I’m Excited to announce that I am now a Professional Reiki Practitioner – Why This Matters
- Tanya
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
When I began my Reiki training, I didn’t realise just how transformative the journey would be. What started as a personal interest soon became a calling, and I am delighted to share that I have now qualified as a Professional Reiki Practitioner.
This means I can register with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) – the UK voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners. But before I explain why that matters, let me share a little about the path that brought me here.
My personal Reiki journey
My introduction to Reiki was through my beloved dog, Monty. As he grew older, he sometimes struggled with cramps. One day, when we were out walking, he suddenly lay down in discomfort. A friend who practised Reiki gently offered to help. She knelt beside him, placed her hands, and quietly did her thing. To my amazement, Monty lay still, accepted the Reiki, then got up, gave a big shake, and carried on walking as if nothing had happened. That moment stayed with me. It opened my eyes to Reiki’s potential and planted the seed of curiosity that eventually led me to train myself.
When I began my practitioner training, Monty became one of my case studies. Even in his later years, Reiki brought him comfort and ease. Now, my new dog, Cheery, is also benefitting – she relaxes deeply during Reiki sessions and seems brighter and more settled afterwards. Being able to support my dogs in this way feels like a gift, and it’s a constant reminder of Reiki’s gentle but powerful reach.
The journey: 75 case study treatments
As part of my qualification, I carried out 75 Reiki case study treatments with people (and animals). This was an incredible opportunity to work with a wide variety of individuals, each with their own stories, needs, and experiences.
Every session taught me something new. I noticed how differently people respond to Reiki: for some, the changes were subtle, while for others, the effects were profound. Common themes appeared too – clients often reported deeper sleep, less stress, and an overall sense of calm and balance.
For me, the case studies were about more than practising Reiki techniques. They helped me learn how to listen, observe, and hold a safe, supportive space for others. With each treatment, my confidence grew, and I developed a deep trust in both the Reiki process and my role as a practitioner.
Why choosing a reputable practitioner matters
When you’re seeking complementary therapy, it’s important to know that the practitioner you choose is well-trained, professional, and accountable.
The CNHC register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA) – the same body that oversees regulators like the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council.
This means:
You can trust that CNHC-registered practitioners meet recognised standards of training and practice.
GPs and healthcare professionals can refer patients to practitioners on the CNHC accredited register with confidence.
Clients are protected by clear professional and ethical standards.
Alongside the CNHC, the UK Reiki Federation (UKRF) also provides a register of professional Reiki practitioners, making it easier for people to find safe, qualified support.
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that originated in Japan in the early 20th century. It involves light touch or working slightly off the body, supporting the body’s natural ability to restore balance on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels.
Many people report benefits such as:
Deep relaxation and reduced stress
Improved sleep and energy levels
Reduced pain and tension
Emotional balance and mental clarity
Enhanced sense of wellbeing
Reiki and research
As practitioners, we witness Reiki’s benefits daily through the experiences of our clients. This is called anecdotal evidence – powerful stories of how Reiki has helped with stress, sleep, mood, and more.
Medical professionals, however, require scientific research before recommending therapies widely. Encouragingly, research into Reiki is growing and according to the UKRF:
As of July 2024, 140 Reiki research papers have been published in peer-reviewed journals.
While many are small pilot studies, 13 larger clinical trials support Reiki’s ability to reduce pain and anxiety, and suggest it may help with fatigue, burnout, depressive symptoms, and overall wellbeing.
Four literature reviews conclude that Reiki is more effective than placebo in reducing pain and anxiety, with potential benefits in managing chronic conditions and post-operative recovery.
The evidence is promising, but more large-scale, robust studies are needed. That’s why the UK Reiki Federation Research Group is actively supporting the development of high-quality research to bring Reiki further into the healthcare conversation.
Why this matters for clients and healthcare
For me, registering with the CNHC is about more than a title – it’s a commitment to professional standards, safe practice, and helping Reiki gain wider recognition within healthcare.
For clients, this means:
You can find me on an accredited register.
You know I follow a professional code of conduct.
If your GP or other healthcare provider wishes to refer you, they can do so with confidence.
Reiki is not a replacement for medical care, but it can be a powerful complementary therapy – supporting relaxation, wellbeing, and quality of life alongside conventional treatment.
✨ Looking back, I see how Monty’s quiet acceptance of Reiki set me on this path, and how those 75 case studies deepened both my practice and my trust in the process. Today, I feel grateful to offer Reiki to people and animals alike, and I look forward to sharing its gentle, restorative benefits with those who may need it most.
If you’d like to find out more about Reiki, or how to find a CNHC-registered practitioner, visit:
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you would like to know how Reiki could help you
Tanya x
