There are many practicing Reiki Practitioners to choose from
these days. How do you know which one is
suitable for you?
Before I delve into that, allow me to define Reiki. Reiki is a gentle,
safe and effective healing technique that originated in Japan in the
early 1900’s. Reiki is pronounced
“Ray-Key” and it means Universal Life Force Energy in Japanese. During a
session the Reiki Practitioner acts as a channel to transfer the Universal Life
Force Energy to the client. This energy helps to remove blockages within the
body, creates balance and promotes feelings of well-being. Reiki does conflict with any medical
treatments, medications or other modalities such as massage. My clients find it extremely relaxing. It helps them to deal with pain, anxiety,
depression and sleep issues.
I will suggest several things to look for when choosing a
Reiki Practitioner. Unfortunately, in Ontario ,
Reiki is not a regulated profession.
What this means is that anyone can say they are a Reiki Practitioner and
open a Reiki business regardless of their training or background. That’s why doing your research before
choosing a Practitioner is important. The
Canadian Reiki Association is an organization that “is committed to promoting ethical practices and teaching;
encouraging educational standards; and providing the public with referrals to
our Registered Practitioners and Registered Teachers.”
However, membership in the association is not mandatory for Reiki
Practitioners to practice. In fact, most Reiki Practitioners and Teachers in Hamilton
Word of Mouth is one of the best ways to get
started. A good reference is important. Ask
around to friends and family members, people at your yoga class or on Facebook.
Ask them if the Practitioner offered a safe space and professional
session.
Strongly consider having a Personal Interview with the Reiki Practitioner prior to making an
appointment. The Practitioner should
answer their phone professionally and have an available answering machine. A good Practitioner will not have a problem
with you touring their office or treatment room and asking questions. During the interview use your intuition. Do you feel comfortable with this
person? Do they seem to be genuinely
interested in your best and highest good?
Do they explain their services with confidence? Do they have
professional business cards and price list? Do they offer receipts for their
service for you to claim on your taxes, insurance or wellness account? Were they on time for your appointment with
their room set up and ready to go?
Does the
environment feel inviting and safe?
Reiki Practitioners can work out of various spaces: wellness centres, yoga studios, fitness centres,
medical centres, retreat centres and resorts or out of their homes. Is the treatment area quiet? My first Reiki job was at a Martial Arts
Studio. The sound of testosterone pumped men pounding the bags was definitely
not relaxing or quiet. Lesson learned! Is there a child’s playground outside
the window? Will people be chatting
right outside the door or phones ringing?
Is the space clean? Is there clutter everywhere? I once visited a Reiki Master who had personal photos of friends and family in her treatment room including diseased individuals. She had all sorts of knick knacks and personal items not related to Reiki or the sessions. That was a little creepy to me and I felt that the space was more about her than me, the client.
Is there an easily accessible restroom? I don’t feel it’s professional or appropriate
to wonder through someone’s house to find the washroom.
Do they have their Reiki Certification posted in their
office? This is a professional given. In order to be a Reiki Practitioner a Level
2, Level 3 or Reiki Master Certificate it is suggested by The Canadian Reiki
Association that you have a Level 2 or more.
View their Website
and their On-line Presence
Peruse the Practitioner’s website. Do they have information about their
services, prices and information on how to book an appointment? Read through and get a feel for them and
their service. Does it seem that they put energy and passion into their
business? Perform a Google search of
their name and also their company. Are
they talking trash on Facebook? Did they
post photos or write blogs that are in poor taste? Look for testimonials and review sites.
On Your First Visit
the Practitioner Should:
Greet you warmly and invitingly.
Ask you to sign a consent form that states you understand
the session and that Reiki Practitioners do not diagnose or treat medical
conditions and that you should see a Dr. regarding medical concerns (or
something to that effect).
Explain how Reiki works and what they will be doing during
the session. They should ask you if you
have any questions.
Ask your permission to touch you in appropriate areas (some
Practitioners work off the body some work on and off the body)
Explain any use of crystals, wands, smudging, aromatherapy
or anything other than Reiki.
Ensure that you are comfortable before they start the
session.
After the session they should ask again if you have any
questions and explain what to expect and what measures to take after the
session. It is nice if they offer you
water or tea and they should not rush you to get off the massage table.
If at anytime you want to stop the session the Practitioner should understand and ask again if you have questions. If you choose to leave the Practitioner should be empathetic and let you know that they are available if you want to talk.
A good Practitioner will follow up with you within a few
days of your first session to see how you are feeling.
Red Flags
The treatment is ALWAYS fully clothed. If any Practitioner asks you to remove your
shirt or pants this is inappropriate.
The Practitioner touches you near any private part of your
body. Or they do the session in complete darkness.
The Practitioner breaches confidentiality by mentioning
client’s names or situations or they say something in bad taste about a client.
The Practitioner requests more money than initially agreed
upon.
They refuse to give you a receipt for service.
The Practitioner causes you to feel like you need the
service or you will be doomed. No
service should be forced upon anyone or anyone made to feel they will not get
better without having the service.
They offer sessions after 9 pm at night or work out of 24
hour salons (you know the ones).
Some Reiki Practitioners have psychic or intuitive
abilities. If messages come through they should be given in a supportive and
appropriate manner. It is not
appropriate for someone to manipulate you using these gifts.
Reiki is an extremely beneficial and relaxing
treatment. Reiki is now being practiced
in Hospitals, hospices and work places.
When you work with the right Practitioner it can be a life changing
experience. Do your homework and trust
your intuition.
Vanessa Pazzi – Certified Reiki Master Teacher
The Harmonious Soul
905-318-1724
No comments:
Post a Comment