Do You Need a License for Reiki in South Dakota?

South Dakota defines massage as the systematic mobilization of soft tissue through pressure, friction, stroking, rocking, kneading, percussion, compression or stretching. Light touch that leaves tissue unmoved fits none of those techniques. The exemptions in the law do not name Reiki or energy work.

The South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy states in its Policies and Positions document that "Reiki is not massage therapy" and lists energy work as outside the massage scope. That 2009 position appears in the Board's continuing education policy. It is guidance, and the Board says it may change its positions.

Yes. The massage law says nothing about no-touch or distance work, and its definition requires soft tissue to be mobilized. The medical practice act covers anyone who recommends, prescribes or directs any drug, apparatus "or other agency" for the cure, relief or palliation of an ailment or disease, so keep your descriptions to relaxation, balance and well-being.

Yes, for massage. The practice of massage therapy means performing massage for a fee or other compensation. Holding yourself out to the public as performing massage also counts.

Holding yourself out as practicing massage without a license is a Class 1 misdemeanor, so leave the words massage and massage therapist out of your marketing. Using M.D., Doctor, Dr. or any title in a medical sense, or claiming to be a physician, counts as practicing medicine.