Reiki is easily learned and practiced, regardless of the person's age or state of health. Children can learn to practice, as can the elderly and the infirm. No special background or credentials are needed to receive training. If you truly are passionate about it, then choose a reputable Reiki Master, become certified, and you're all set to go! Order some sharp business cards and ask acquaintances to hand them to others. Offer a free “Reikinight” once a month to attract potential clients. Have a pro help you design a web site and put its URL on your business card. Develop a mailing list. There are three levels of basic training in Usui Reiki. You only need to be certified in the first level of training to offer Reiki treatments to clients. You will need to be certified in all levels, and become a Reiki Master, in order to teach classes and give Reiki attunements.
You have the paper certification proving that you have completed your Reiki training and are now qualified as a Reiki practitioner. Congratulations! Unfortunately, this piece of paper might be meaningless when it comes to legally offering professional services in your area.
Some U.S. states require a license to practice natural health therapies. And because Reiki is a spiritual healing art, in some states you may be required to become certified as an ordained minister first.
Calling your local city hall is a good way to begin 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 obtaining liability insurance for your protection against possible lawsuits.
You may also want to have clients sign a release stating that they have been informed that Reiki is not a substitute for medical care. Here is a sample release you can modify:
Energy Work Consent and Release Statement
I, the undersigned, understand that the Reiki session given involves a natural hands-on method of energy balancing for the purpose of pain management, stress reduction, and relaxation. I understand very clearly that these treatments are not intended as a substitute for medical or psychological care. I understand that Reiki practitioners do not diagnose conditions, nor do they prescribe medicines, nor interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical professional. It is recommended that I seek a licensed health care professional for any physical or psychological ailment I have. I understand that the practitioner will be placing hands on me during the Reiki session. ---------------------------------- Client Name (signature)
Reiki sessions are being offered in hospitals, nursing homes, pain management clinics, spas, and home-based businesses. The benefit of working in a hospital, clinic, spa, or elsewhere is that appointment bookings and insurance claim filings are usually taken care of for you.
Most health insurances do not reimburse for Reiki treatments, but a few do, especially if you are working with a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or physical therapist, and they recommend Reiki as an adjunctive therapy. Medicare sometimes pays for Reiki treatments if the sessions are prescribed for pain management.
Practicing from a home-based office is a dream come true for many practitioners, but this convenience comes with issues to consider. Do you have a room or area within your home, separate from your normal living quarters, that could be dedicated to healing? Does the residential zone you are living in allow home-based businesses? And, there is also the safety issue of inviting strangers into your personal living space to consider.
You will want to invest in a sturdy massage table for your practice if the space you'll be practicing in doesn't have one. If you offer to travel in order to make home visits or give treatments in hotel rooms, a portable massage table will be necessary. Here is a checklist of equipment and supplies for your Reiki practice:
Massage table
Table accessories (face rest, bolster, carrying case, etc)
Swivel chair with rollers
Freshly cleaned linens
Blankets
Pillows
Tissues
Bottled water
Word of mouth is a good way to get started working as a Reiki practitioner. Let your friends and relatives know that you're open for business. Have business cards printed up and distribute them freely at local bulletin boards at libraries, community colleges, natural food markets, etc. Offer introductory workshops and Reiki shares 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 only takes a few minutes. Ideally, you'll have your own website that lists your location and contact information, but if that's out of reach, a Facebook page is a good start to draw in new clients. Facebook also has tools that allow small businesses to reach a targeted audience (costs will vary).
Research what other Reiki practitioners are charging in your area for their services. You will want to be competitive, but don't undercut yourself. Do a cost-benefit analysis and know how much you need to earn—whether it's per hour, per patient or per treatment—to cover your expenses and have some money left over. If you arrange to treat clients outside of your home, chances are you will either pay a fixed rate for a rental space or share a percentage of your session fees with your host business. Keep good records of the money you are earning. Working as an independent contractor involves being informed of your income tax and self-employment obligations. Good Luck!
