7 tips to start a Reiki practice
Not everyone who practices Reiki wants to use their training as a means of making a living. However, serving as a healer can be a very satisfying career. As a Reiki practitioner, you can be proud of your work and make a difference in the quality of life of your customers.
If you are thinking of setting up a Reiki practice, consider the following tips before starting.
Get certified
There are three basic training levels in Usui Reiki. You just need to be certified in the first level of training to offer Reiki treatments to clients. You will need to be certified at all levels to teach lessons and give Reiki attunement to students.
Become comfortable by giving Reiki treatments
It is best not to jump on your feet before starting a Reiki practice until you have a clear understanding of your relationship with how Reiki works.
Start experiencing Reiki on a personal level through self-treatments and the treatment of family and friends. Experiencing all the internal mechanisms of this delicate and complex healing art takes time. Reiki gradually eliminates blockages and imbalances.
Allow Reiki to help you rebalance your life before taking on the task of helping others.
Familiarize yourself with the law
You have the paper certification that proves you have completed your Reiki training and you are now qualified as a Reiki professional. Congratulations! Unfortunately, this piece of paper may not make sense when it comes to legally offering professional services in your area.
Some states in the United States require a license to practice natural therapies. And since Reiki is an art of spiritual healing, in some states you may be required to become certified as an ordained minister.
Calling the local town hall is a good way to start your fact-finding mission; ask to speak to someone who can give you information about business licenses. Some municipalities also have this information on their websites, but it may not be easy to find.
Consider getting civil liability insurance for your protection against possible lawsuits.
You may also ask customers to sign a statement stating that they have been informed that Reiki is not a substitute for medical care. Here is an example version that you can edit:
Declaration of consent and release of the work on energy
I, undersigned, understand that the Reiki session provided provides a practical method of energy balancing for the purposes of pain management, stress reduction and relaxation. I clearly understand that these treatments are not intended as substitutes for medical or psychological care.
I understand that Reiki practitioners do not diagnose the conditions, prescribe medications, or interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical professional. It is recommended that you seek a licensed healthcare professional for any physical or psychological ailment that I have.
I understand that the practitioner will put their hands on me during the Reiki session. Customer name (signature)
Choose a workplace
Reiki sessions are offered in hospitals, nursing homes, pain management clinics, spas and home activities. The advantage of working in a hospital, clinic, wellness center or elsewhere is that appointment bookings and insurance claims are generally taken care of for you.
Most health insurances do not reimburse Reiki treatments, but some do. Medicare sometimes pays for Reiki treatments if sessions are prescribed for pain management.
Practicing from a home office is a dream come true for many professionals, but this convenience brings problems to consider. Do you have a room or area inside your home, separate from your normal accommodation, that could be dedicated to healing? Does the residential area in which you live allow domestic activities? And there is also the security issue of inviting strangers into your personal living space to consider.
Collect your equipment and supplies
You will want to invest in a sturdy massage table for your practice if the space in which you will be exercising does not have one. If you offer to travel for home visits or treatments in hotel rooms, you will need a portable massage table. Here is a checklist of equipment and materials for your Reiki practice:
Massage table
Table accessories (headrest, cushion, carrying case, etc.)
Swivel chair with rollers
Freshly cleaned sheets
blankets
pillows
The fabrics
Bottled water
Advertise your Reiki practice
Word of mouth is a good way to start working as a Reiki practitioner. Let your friends and family know that you are open to business. Have business cards printed and distribute them freely on local bulletin boards, community colleges, health food markets, etc. Offer introductory seminars and Reiki actions to educate your community about Reiki.
In the modern era, word of mouth also means having a presence on social media. Setting up a Facebook page for your practice is free and takes only a few minutes. Ideally, you will have your website listing your location and contact information, but if that's out of reach, a Facebook page is a good start to attracting new customers. Facebook also has tools that allow small businesses to reach a targeted audience (costs may vary).
Set your Reiki rates
Research what other Reiki professionals are uploading to your area for their services. You will want to be competitive, but don't cut yourself. Carry out a cost-benefit analysis and know how much you need to earn, whether it's an hour, per patient or per treatment, to cover expenses and still have some money.
If you commit to treating customers away from home, it is likely that you will pay a flat fee for a rental space or share a percentage of the session fees with your host business. Keep good records of the money you earn. Working as an independent contractor involves being informed of income tax and self-employment obligations.
Disclaimer: the information on this site is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice, diagnosis or treatment of an authorized doctor. You should seek timely medical assistance for any health problem and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.