Reiki
Reiki Ethics and Boundaries Every Practitioner Should Know
The core boundaries are about medicine, touch, privacy and openness. The International Center for Reiki Training’s code of ethics tells practitioners never to diagnose, never to suggest changing prescribed treatment, never to touch the genital area or breasts or ask clients to undress, and never to share client information without written consent. It also asks practitioners to tell clients plainly that Reiki is not a cure and not a substitute for licensed health care.
Where are the medical boundaries?
The ICRT’s code of ethics sets out three related duties:
- Non-interference: never diagnose medical or psychological conditions or prescribe medications, never suggest that a client change or stop medicines prescribed by another provider, and never interfere with a licensed provider’s treatment.
- Referral: if a client has a medical or psychological condition, suggest that they see a licensed health care provider in addition to receiving Reiki.
- Education: tell clients that Reiki sessions do not provide a cure and are not a substitute for care by a licensed health care provider.
In practice, that means describing sensations a client mentions without interpreting them as a sign of illness, and sending any health worry back to their doctor.
What about touch and consent?
The code is explicit on touch: never touch the genital area or breasts, never ask a client to disrobe, and never make sexual comments, jokes or references. It also asks practitioners to abstain from drugs or alcohol during all professional activities.
Consent goes further than the code’s wording. Before the session, explain where you will place your hands, offer hands-off positions for anyone who prefers them, and agree on how the client can ask you to stop or change anything at any point.
How should you handle client information?
According to the code, no information about a client should be disclosed to a third party without the client’s written consent, or the written consent of a parent or guardian if the client is under 18. Keep notes secure and limited to what you need.
What does transparency require?
The code asks practitioners to be transparent with prospective clients and students about their training, what happens in a session, what is covered in classes, how long sessions and classes last, and the fee. It also asks them not to use other people’s writing or materials without permission and credit, and to refrain from negative statements about other practitioners.
A checklist before every session
Have you explained what will happen and where your hands will go? Have you offered hands-off positions? Has the client told you about any health conditions, and have you suggested they keep seeing their doctor? Is the price clear? And are your notes from previous sessions stored where only you can see them?
This article is general information, not medical or psychological advice; talk with a licensed clinician about your own situation.