Reiki and Massage

 When I took first Degree Reiki, I'd been licensed and practicing massage for 6 years. It was 1989, and I didn't know anyone besides my teacher and classmate who did Reiki, and not long after our class, they moved out of state! 

Reiki Altar

Over the next 6 months, I practiced on myself and family, weaving little bits of Reiki into my massage sessions.  Then in the spring, I met another practioner at an event and discovered she was also an LMT, so  we began trading sessions! 

Janelle lived in the larger metro area, so charged more for her sessions. For my sessions, I asked her to integrate both massage and Reiki. This helped give me ideas and tools for my own practice. 

I offered her our longer 'The Works' - sessions which included a steam wrap and facial using natural products, along with the massage. Rather than leaving the room during the wrap, I offeredReiki through the hot towels (~ 20 minutes). We each felt We were getting the best part of our trades!

I usually end massage sessions with a few minutes of Reiki, at head and then feet. Most clients are face up at the end -  with a few preferring to begin face up.  

Heather McCutcheon, who is co-hosting the FREE virtual Reiki summit (which goes through the 12th) offered a brilliant suggestion in her session on marketing: 

Heather is also a massage therapist, and leaves extra time between some sessions.  Toward the end of those session, she asks her client if they have extra time, and would like to experience Reiki (no extra charge) for 10-15 minutes. Many say yes! 

She gets great feedback, and her menu includes Reiki as a 15 minute 'add on', or a fusion (1/2 Reiki, 1/2 massage) session. 

Her fusion clients often tell her Reiki is their favorite part! My clients say that too! A widow who was a pastor's wife told me that when I have my hands on her head, she says a prayer for me!! 💙 🙏 

As one friend who offers process bodywork sessions (Hakomi - which can be done as counseling or on the table) told me - 'some folks want process sessions, some want a 'vanilla' (relaxation) massage sessions, some want a blend!'

Offering a 'sampler,' and adding fusion options to your menu are great ways to introduce clients to Reiki (or other offerings) as your build skills - and allows them choices. I often give clients a time check before the last 10 minutes, and all what they'd like worked on. This can be a good time to offer Reiki as well. 

If you offer massage and Reiki, how do you integrate them?

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