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THE REIKI ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS
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Introduction: This Code of Ethics should be read in conjunction with the Statement of Identity of The Reiki Association. Members of The Reiki Association recognise Reiki as a Japanese word meaning life force energy. We also understand the word Reiki as it is used to refer to the system of healing using this energy which is made available to a person through initiation by a Reiki Master. We recognise that Reiki can be given by gentle touch or distant treatment and can heal the body, mind and spirit of people, animals and plants.
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1. We observe the Reiki Principles in our practice and in our lives.
The Reiki Principles are:
Just for today do not worry
Just for today do not anger
Honour your parents, teachers and elders
Earn your living honestly
Show gratitude to every living thing
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2. We recognise and honour the fact that people who practice and receive Reiki come from many different religious and cultural backgrounds. Reiki is not a religion or belief system and we make no distinctions on the basis of race, class, sex, belief or sexual orientation.
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3. We treat ourselves regularly recognising that Reiki is for self-healing first and to ensure that we are in a fit state to treat others.
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4. We honour and respect those we give Reiki to. This means that:
· We normally give treatments lasting at least one hour
· We conduct ourselves in a courteous and honourable manner, with integrity, sensitivity and tact.
· We take care to ensure that the person being treated is as much at ease as possible. This includes ensuring that the place in which a treatment is given is comfortable and a verbal explanation of the treatment is given.
· We will be in a fit state to give a treatment (e.g. not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exhausted or ill)
· We will not behave in a way which could be interpreted as indecent or as sexual harassment or assault
· We respect the confidentiality of all personal information confided by those we treat and will seek their permission before disclosing it to any third party unless required to do so by law
· We are not judgmental and recognise the right of the person being treated to refuse treatment. We do not give treatment unless a person or some-one able to represent their wishes gives their permission
· We do not offer any kind of diagnosis or advice which we are not trained to offer.
· We honour and respect the role of other health professionals, not interfering with their treatments or advice. We recognise that this is particularly important when visiting hospitals.
· We make it clear that we do not have the knowledge or skill of doctors
· We do not use any titles (including T.R.A.) or descriptions to give an impression of medical or other qualifications we do not have. We make it clear that membership of The Reiki Association is not an accreditation
· We do not claim to be able to cure any problem but to offer physical and spiritual comfort which may bring some relief
· We keep clear and comprehensive records of professional treatments.
· We recognise the importance of receiving something in exchange for treatments given.
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5. We respect the Law of the Land as it relates to healing practice
In the UK the following are noted:
I. A parent or guardian who wilfully fails to provide adequate medical aid for a child under the age of 16 may be committing a criminal offence. Reiki is not defined as a medical aid by law so anyone who treats a child whose parents refuse medical aid could be seen to be aiding and abetting that offence. If it is known that parents or guardians are not receiving medical attention for a child it is advisable to secure the signature of the parent or guardian to the following statement:
"I have been warned by [practitioner's name] that according to law I must consult a doctor concerning the health of my child [child's name]." This statement should be signed and dated by both the parent or guardian and a witness and kept with the client records.
II. It is illegal to practice dentistry if unqualified.
III. Under the Venereal Diseases Act 1917 it is illegal to treat for reward whether direct or indirect (e.g. for a 'contribution') syphilis, gonorrhoea or soft chancre. It is therefore advisable not knowingly to give Reiki to people suffering from these unless the service is entirely free.
IV. Except in cases of urgency or sudden necessity it is illegal for anyone other than a certified midwife to attend a woman in childbirth without medical supervision or for anyone other than a registered nurse to attend for reward as a nurse on a woman in childbirth or during a period of 10 days thereafter.
V. practitioners should not prescribe or sell remedies, herbs, supplements, oils etc. unless they have undergone appropriate training and have qualifications which entitle them to do so.
VI. The Veterinary Surgery Act of 1966 prohibits anyone other than a qualified veterinary surgeon from treating animals, including diagnosis of ailments and giving of advice on such diagnosis. However the healing of animals by contact healing, by the laying on of hands or distant healing is legal. However the Protection of Animals Act 1911 requires that if an animal clearly needs treatment from a veterinary surgeon the owner must obtain this. Therefore before treating animals it is advisable to seek assurance from the owner that the animal has been examined by a vet who is content for Reiki healing to be given. To give emergency First Aid to animals for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain is permissible under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Schedule 3.
VII. It is required that cases of certain infectious diseases are notified to the Medical Officer of Health in the district where the client/patient is resident. The notification must be made by a GP, so if a practitioner suspects that the client is suffering from a notifiable disease they should insist that the client should see a doctor. Each local authority decides which diseases are notifiable in their area, but a list of those notifiable in most places can be obtained from The Reiki Association administration.
VIII. It is an offence to publish any advertisement which offers to treat or prescribe a remedy or advice for cancer.
IX. Any advertising should comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and meet the requirements of the Advertising Standards Agency1. Adverts should be dignified and should not claim a cure or mention any disease.
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6. We honour the completeness of Usui Shiki Ryoho and value its simplicity. We acknowledge the fact that Reiki requires no addition or embellishment, its beauty lies in its simplicity. When we use other therapies or belief systems in conjunction with Reiki we make the distinction clear to those we treat or teach.
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7. We acknowledge the importance of paying membership subscriptions on time, to support the work of The Reiki Association. We agree that if our renewal subscription has not been received two months after the due date our membership will be deemed to have lapsed.
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8. Those of us who hold the honour of being Reiki Masters recognise the additional responsibility this brings and conduct ourselves accordingly. This includes:
· Honouring everyone we teach Reiki to
· Honouring the Usui System of Reiki Healing as defined by the Office of Grand Master in our teaching of Reiki
· Acknowledging the Sacredness of Form of the Initiations
· Realising the Reiki Principles in our daily lives
· Practising Reiki by giving and receiving treatments
· Pursuing our ongoing personal and spiritual growth
· Being willing to interact with Masters of all disciplines and the Reiki Community
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9. When disputes occur we are willing to do our best to reach agreement. Members of The Reiki Association acknowledge the importance of this Code of Ethics. If our actions are not in accordance with them we are willing to discuss any problems with The Reiki Association Council and freely give any explanations we are asked for. If there is any unresolved disagreement we may call upon the Method for Settling Disputes, which is a process which recognises the need for all points of view to be heard and valued. Every effort will be made to reach agreement. If no agreement can be reached, or if after due consideration it is so decided, we will withdraw from membership of The Reiki Association.
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For a copy of the Code and copy advice:
Advertising Standards Authority, External Affairs, 2 Torrington Place, London EC1E 7HW
Tel: 0171 580 5555, Fax 0171 631 3051
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We acknowledge the inspiration of the following organisations in this Code of Ethics: The Reiki Alliance, NFSH, BCMA
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