Reiki healer

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• specialist courses run by private training organisations

College

You could start with an introductory course at a college or community learning centre, then take further training in Reiki healing.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

Volunteering

Before you begin a training course, you could get personal experience of Reiki treatments, so that you have an understanding of the practice and the methods used.

Other Routes

You can train with a Reiki master to become a practitioner by going through a series of 'attunements' or initiations.

These are procedures performed by the Reiki master to 'attune' or connect you to energy so you can receive it and pass it on to others.

It can take up to 3 years of training to become a full Reiki master and to teach. You'll be expected to practise Reiki regularly on yourself and others during this time.

Your training should include the Reiki core curriculum , which is needed to register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

More Information

Career Tips

You may find it helpful to have experience or qualifications in anatomy, physiology or other complementary therapies. Experience of working in a caring profession can also be useful.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council , which has a voluntary register of Reiki healers.

You can also apply to join the General Regulatory Council for Complementary Therapies .

Further Information

You can find out more about Reiki, training courses and registration from:

• the UK Reiki Federation
• The Reiki Council
• The Reiki Association

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day-to-day tasks

As a Reiki practitioner, you would:

• discuss your client's needs and explain the therapy process
• place your hands in a sequence of positions covering the whole body, to guide energy and activate the healing process
• monitor the client's wellbeing during the session
• create and update confidential records of the treatment given
• market your service and do business admin, if you are self employed

Working environment

You could work in a therapy clinic or from home.

With experience, you may wish to train to become a Reiki master, teaching Reiki healing to others.

Reiki organisations recommend that you have at least 12 months' experience of practising Reiki before you start training, and that you complete professional development courses throughout that time.

You might also take further training to offer other forms of complementary therapy like massage, aromatherapy or reflexology.