deeply supportive when given time and consistency — helping not only to ease symptoms but to address deeper layers of imbalance.
“Life force is the energy that pervades the universe at all levels. Vibrating energies—all vibrating energies are prana. Physical energies like heat, light, gravity, magnetism, and electricity are also prana, the hidden or potential energy in all beings.”
India Times
A Gentle, Multi-Layered Approach
To support animals in returning to homeostasis, I draw upon a range of nurturing techniques, including:
Animal Reiki – Encouraging energetic balance and emotional calm
Sound Healing – Using vibration to support nervous system regulation
Crystal Therapy – Enhancing energetic flow and grounding
Equine Touch & Fascia Massage – Working with fascia to release restriction and stored tension
Animal Self Selection (Applied Zoopharmacognosy) - Works with the animals innate ability to select botanicals according to inbalances in their physiology.
Infra Red Technology - Discover safe, gentle, cutting-edge light therapy designed to support pain relief, reduce inflammation, and enhance oxidative health from the inside out.
Each session is personalised. I take time to understand the individual animal, their history, environment, and the concerns of their guardian. If helpful, we can begin with a gentle introductory session so everyone feels comfortable.
A Realistic & Compassionate Perspective
Holistic therapy is not a quick fix — nor is it intended to be. True healing often unfolds in layers. As a general guide, the deeper or more longstanding the imbalance, the more time and sessions may be needed to gently peel back those layers.
Energy work is subtle, yet it can be profound. My intention is never to override the body, but to support it in identifying and addressing the root cause in its own time.
Practical Information
Personalised animal therapy sessions are available for companion animals, pets, equine or farm animals.
Site visits can be arranged across London, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and West London.
Companion animals are also welcome at our Surrey / Heathrow-based therapy room, situated within a peaceful, fully enclosed garden setting.
For bookings and further information:
Email: mail@vickythompson.co.uk
T: 01784 278 859
M: 07925 609717
You are also welcome to visit our Facebook page for updates and additional details.
