Reiki (pronounced RAY-KEY) is a form of non-invasive energy healing...it works in harmony with all other forms of treatment (medical, psychological, etc.) and can do no harm. It is a healing modality that is well known and well respected in the East, and is becoming increasingly recognized in the West.
There is an unseen energy that flows through all living things, as science is now corroborating, and this energy is around us all the time and is what creates and sustains life.
This energy is referred to by different names in different cultures and belief systems: "ki" to Chinese, "ti" or "ki" to Hawaiians, "prana" in Sanskrit, "God" or "Spirit" to Christians, "life force" to metaphysicians, etc.
The word Reiki is composed of two different Japanese words. "Rei" is translated as "Universal/Source/God/." "Ki" is translated as Life Force Energy." Combined, Reiki is defined as "Spiritually guided life force energy."
I like to tell people it's acupuncture without the needles.
It is believed that when a person's life force energy (chi) is balanced and flowing freely, this will lead to improved health, increased relaxation, and improved well-being. When it is high and flowing smoothly through the meridians in the body, the person is happier and more resilient to illness and disease. Conversely, if the level of life force energy is low or blocked, then they are more likely to be experiencing higher stress levels, exhaustion, and illness.
The goal of a Reiki session is to increase the amount of life force energy that is running through the body and to help it flow smoothly throughout all areas of the body. This loving and wonderful energetic healing technique is beneficial for anyone of any age, 0-100, as there is no equipment needed and it can be done completely hands-off, or even over a great distance.
Although Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. You do not have to hold particular beliefs or give up any current beliefs in order to receive a healing. You don't even have to believe that Reiki works in order for it to be effective! As long as the healer is willing to serve as a channel of the Life Force Energy, which he/she agreed to in their training, then the energy will flow through the healer and to the recipient.