A REIKI healer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting his patients.

Ian Gray, 58, of Point Road, Canvey, was convicted following a week long trial, during which 12 witnesses took to the stand.

He worked at Grace’s Reading Rooms, also in Point Road.

A jury at Basildon Crown Court found Gray guilty of five counts of sexual assault, which all took place during reiki healking sessions between December 2008 and February 2014.

The Japanese healing technique is based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to restore physical and emotional well-being.

Another qualified reiki therapist based on the island, who did not wish to be named, said that she had attended a session with the Mr Gray before qualifying as a practitioner herself.

She said she thought it was “weird” that he had asked her to wear a blindfold and held her hand throughout the treatment.

She said: “I did the course and you aren’t supposed to touch the patients.

“It is disgusting what he did. It is terrible.

“The people who come to you for reiki sometimes suffer with depression or have cancer. They went to him because they thought they could trust him.

“It is a last resort for a lot of people, as although it doesn’t cure them, it can help relax and de-stress.

“They were vulnerable and he took advantage.”

She added that people should be cautious when visiting holistic therapists, and called for precautions to be put in place to monitor the profession.

She added: “When I think about it now after this happened, I think there should be some sort of governing body.

“I don’t know what can be put in place, and even having a regulatory body for doctors doesn’t stop it from happening but it might help.

“It is rare that this happens though and people shouldn’t be put off from going to sessions.

“It gives other practitioners a bad name.”

There are several associations for reiki practitioners and other holistic practices, such as the Reiki Association.

However, there are no governing or inspecting bodies.

The unnamed therapist advised that those interested in attending reiki or other holistic sessions should seek references from people who have visited the therapist before.

It is also advisable to ask the practitioner for certificates showing their qualifications and insurance, she added.

There is no need for clothes to be removed during a session.

Anyone concerned is warned take a friend to their appointment and always trust their instincts.

The Federation of Holistic Therapists, a professional association for therapists in the UK, said it was unable to respond before the Echo went to print.

No-one was available for comment from the Reiki Association.

Gray will return to court to be sentenced at a later date.