RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Is there a website / organisation where we can find out what will be happening?

[link= http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/view_framework.php?id=100 ]http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/view_framework.php?id=100[/link]
gives the final draft of the National Occupational Standards for Reiki.

A&P was actually something I suggested be introduced. BUT it will not be a full A&P course! It will be a very, very, simple and basic understandingof A&P. It should be relatively easy to introduce into any Reiki course.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

The reason I felt we needed a basic understanding of A&P is that we have to work in a professional way if we are to be accepted into the NHS. Working with both patients and medical staff, we need to be able to at least know where different parts of the body are. For example, if a patient has a damaged liver, we need to know where the liver is. Can you imagine how much confidence in us patients and doctors will have if we can't even locate the patients liver? I know we can scan to find conditions, but in a medical environment we will be dealing with specific conditions that we will have to treat.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Thanks. Yes I know what you mean.

I am not bothered about learning a&p myself as I have studied it before, although I didn't take an exam. I was under the impression that we would have to take a separate exam, like massage therapists do and that this would be difficult to implement and enforce. Plus there would be the issue of the added expense on top of the fees for a Reiki course.

If we are able to include some a&p as part of an existing Reiki course, then that's great. I'm assuming there will be guidelines for what to include etc?

Your post made me laugh when you said about people not knowing where the liver is, then I realised that there actually will be people who don't know where the major organs are.

One last question. Do you actually think there will be opportunities to provide Reiki on the NHS (other than on a voluntary basis)?

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

One last question. Do you actually think there will be opportunities to provide Reiki on the NHS (other than on a voluntary basis)?

I think we have made it difficult for ourselves by introducing NOS that are in my opinion a little too low. The NOS have been improved (by I think intervention from SfH and the project managers they provided). The NOS now have included a lot more of my input (that was originally rejected by the other Reiki members).
Having said that, as long as Reiki is regulated and practitioners work in a safe and effective manner thenI think we will make inroads into the NHS. I think it all depends on the quality of individual Reiki practitioners. The main stumbling block is this misapprehension amongst many Reiki practitioners that Reiki does not treat specific conditions. As long as Reiki practitioners keep insisting that they do not treat conditions and simply allow the energy to go where it needs to for the highest good we will struggle to convince the NHS that we are effective in treating patients. We ALL need to work in an effective and professional way to get anywhere. That means working ACTIVELY and treating any condition DIRECTLY with the right frequency of energy.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Thanks for that.

That will be the major stumbling block then, most people will not say that they will treat conditions (from what I gather).

Such a shame when so many people could benefit from it being included on the NHS.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

IMO, to treat specific conditions requires diagnoses, which only a qualified medical practitioner is allowed to do by law. Therefore, for us to treat specific conditions we would have to ask our clients to get a diagnosis from their doctor first. Knowing that doctors sometimes have difficulty in diagnosing from a persons symptoms, that person could be hanging around a while before we're able to treat them.

I'm all for working professionaly, but the other stuff........

Love and Reiki Hugs

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Well Giles we work from diagnoses.

If a client is in Hospital or under the care of Doctor (which is what I actually mean by NHS work) then it should not be too much trouble to get a diagnosis should it?

What I am talking about is treating clients who are actually being treated by or under the care of the NHS for particular things, for example, broken bones, cancer, depression etc etc the list could go on.

When we have a diagnosis to work with, it makes our job as healers much clearer.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

ORIGINAL: omega1

 Is there a website / organisation where we can find out what will be happening?

[link= http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/view_framework.php?id=100 ]http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/view_framework.php?id=100[/link]
gives the final draft of the National Occupational Standards for Reiki.

A&P was actually something I suggested be introduced.  BUT it will not be a full A&P course!  It will be a very, very, simple and basic understanding of A&P.  It should be relatively easy to introduce into any Reiki course. 

Is it just me, or is this another instance of our lifestyle and practice here in the UK coming yet further under control from Big Brother (or the other B.B., Blair's Babes)[>:]??

Moonfairy made a recent post about using Reiki on the weather. I use 'time-slipped' Reiki regularly for past & future events. Most practitioners I know use distance Reiki. How can these applications possibly be 'regulated'? Or perhaps the intention is to ban them - maybe by bringing the Witchcraft Act back onto the Statute books, and drive those of us who still practice and teach them underground?

derekw

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

I think what is being referred to are distant attunements rather than distant Reiki, which is an essential part of any Reiki practice imo.

EDIT: Think I may have misunderstood your post. Sorry if I did.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi derekw

Unfortunately we appear to be living in a time of excessive control form governments and other like minded individuals, thankfully healing is in reality just a small part of energy work and the energies can release new energy modalities as and when they are needed.

For those like me who see energy work more as a way of being and do not wish to get involved in political wrangling or mainstream medicine, thenthere are thankfully plenty of alternative options available to explore and practice, if you can't find one that suits you then why not get together with the energies andbe creative

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

derekw, you might like to have a look here:

[link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/fb.asp?m=170499 ]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/fb.asp?m=170499[/link]

Holistic

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

ORIGINAL: Holistic

derekw, you might like to have a look here:

[link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/fb.asp?m=170499 ]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/fb.asp?m=170499[/link]

Holistic

thanks H [sm=rollaugh.gif] [sm=rollaugh.gif]

dw

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi derek, while I agree that government does have an unhealthy obsession with control (nothing that a good revolution cannot cure), I believe that reiki should be available on the NHS as an alternative to harmful treatments. Some people do not want to have surgery/ take medication if there is an alternative to these.

As citizens of the UK, people have a choice if they want to have alternative treatments instead of conventional medical treatment. I feel it is results that count when it comes to treatments such as reiki and this must be taken into account by the NHS and any standards.

I agree that there should be clarity as to what reiki is (when used for healing) and maybe distinctions should be introduced to account for the many different types of reiki. Unfortunately, there is much disagreement as to what reiki is and what its uses are so this could be difficult.

When used professionally, practitioners should be able to have some sort of guaranteed standards so members of the public can have confidence in what to expect in terms results from the treatment. I think the term reiki is so generally applied to many systems nowadays that treatments can vary from practitioner to practitioner.

As people may know, I practice the Usui system and treat physical/emotional and spiritual conditions and as such I would like an organisation that acknowledges this and states that Usui practitioners follow certain methods therefore certain results can be expected. This allows Usui practitioners to be recognised for their profession and also ensures the quality of treatments and teachings as there should be some core practices that qualify the practitioner as using this method. That way, everyone is free to subscribe to which method they use in their healings/teachings and clients/students know what to expect to learn.

Not to everyones taste but I feel it is fair.

Darren

(Edited to correct spelling mistake)

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi Darren,

I know this is going off topic but while doing the ironing the other day (which I find VERY boring) I was suddenly struck with the thought "Dr Usui only RE-DISCOVERED Reiki energy so who's to know that the way he used it was the way it was meant to be used? He was only human after all like the rest of us and adapted it to how he wanted to work with it. Who is to say that the many different ways that Reiki is used today is not what the original intent of the energy was?

Just a thought

Love and light

reikiangel

xxx

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi reikiangel, I have no problem with other methods of healing. I was making the point that if someone practices certain methods (such as Usui/Karuna/Tibetan) there should be recognition as to what each system entails in order for people to know more about the various methods of healing. Just as there are many different disciplines that could come under the heading of painting (such as painting for decoration, portraits and landscapes) each with different techniques of using the same materials, so do different methods of reiki.

People do have different ways that they use reiki and this is reflected in the various systems. It is worth bearing in mind that what we know as reiki in the west did stem originally from the teachings of Usui which were then adapted to suit individual needs and beliefs.

I myself do not believe that Usui re-discovered reiki in the sense of uncovering a lost method of healing. He developed what became known as reiki from his own personal study of healing and nature which lead him to accessing an energy that he then used in his teachings. Most other systems of reiki came about as a result of the creator of the system studying Usui's method initially and then once aware of the energy, they created a new system of using the energy. Not to say any method is better or worse though, but I do feel that the Usui system 'has it all' in terms of developing yourself and healing anything (for me at least).

Darren

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Darren (or mrh!)

ORIGINAL: mrharper2u

I agree that there should be clarity as to what reiki is (when used for healing) and maybe distinctions should be introduced to account for the many different types of reiki.

Don't get me wrong - it's just that in the context that this point was raised, i.e. having to satisfy the competencies as defined by the DfES, I don't see how a practitioner (I don't call myself a healer, nor did my Reiki Master call herself one either) can deny alternative uses to the vibrational energies that are the fabric of the Universe. BUT the moment you intimate any such possibility, the 'regulators' will go into a tailspin. Reiki will either be regulated for all uses, or not - why should 'consumer protection' only be applicable for one sub-set of clients? I see it as the thin end of a very thick wedge.

When used professionally, practitioners should be able to have some sort of guaranteed standards so members of the public can have confidence in what to expect in terms results from the treatment.

.... and we all know how well regulation works here ..... garages accredited to perform MoT tests only ever put vehicles back onto the road that are 100% safe! [sm=soapbox.gif]

I practice the Usui system and treat physical/emotional and spiritual conditions

Ditto - the problem is as we get further away from the source, I find that fewer and fewer Reiki people can trace their lineage (that might be an interesting poll, has that been done here before??) The results are dilution, divergence and the emergence of organisations claiming to be 'Holders of the Truth'.

derekw

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Returning to the A&P question so I can be sure.

Itoo did a full 2yrs of A&P years back but did not sit the final exam due to personal circumstances beyond control, well my control anyway!

Will we have to sit a set A&P exam? or takeone of the already available A&P exams ? if not then how will our knowledge be guaged? only by whatwe included inour Reikicourses ?
and will we be told exactly what we need to include in any course we run ?

so many questions I know !

I agree with the many that I welcome regulation if it will help keep people safe and give people the means to ensure practitioners with knowledge etc but I do worry that it will lead us further away from what Reiki is really all about. so difficult to get a balance.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Also will everyone have to register because if not then it wont work will it because the people who are not competent will opt out ! The NHS might know to look for people opted in but what about the general public ?

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi Reikilight,

In answer to your questions...

There will be a register of suitably qualified Reiki practitioners. In this way, anyone on the register has agreed to abide by the standards and codes of conduct agreed by Skills for Health and the RRWG.

As I said previously, the A&P element we added is a very basic knowledge of the main body parts/organs/bones and can be easily included in a Reiki course.

I was not on the education sub-committee so I cannot tell you how far they have got with the core syllabus' for the different levels of Reiki. The idea is to have a core syllabus that has to be taught as a minimum (this I would imagine would be very difficult given the large number of Reiki styles).

Examinination/qulification bodies have been involved in developing ssome sort of assessment process t oqualify Reiki practitioners, again I cannot tell you how far they have got, but I will try to find out if anyone is interested.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi Omega1
Thank you for the explanation

Seems to me there is a tough road ahead, as you say there are so many styles and spin offs that I imagine it near impossible to make a core to cover all, still we will see

Any info much appreciated

Thank you, Reiki blessings, Reikilight

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

IMO, to treat specific conditions requires diagnoses, which only a qualified medical practitioner is allowed to do by law. Therefore, for us to treat specific conditions we would have to ask our clients to get a diagnosis from their doctor first. Knowing that doctors sometimes have difficulty in diagnosing from a persons symptoms, that person could be hanging around a while before we're able to treat them.

To return to this- sorry G - you and I always clash don't we sweetie! In any therapy you are right in saying we don't diagnose, however we do treat the specific symptoms of a disease or injury. When someone comes to me - for example for reflexology - they may have I don't know - fertility problems and they are asking me to treat this condition.. I'm no doctor, I don't prescribe drugs, I can't tell the person they have improved - that will come in time when they themselves see changes. Noone would come to us if they didn't see value in us treating certain aspects of their ailments and imbalances.

I know I wont be popular for saying it but I do think a little basic A&P knowledge is important for all practitioners.. how can you treat a client if you don't know what their problem is? How can you give them informed aftercare advice if you are not able to comprehend the ins and outs of their problems. I think any therapist worth their salt would do a little research anyway.. I don't think a lot is needed - even just a day course to understand basic principles.. however, I'd still say to therapists A&P is a vital part of your work and do the exam if at all possible - you'll learn so much.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Hi Justine

Anyone who wantsto treat medical conditions directly will need a great deal of understanding of A&P and also a very high competence in pathology, etc.

I cannot really see the medial professionals accepting anythingless ifpeople want to go into competition with them, and thoughhealers might well seethemselves in a supportive role. Offering to treat cancer and the removal of tumours etc.bymanipulating the energy, will not endear themselves to the Drs and surgeonswho have dedicated a great deal of time and effort to achieve their status.

But for thosewho wish to go down that road, I am sure taking a few years to bring their skillsinto line with other suitably qualified medical professionals, will be an acceptable price to pay for them.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Paul, I do not think it is necessary for reiki practitioners to take a few years to bring their skills into line with other medical professionals. As you know, or not, reiki works on physical conditions whether the practitioner has knowledge of anatomy, physiology or pathology or not.

While it can only be of benefit to the practitioner to understand these areas, it is not essential at all. I do believe that knowledge in these areas does contribute to the effectiveness of reiki from the view point of visualisation techniques and locations of where to treat conditions, but medical professionals must also accept that the system of reiki works in a total different way than what they are used to.

Take the concept of meridians and the flow of energy through them. If a blockage occurred in a meridian that caused someone to have a liver illness for example, it may not be necessary to heal the liver (unless it is damaged as a result) but rather remove the blockage from the meridian that causes the illness.

Surgeons have dedicated a lot of time to their profession and whether they accept there are other methods of healing someone without surgery is up to them. I think it will be generally that some will and some won't. It will be the results that speak for themselves really and maybe then this will open some minds that were previously closed to the concept of energy healing. The surgeons/doctors themselves only treat the result of or symptoms of a condition whereas reiki can treat the condition, symptoms and the root cause.

I see it more as an alternative than competition. If something can be done without the need for surgery, then why have surgery? I understand they may feel threatened by reiki but the ultimate aim is the health of the patient. Who knows, maybe they will have a change of career and put their knowledge to use by doing reiki.

(Edited into readable paragraphs)

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

Anyone who wantsto treat medical conditions directly will need a great deal of understanding of A&P and also a very high competence in pathology, etc

I'm sorry Paul, BUT I TREAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS EFFECTIVELY AND SAFELY without a great deal of A&P knowledge or years of study. I simply research the client's medical conditons and apply the relevent energy at the relevent body areas and use the relevent intention and visualisation.
I would be interested to know how you came to this conclusion - what is your reasoning behind this?

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

I agree, we all do this all the time, but not in the NHS, working for ourselves is one thing and we all run our businesses the way we feel is most appropriate, that generally seems to work out well for all concerned.

However working with medical teams in a hospital environment is something completely different, there the Drs rule and what they say goes, if you work for a Dr, then itis the Dr who is responsible fortheir patients not you, it is the Drs whowill dictate who you treat and what type of treatment you will apply, for what conditions, how longthe treatment of there patients will last andhow oftento apply the treatment they have subscribed.

Now Drs might well decide that you know better than they do how to treat their patients, but they are still their patient at the end of the day and the choices you now have concerning how you treat your healeeswill no longer be yours to make in mainstream medicine.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

However working with medical teams in a hospital environment is something completely different, there the Drs rule and what they say goes, if you work for a Dr, then itis the Dr who is responsible fortheir patients not you, it is the Drs whowill dictate who you treat and what type of treatment you will apply, for what conditions, how longthe treatment of there patients will last andhow oftento apply the treatment they have subscribed.

Obviously the patient will be under the care of the medical staff in a hospital and we will have to adhere to their codes of conduct. But I would like to see Reiki accepted as a therapy like physiotherapy, where the Dr's have enough confidence in the therapist to allow them to work with the patients to treat their conditions in their own way.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

I agree with you totally Paul - I am not saying we're going in with the docs, there's a world of difference between a treatment and treating as a doctor would - however I feel that a practitioner should seek to have at the very least a basic understanding of basic conditions and causes if they wish to offer treatments to others - without this they really would lack credibility to their clients.

Reiki has it's place in healing - you will get people giving reiki to cancer patients, but you'll never see someone choosing the reiki practitioner over the doctor cause ethically it wouldn't be accepted.

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

As Chair of the Reiki Regulatory Working Group I would like to clarify some of the misconceptions I have seen in this forum page.

The Reiki National Occupational Standards have not changed or been added to since completion of the consultation period last year.
To quote Skills for Health-“‘whilst the overall presentation of the NOS has changed, the content has not.”

The RRWGdoes notintend to develop a core syllabus for different levels.
The discussion documentsrelate to those Reiki practitioners who practice in a professional setting and the Education & Accreditation document does not include a set curriculum.

The discussion documentswill be available hopefully by the end of this week on [link= http://www.reikiregulation.org.uk ]www.reikiregulation.org.uk[/link] .

We all hope that you will take time to respond to them and to tell as many as you can about them.

This is the first step in the consultation process in the UK andyour views are vital to this process.

blessings
Mari Stevenson
Chair RRWG

RE: Regulation - What's the score?

I read through these forums quite regularly and love to read all the different opinions on here and I respect them a lot and hope I learn from them. However it's not often that I am moved enough to post a reply but this one caught my eye.I'm a Reiki practitioner and was taught, through attunement and through experience,that the healing energy will go to where it is needed the most no matter where you place your hands (if indeed you use your hands) and this has proved itself to me to be the casetime and time again.

Iagree that knowinga little A&P can't be a bad thing at all (I'm also a Reflexologist so have studied the same) but I just can't see why it shouldbe essential.It's my belief that even if a client comes to me with a specific illnessdiagnosed by a GP, where the healing energy goes during treatment is not determined by me. There may be another place in that persons body, mind or spirit which needs the energy much more.A person can recieve a full treatment of Reiki bythe hands being placed only on the head the whole time. So what would it matter where the illness is?

I can understand that knowledge of A&P by an alternative practitioner might give a doctor moreconfidence to refer their patients, but I really think that Reiki is being looked at from the wrong angle.

Of course the dotors rule and that is correct and we understand why that should be so. They are far superior in their knowledge of anatomy than the average alternative therapist butI wouldn'texpect a doctor to know where the chakras are so why would the medical professionexpect an energy worker to know where the liver is?

The thought just occured to me that if the therapist needs to learn more about the physical body to treat doctors' patients then maybemore members of the medical profession need to learn more about alternative/complimentarytherapies and the spiritual body (and some do, I know) and how they work before they hand their patients over to us for treatment. Why shouldn't it work both ways?

Or are we afraid that they won't go near us with a barge pole if they did?

Just to add, if I went to a Reiki practitioner with a specific illness I wouldn't mind one bit if they didn't have A&P knowledge,,, why would I?

Namaste
Susan52
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