How to Start a Massage & Reiki Business

Reiki therapists work with healing energy.

Massage and reiki practitioners use the power of the human touch for healing through therapeutic treatments. Massage clinics employ therapists who offer half hour, hour long or extended treatments for clients seeking relief from muscle strain, aches and stress. Reiki practitioners use their understanding of what's known as "life energy" or "life force energy" to reenergize, rejuvenate and heal patients. Customers to massage and reiki businesses may book just one type of treatment, or may choose to seek deeper healing by booking both.

Instructions

1. Apply for licenses required by local government. Visit area agencies to learn which specific permits you'll need, since requirements may vary by location. In general, businesses need a business license, tax identification number and liability insurance to operate. If your massage and reiki business will sell retail items, such as massage oils, eye pillows, scented candles or literature about reiki healing, you'll be required to obtain a retail license. Expect to meet health department requirements, since the enterprise involves physical human contact.

2. Apply for professional licenses. Massage therapists must meet state requirements for therapy, including professional training, demonstrating content mastery through exams and accumulating hands-on massage hours. These requirements may vary by location. Reiki therapists receive certification through their mentor trainer, although not all states uphold legal requirements for practicing reiki. If you plan to start a massage and reiki business but don't hold a professional license yourself, hire certified professionals. Require all staff members to hold liability insurance policies.

3. Rent or buy a location. You'll benefit from locating in a safe, well-traveled commercial area with accessible parking and pedestrian traffic. Look for locations large enough to accommodate a reception area, changing room if desired, storage cupboards, and separate treatment rooms. Equip rooms with treatment tables, bolsters, sheets, heating trays for warming massage oils and sound systems, since some clients enjoy listening to relaxing music during massage and reiki services. Posters of the human anatomy may help professionals explain trouble areas to interested clients. Incorporate soothing artwork and décor for a pleasent ambiance.

4. Market your massage and reiki business with flyers, business cards and postcards advertising promotions for new customers. A company website may include contact information, biographies of staff members, explanation of massage and reiki techniques and directions to your location. Offer discounts for clients who book multiple treatments, and rewards packages for clients who refer new customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Establish fair pay scales to attract and maintain a professional staff roster. Massage and reiki therapists may earn a set hourly rate, or earn a percentage from revenues earned through treatments. Develop rewards systems for staff members attracting new clients or transferring their previous clientele to your business.

• Require all massage and reiki clients to complete health history forms and waivers. Not all massage techniques are suitable for people with certain health conditions; for example, pregnant women shouldn't receive deep tissue massage.

References

• Planners Guide: Become a Massage Therapist
• Business Ideas: The Hands-On Approach to Starting a Massage Therapy Business
• Massage Business Journal: Massage Business Start Up Checklist
• Reiki.org: Developing Your Reiki Practice
• For Sciences: Advice on Opening a Reiki Business
• American Pregnancy.org: Prenatal Massage