Do You Need a License for Reiki in Utah?

Utah's massage law does not mention Reiki, and its definition of bodywork is broad. It covers systematic manual manipulation of soft tissue, use of the hands with those activities, range of motion movements, and "activities and modality techniques similar or related" to them. Reiki and energy work are missing from the exemptions, which name certified reflexology, zone therapy, ortho-bionomy, Bowenwork and brain integration practitioners whose clients stay clothed from shoulders to knees.

An older document from the Division of Professional Licensing, described by ABMP in 2016, said Reiki is exempt when used as a spiritual healing art with no methods from the massage scope of practice. That document is no longer on the division's website, and its current pages say nothing about Reiki. A division rule defines manipulation as contact with movement, which supports still hand placement, though the "similar or related" wording leaves room for the division to disagree.

Yes, if you never use the word massage. Since 2012, Utah's definition has included paid services described with the word massage or a derivative of it, "regardless of whether the service includes physical contact". No-touch and distance work that never uses the word falls outside the massage law.

The massage act states that it does not authorize anyone to practice medicine, so avoid claims to diagnose or treat disease.

Partly. The basic rule that you need a license to perform massage services has no payment wording. Unpaid massage is exempt, though, and only licensees may charge or receive a fee or any consideration for massage services. The no-touch rule applies only to paid services that use the word massage.

Only licensees may call themselves a massage assistant-in-training, massage assistant, massage apprentice or licensed massage therapist, say they provide massage services, or use the word massage or similar wording to describe their service. People who qualify for an exemption may not use those titles either. Leave out any claim to diagnose or treat disease.

Utah's licensing division has no current statement on Reiki and has removed its old guidance. Write to the Utah Division of Professional Licensing, describe how you use touch, and ask whether Reiki used as a spiritual healing art still falls outside the massage license. Keep the written reply.