There are no overarching specific qualifications that are legally required to practice Reiki in the United States. However, most practitioners of Reiki have received training and attunement for at least Reiki level 1 from a Reiki Master. Training can really vary from teacher to teacher, but should include practical energy healing experience and theoretical knowledge about the principles and techniques of Reiki. The really special thing about Reiki healing is that it's user-friendly, and you can begin practicing the same day you learn.
If you're interested in professional practice, then as a Reiki Master Teacher of 15 years, I personally recommend doing Reiki level 2 Training before seeing people in a professional capacity. The second level attunements will help strengthen your Reiki channel so you're better positioned for working with a variety of people.
In some countries, there are professional associations or organizations that offer training and certification in Reiki. These programs may have their own requirements for admission, such as an application process or the completion of courses or levels of training.
However, when Mikao Usui founded Reiki in the early 1920s, it's significant to note that he entrusted each of his students to explore Reiki and take it in whatever direction they felt would be helpful for mankind. We don't need an organization to be qualified. Your qualifications as a Reiki practitioner are directly related to your confidence and integrity in applying the basic skillset of Reiki.
Even though there are professional associations today, the spirit of Reiki translates uniquely for everyone, so look both within and outside of organizations for ongoing teachers and mentors as you grow. There may be fantastic teachers who aren't associated with organizations at all.
Legal Qualifications to Practice Reiki
Where I live in California, Reiki is considered a complementary and alternative medicine. It's not generally recognized by the medical community as a mainstream form of treatment.
There are some hospitals that have incorporated Reiki into their hospice, oncology, and birthing programs, but not as a primary source of healing. It's exciting to me that in some places, doctors and nurses have actually been able to write the need for Reiki on a hospital chart, and have a team of Reiki practitioners come in to help.
Legally as professional Reiki practitioners, we can't diagnose, prescribe, or treat medical conditions, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical care from a licensed healthcare provider.
Check your local city and county for any special licenses if you're establishing a business. For example, even the laying on of hands may require licensure. Some Reiki practitioners remove this roadblock to their professional practice by simply laying hands-above, or by offering Reiki via distance.
Although you basically just need a Reik 1 attunement to practice Reiki, for professional practice I suggest investing more energy into learning, and setting yourself up as a proper business so that you have legal protection as you grow. It's worth it to get liability insurance, a business license, and to know that you have the full resources of the city as you grow your practice and reach more people.
If you'd like a copy of my complete business checklist to make sure you're covering all of the bases as you are setting up your business, click to Contact Me, and put the words BUSINESS CHECKLIST into the form. I'll send it to you straight away!
DAILEY LITTLE is a healing practitioner, transformational life coach, ordained Priestess, and teacher who founded Healing Heart Reiki to help others navigate life with joy. She offers private sessions, and teaches classes in healing and mindset from a magical peaceful corner of the world in Northern California. For more info see: www.SantaRosaReiki.com
DAILEY LITTLE is a healing practitioner, transformational life coach, ordained Priestess, and teacher who founded Healing Heart Reiki to help others navigate life with joy. She offers private sessions, and teaches classes in healing and mindset from a magical peaceful corner of the world in Northern California. For more info see: www.SantaRosaReiki.com
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