Ethics of using Reiki in massage tx

[queenbeeth22]

Somewhere along the way (and it wasn't my massage school...much earlier than that) I had drilled into me that you don't try to heal anyone without their permission. Just like you wouldn't walk up and start massaging someone's stiff neck without their permission, should we be laying energetic hands on people without their permission?
I ask because I see a lot of people referencing doing their energy work in secret...sending a little bit of energy a client's' way during a massage, nurses sending it towards their patients, and during my last massage, I found out that my MT always uses some energy work on her clients. I'm guilty of it myself, although I think about this issue every time I do it. While well meaning, there does seem to be a little bit of an ethical discrepancy, don't you think?
I think a lot of times it's to pass off as no big deal...most clients probably don't even realize it's been done. But really, it kind of is a big deal, isn't it? There is the very real and practical matter that some of our clients might not be religiously comfortable with energy work, but I think the bigger issue is just how far reaching and unpredictable energy work can be. Many of us had life changing experiences when we began working with energy. Even treatments can bring about life changing shifts, depending on what has been healed and unblocked. It is my impression that reiki doesn't always go where you want it to, but where it's needed. Is it really ethical to risk that kind of change in people who haven't asked for it? And maybe worse, wouldn't even know the cause of it?
So what do you think? What are your experiences? How do you approach people about working Reiki into their treatment?

Natasha

 

[wmayers99]

I'll just state the obvious. I don't think anyone can be really effective working on someone else's healing process without their involvement. To think otherwise seems kind of arrogant and I doubt if it would be very effective. I certainly wouldn't want someone egotistical enough to think they know what's good for me and have powers to "heal" me when I haven't given them consent to act upon it.

 

[chris c]

I'll just state the obvious. I don't think anyone can be really effective working on someone else's healing process without their involvement. To think otherwise seems kind of arrogant and I doubt if it would be very effective. I certainly wouldn't want someone egotistical enough to think they know what's good for me and have powers to "heal" me when I haven't given them consent to act upon it.

While I can agree with this to a point, I will say that I have had instances where I was doing massage and had no intention of using Reiki on a client and it just started coming out of my hands. To those of you who do not practice Reiki, this may not seem reasonable, to those of you who do, you know what I am talking about.

To me it isn't a matter of my being "egotistical" in thinking I can "heal" someone. As a practitioner I have been asked to work on a client, simple as that. As was stated, the Reiki itself knows where to go, I don't have to direct it with my intention at all. If the Reiki energy helps my client with out my "involvement" or my "intention", so be it. My being present in the situation doesn't make me feel that I can heal anyone of anything. In fact that is contrary to what Reiki is all about. Claiming to heal anyone of any thing is a claim I can't ethically make. I may do Reiki on a client because I feel that there is a blockage or it is needed, but the Reiki energy goes where it is suppose to go, regardless of what I may think or feel should be done. I am mearly a vessel that is being used for the Reiki energy at that particular time for the client that I am working on.

As to sending energy to someone who may not know it at the time, think of it this way. When you know someone who is sick or has lost a loved one, or any kind of situation like that, have you ever said a prayer for that person who is suffering? Have you asked God to help them in their time of need, no matter what the situation is? Is saying a prayer for that person, even though they may not know I sent it, unethical? Do I think I can heal them just because I asked in a prayer for them to be helped? Perhaps, but really that is up to God to decide whether or not they should be comforted. The same can be said of sending Reiki energy to someone who may not know. If their persona does not want it, it has done no harm and will return to the sender. But if the person him/herself accepts that energy, whether they are aware of it or not, wouldn't that be a good thing? Reiki has a knowledge all its own and will go to where it needs to go, when it needs to go, and how it needs to go.

 

[a-z]

I agree w/ Dodab,I sometimes are working on someone and my hands just heat up and the energy just begins to flow,and they can feel a definite difference. I have never given energy to a client without their knowledge. I feel things work better if they accept the energy given to them,rather than having it "slipped in" along the session. I can definitely say Reiki is wonderful,and along with massage can help the client even more,encouraging healing on all levels. I use Reiki everyday and love its results. However,the client always needs to be aware they are recieving Reiki. In the end, the client should remain the focus of your work.

Many Blessings,
Johnny

PS...Dodab, I was wondering where you got the pic of Master Usui.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I've never given a client Reiki without their permission. Sometimes it does just start turning on in my hands, sometimes just talking to them. But if that happens I tell them and ask them if they are comfortable incorporating it.

 

[angelshan]

I've never given a client Reiki without their permission. Sometimes it does just start turning on in my hands, sometimes just talking to them. But if that happens I tell them and ask them if they are comfortable incorporating it.

Thank you. I think the other posters missed the gist of this thread in that the OP was asking about people who used it in "secret":

"I ask because I see a lot of people referencing doing their energy work in secret. While well meaning, there does seem to be a little bit of an ethical discrepancy, don't you think? Is it really ethical to risk that kind of change in people who haven't asked for it? And maybe worse, wouldn't even know the cause of it? "

That seems to be agenda driven and it's probably not appropriate to coerce someone's into your "agenda" without their participation. Sure we all can have moments of "universal energy flowing" through us, it goes with the territory, but that's not what she was talking about here is it? She was implying a conscious decision to use a form of energy in a clandestine way. Not cool. I'm not even comfortable with someone praying to their "God" but I can't stop them from practicing their beliefs or supersitions. I guess as long as they keep it in their heads it's harmless enough. But if they actually get on their knees and reveal it without my asking I would probably ask them to go away. Same if I found out a person was using Reiki and told me after the fact. If I thought someone was using a form of energy I'd want to be made aware of it. I think that is the ethically sound way to go. It shows respect for our clients by involving them in the process.

 

[John Conrad]

Thank you for all the thoughtful replies.

That seems to be agenda driven and it's probably not appropriate to coerce someone's into your "agenda" without their participation.

I actually didn't mean to suggest anyone who was "agenda driven" as part of this representative sample. I'm sure "they" may be out there, but the people of whom I'm speaking, and who I've had experience with, are generally not performing reiki secretly in any sort of aggressive push to force a healing modality on someone that might not accept it. At least, I think that's what you were implying is the c ase by "agenda driven." Instead, I was referring to such cases as well-meaning hospital nurses (who might not tell patients what they're doing for a variety of reasons, including fear for their jobs because of general ignorance on the subject), my own massage practitioner (who didn't seem to consider it any different than using any of the other modalities she is trained in), and in fact, myself, as well as a handful of other practitioners I've spoken with. Yes, I have been guilty of using reiki without consent. Let me state the reasons that I have for doing it (without any intent at pushing their validity):

1.) I have used reiki on my husband without asking. He is very logical-minded, and is not particularly sold on the whole energy healing thing. He wouldn't have any philosophical or ethical objections (such as someone mentioned they might make if someone were praying to god for them), and he would probably happily indulge me as he usually does in such things, but it's the easy route for me not to feel indulged, and just to do it. No, I don't think that makes it right...but I also do not feel I'm pushing an agenda there. I just want to use all the tools at my disposal to make my husband's pain go away without the risk of feeling foolish about it.

2.) I have used it on clients for which nothing else I am doing is working, or with whom progress has come to a standstill. Why haven't I simply asked them? Again, I think it's the risk of appearing foolish and/or being rejected/losing credibility for being (and I say this very tongue in cheek) a "new age flake". Also, many of my clients are English-As-A-Second (Or Not At All)-Language, and I would have absolutely no idea how to explain such a concept to them. I'm also pretty sure PIP and L&I don't cover reiki as a modality! I'm not sure how serious my employer would take it, either.

In essence, I think MY reason for doing it stems from an overall lack of confidence in presenting reiki and myself as a reiki practitioner to people. No sneaky, underhanded agenda here. I'm not sure reiki even could be transmitted that way, with that kind of intent behind it.

What I don't think is so "obvious", is the idea of "healing" someone without their verbal consent. Maybe I should first say that when I say "healing" I do not mean that I am forcing someone into a healing state without their permission, but rather I have become a tool to facilitate the body's healing process.

I think Dodab hit it on the head for me, and gave me some clarity to what I was trying to ask:
Is their consent to you performing bodywork on them enough consent to perform energy work? For instance, I wouldn't think you'd normally ask, "May I perform myofacial release on you know?" "I feel some deep tissue would be beneficial to you, may I?"

Also, Reiki goes where it is needed, and also wanted. Could someone who truly, in their ego and subconscious (or higher self, or whatever you'd like to call it) did not accept reiki, receive it even if you sent it to them? This seems to imply that sending reiki, with permission or without, is never unacceptable, because they must, on some level accept it in order for it to be received. Is unconscious acceptance of reiki enough?

And then there is the question, if reiki can begin flowing through a therapist without their intent to use it, what do you do if that client expresses they do NOT want you to use energy work on them? Have any of you ever had the situation where it would not "turn off?" (I myself have never perceived the use of reiki other than when it has been my intention to use it.)

Hope this made sense without too much rambling.

Natasha

 

[Djanti]

You make some good points here and are certainly a little clearer than in your intital post about the whole "secret" aspect of this. You have received a couple of different points of view and they are probably all vaild in so much as they apply to that practitioner. That said, things you do with your husband are not the same as the parameters with which you would conduct yourself with a client as the dynamics of the relationship are very different.

You asked about the ethics of this because you stated in your initial post that you seemed conflicted by what you had been taught and the aspect of doing this kind of work in "secret." Maybe the operative word here is not doing it in "secret" but doing it without "announcing" it. Both very different ways of viewing it as doing something in "secret" seems to imply withholding information and consent for whatever reason and doing it without "announcing" intention just means it would be superfluous to do so.

You asked:

"Is it really ethical to risk that kind of change in people who haven't asked for it? And maybe worse, wouldn't even know the cause of it? "

For me the answer is generally no.

 

[jammin7000]

And then there is the question, if reiki can begin flowing through a therapist without their intent to use it, what do you do if that client expresses they do NOT want you to use energy work on them? Have any of you ever had the situation where it would not "turn off?"

Essentially, Dodab stated what I was thinking, so I don't have much more to add except in response to the above question. In its simplest form, my personal understanding/perception/belief is that everything in the universe is energy, all matter is energy, our bodies are energy, etc...so if a client emphatically expressed to me NOT wanting me to "use" energy work on them, I would probably just say "ok" and not bother to explain my reality of the situation... because, for that person to make a statement like that implies to me that they do not have an understanding of energy similar to mine, and therefore would probably not benefit from a philosophical discussion of it. Because, in my mind, I would be thinking that if a client were to be so bothered by the whole concept of energy work, then why do they want a massage anyway(?), since all bodywork is energywork, in the sense that 2 human beings are in such intimate contact sharing their sacred space with one another. In other words, I don't believe in the concept of being able to "turn off" energy.

I do not believe that I have any sort of power to heal, I do not consider myself a healer, and I have yet to come across any form of energy work - within the bodywork community - that could be dangerous in any way whatsoever. My experience has been that if a person is not receptive to something then they will not get anything out of it, good or bad.

No one has ever been hurt by someone praying for them or wishing them well.

I have no ethical issues regarding the idea of energy flowing through me to my clients, whether it has been requested or not. I think it would be unprofessional to give a solely energetic treatment to someone who has requested tissue work, but that is more about giving the client what they want and not what we may think they need, which is a slightly different ethical topic.

(long-winded as usual, my apologies!)

 

[sgrag3003]

I can turn it off and have. Reiki does no harm that is absolutely true.

However,I feel if that person is not ready for the change, spiritually, mentally, physically, energetically that the flow of energy would produce, then we must ethically honor NOT to do it, which is why permission is essential or I feel it is unethical to effect changes in a soul or body that has not asked you for it. Then it's about us, the ego, the "I know what you need even if you don't" and not them.

That soul on the table has it's own path and will be ready to step into our reality in it's own time and it's own way. They are in the perfect place in development they are in, wherever they are is perfect for them and we honor that. Otherwise it is our agenda.

If I feel the energy flowing in my hands, I know the soul wants it, so in asking them, I don't get into esoteric explanations about it. I think if you get too "woo-woo" you turn people off. I simply state "would you like Reiki? It's a ancient method of relaxation that allows the body to repair and heal". I have never had anyone turn it down when it's explained like that.


In the comparison to praying for someone; If you don't have permission either from someone on the table or someone far away, or you can't get it from someone who cannot speak, who you feel the need to pray for in a sense, you do what is called "surround Reiki" and not "direct" Reiki. Hopefully your master taught you what that is.(!!!) Surround is similar to the prayer people are saying is ethical. Surround allows the person to take it in when they decide they are ready, on a superconcious level, and they will take in as much as they want and leave the rest, or take it all. It will stay in surround until they do.

Sending direct Reiki into someone you don't have permission to send to I feel is not right, and it's about ego. "I know better what you need than you do". Sorry, but I really feel that way about that. Especially when you can send Surround instead, and that is not only just as healing, but it allows the other person the choice.

 

[smoney77]

Oh, I absolutely agree that there is a difference between intentionally directed energy work and dispersed unspecific or "surround" as it can be called. I tend to have a difficult time using words to convey my thoughts and feelings on some subjects, and I think this is one of them. All valid and interesting points are being addressed here, and I think it's great that we can have such insightful and nonjudgemental discussions on this board. Let's just say that from where I am in my development, I no longer believe that a human being can either be hurt or helped via non-physical purely energetic means unless they are receptive to it one way or another. Kind of like how some people can be hypnotized and some can't, if that makes any sense. However, I do believe in a timeless quality to energy work, and if the universal energy is offered to a person at a time when he/she is not ready for it, they may still reap benefits well into the future if they ever should feel open to it.

I understand that we are trying to discuss this from a simple, professional, ethical viewpoint, and never intended to launch into a philosophical discussion of energy...but it appears that it can be rather complicated to try to address anything ethically in simple terms. Especially in this case where there are so many definitions to clarify. imo.

You bring up a very important point regarding our awareness as therapists of our own possible agendas, and I really think that is the defining factor of whether our work is ethical or not - in all modalities of therapeutic bodywork. We need to always respect the client and work within their boundaries. And in those instances where we come across something during the session that we feel inclined to explore, something that was not originally agreed upon, it is absolutely imperative that we get the client's permission before changing direction mid-session. I still see nothing wrong with energetically hanging out in an area for a few seconds if we feel a shift occuring. That isn't necessarily energy work, often it is simply the act of nurturing mindful touch to an area affecting change...like with myofascial work, for instance - slow, mindful and let the body move your hands in the direction it wants to go.

Leener, I do like your succinct explanation of Reiki, and will be using it with my clients now, if you don't mind

 

[peteree70]

If you are uncomfortable talking about reiki, maybe you just say its energy work. Most people are becoming familiar with that concept. If they want more information, they'll ask. However I like Leener's explaination, I'll have to remember that one.

I don't necessarily tell each person they are probably getting a small dose of reiki with each massage. HOWEVER, all my advertising, and all my business cards state that I am a Reiki Master. It is very apparent that I work with energy and crystals. My clients know what to expect, and many seek me out specifially for this.

You could say that I'm Out of the Closet. (in more ways that one, but that's another story! )

Stating that, if I am going to work with more intent, I will inform the client it they are unfamiliar with my work. If they've had sessions with me before, I won't always break the flow and inform them.

I've had an instance where the person specifically asked for me to turn the Reiki OFF. I requested, it turned on anyways... Usually I have more control, but in this case no. I'm a little ashamed to say I kept working anyways, and didn't say a word. It was years ago, and still very green. I would handle it differently today.

 

[Pompal 09.]

As far as I'm concerned, Reiki (energy work) is just another tool in my bag. In massage school it was suggested that we begin and end each session with an "energy hold". How is this any different from purposefully turning on Reiki in the middle of a Swedish massage? I don't ask my client if I can add compressions, cross strips, etc, to their massage, and I don't ask if I can add energy work, unless we are conversing anyway. Most of my massages are silent and I hate to break into their reverie.

My brochure, business card and website do list Reiki as a stand alone modality, so my clients who understand energy work know that I am capable of adding it in.

As to the thought that energy work can produce such profound changes in a person and therefore permission should be requested... are you saying that massage cannot produce changes as profound?

If a client comes to me for a massage, they want me to work on them. I believe that implicit in that is permission to use all the skills I have.

 

[Gbubb]

you do what is called "surround Reiki" and not "direct" Reiki. Hopefully your master taught you what that is.(!!!)

I think a lot of my uncertainty with Reiki and broaching Reiki as a subject during massages comes from the fact that I am very, erm, non-traditionally trained. I don't know that I'd even call in training. My sister is a Reiki Master, and she attuned me many years ago. However, I've never believed attunement is a necessity to practicing energy work, as I was doing so intuitively in my child and teen years. She was really pushing me to do energy work, and I was resisting (for a variety of reasons.) During massage school, I dug up all of the books and information she had sent me, and went through it again. That's really the extent of my training. To wit, I am not familiar with "surround" energy work. I have always been very intentional in directing energy (in the sense of "go where you're needed.") It's my intention to take further instruction (from a Master) at some point, but I haven't yet had the funds available for what I have found to be some rather considerable fees...

As to the thought that energy work can produce such profound changes in a person and therefore permission should be requested... are you saying that massage cannot produce changes as profound?

The difference here is that a client has come to me for massage, and reiki is not listed as a specific treatment I will be performing on them. I see reiki as different from another "massage tool" in that swedish, deep tissue, or myofascial etc, I am still addressing concerns of the physical condition (primarily and intentionally, anyhow.) Reiki is addressing their energetic condition, something they may or may not be comfortable with.

Like barefoot, I don't like to talk during massage. I wonder, has anyone ever put it on their intake form? "Are you comfortable with energy work during your session?" or "May I use energy work during your session?"

I really appreciate all the well-thought-out replies. It has really helped to shape and clarify my own thoughts on the subject.

Natasha

 

[summer is almost over]

I don't use a lot of reiki in my practice, mainly because I work in a very Christian based clinic, and I have gotten some negative comments regarding energy work. So I tend to not broach the subject at all.

When I took my level 2 we talked about distance healing and how to send reiki. Now I want to preface this by saying, I don't want to encourage anyone to do anything without consent. With that said, with respect to distance healing, I don't always have consent of the person the energy is intended for. A friend will say to me, please send healing energies to my sister so and so. I don't know that I have consent. But when I am sending the energies I add to my verbalizations "May this energy heal and do no harm. Should it not be welcome may the energy go forth and help heal the earth" It gives and out so to speak.

An alternate approach.

Myrrha

 

[khorat k]

I can turn it off and have.

I've had an instance where the person specifically asked for me to turn the Reiki OFF. I requested, it turned on anyways... Usually I have more control, but in this case no. I'm a little ashamed to say I kept working anyways, and didn't say a word. It was years ago, and still very green. I would handle it differently today.

I have not been practicing reiki long and am very interested in this process of turning it off. I've experimented with doing this, and found that running reiki feels identical to my positive regard/love for the client -- not a great feeling to turn that off. I think I might need to hook up with a reiki mentor.

I don't advertise that I do reiki or offer stand-alone energy work. Still, I want to be responsible. Honestly sometimes I feel like it's just running all the time anyway and that I am only less or more aware of it depending on my attention to it.

 

[BeBe]

Hmmm... where do I begin? I DO incorporate Reiki into my treatments without first gaining explicit permission from my clients. I believe that I am only a channel for this loving/healing NRG and don't attempt to balance, intensify, or subdue anyone's lifeforce. While I've had my 2nd degree attunement, I believe that this energy can be a natural occurence for anyone with a pure and loving intention. It is something that is transfered during a hug or a prayer.... one of our human gifts. I think the attunements just turns the faucet a little higher or cleans out the pipes a little.

I also believe that my clients come to me because they have already welcomed healing. I'll admit that my accepting that as "implicit permission" may also have something to do with my own discomfort with discussing NRG healing with some of my clients... I have a few very left-brained, if-I-can't-touch-it-it-ain't-real sorts and I don't want to alienate them. I also can't help but let whatever comes through...come through. The confidence and eloquence to discuss these things are something I will work on.

I guess I've never thought of it as an ethical issue. I don't stop doing what they are paying me to do to "transmit". And, like Selkie, I think that if their souls object to this treatment, or if it were not in their highest interest, it would not be accepted...

Thanks so much for this discussion! It's great to have a forum to hear different views on topics so close to me! Blessings! (if you want them : )