Briefly? Reiki is a treatment involving the laying on of hands and the channeling of energy from a separate and very particular source through the practitioner and into the client. Energy healing involves recognizing the ability of all beings to heal on their own, provided they are given a safe and nurturing space to do so. There is no manipulation of energy occurring nor any one entity responsible for a separate healing energy. Despite these differences, both Reiki and energy healing are useful and effective modes of promoting wellness. I feel that both assist equally well becausethe practitioner’s intention is the most important component of the treatment. Energy healing is simply more suited to those preferring formality in a treatment. Treatments include an initial and post treatment assessment; a record of treatment and a post treatment follow up. Treatment protocol is rooted in trauma informed practice and sessions only occur once consent forms are signed. More Details? Reiki A Japanese man named Mikao Usui taught his ideas about Reiki to many people during his life before passing away in 1926. His ideas came partly from a Japanese Emperor whom he looked up to. To be trained in Reiki, a person attends several weekend workshops and must be initiated, meaning that they gain access to tap into Mr. Usui’s lineage of unlimited healing energy. To access the energy, before each session the practitioner makes a particular gesture with their hands in the air and repeats it a few times. The training is available to anyone as it is not dependent on a particular skillset nor does the training have any eligibility requirements. Energy Healing I was trained in a 3-year certificate Program called Advanced Integrative Energy Healing through Langara College. The program teaches an energy healing treatment which involves the practitioner doing an initial intake assessment, a healing, and a post healing assessment as well as post appointment follow up. The Initial assessment involves reviewing medical history and other relevant information as well as gathering data on where the client is currently experiencing physical and emotional pain. The assessment is structured in a trauma informed sense and involves guidelines for consent and emotional wellness throughout the treatment. A formal consent form is signed by both parties before treatment occurs, along with brief medical and emergency contact questionnaires. The content of the certificate program is based on modern anatomy as well as a marriage between eastern and western psychology along with core metaphysical concepts, most of which have their roots in India. The practitioner does not pull, push, or channel energy during a treatment. The core concept is that we are all part of the same universal energy field but have our own uniqueness as the field gets closer to our bodies. Blockages can occur in individuals due to emotional, physical, and psychic trauma. The mode of healing is to provide a safe, compassionate and professionally prepared space for the client to relax enough to allow their body to do its own healing. Put simply, it is my job to hold the space for you to feel rested enough to let the energies naturally shift to an optimal state on their own! It can help to touch or lay hands close to certain points on the body (chakra points), but this is not necessary for healing to occur. It is simply a prompt for relaxation and focus (and of course most people enjoy healing touch finding it soothing)! Coursework in ethical practice must be completed successfully and graded along with course exams and the completion of a 300-600 hour practicum. Practicums occur in hospitals, addiction treatment centers and hospice settings as well as on the college campus in treatment rooms. To be accepted into the program, the student must have passed English competency as well as an in-depth application and interview.