Before we get started with the actual treatment, we need to make some preparations. This is my suggested ‘to do’ list:
A treatment can be given anywhere: on a bench in the park, on a towel on the beach. Basically, wherever you are. But in most cases you would look for somewhere quiet and sheltered. I tend to find that the best place for this is home – either yours or the client’s. There’s no need for a separate treatment room. When I started my practice,
If you aren’t comfortable inviting potential strangers into your home, you may want to make sure that a family member is also present in the house. Or you could rent a therapy room. In many complementary therapy clinics, rooms can be hired by the hour – just shop around to get a good deal.
Now you need a place for the client to lie down comfortably. This can be on an armchair, sofa, bed, sturdy dining table or even yoga mat on the floor. Some clients might prefer to sit. That’s also fine. Just make sure that you are comfortable, too. You may have the best of intentions, but leaning over in an awkward position or kneeling down on a hard floor isn’t ideal. By the end of the treatment you will find yourself in need of Reiki too. So make sure that you have something to sit on (maybe a cushion on the floor) and check your posture. If you happen to find that you are uncomfortable at any time during the treatment, you can always lift your hands for a moment, adjust your position and then put them back again.
If you give treatments regularly, you may want to consider investing in a treatment couch. Most of them fold away and are light enough to carry. There are many surprisingly cheap offers available. Any therapy couch will be fine, but if you go for a dedicated Reiki couch you will have the benefit of no crossing bar at the head and foot end, which allows you to sit slightly closer to the client. Some even come with a stool.
Finally, make sure to switch off all phones and any other noise-making devices you may use. Although not a disaster, it tends to be a bit disconcerting when a phone rings in the middle of a treatment.
It’s a good idea not to chew on a raw garlic bulb just before the treatment. However healthy this may be, leave it for afterwards. Pouring a bottle of perfume over yourself is also a bit much. Just washing your hands will be perfectly fine.
What you wear is entirely up to you – there’s no need for any special clothing. The practical aspects are more important: you want your clothes to be comfortable. Also, you may get warm or cold after a while, so dress in layers and have a cardigan handy.
A first-time client is often rather nervous. They don’t know what to expect and may have had unpleasant experiences with other therapies. But even if they’ve had Reiki before, it’s still good to remind them of the basics:
Finally, make sure to ask before the treatment whether the client would like you to place your hands on their body or keep them slightly away.
With regards to physical touch, the following considerations apply: