Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is an ancient Japanese healing therapy based on Eastern concepts of energy flow and the seven energy centers in the human body. It is generally translated to mean Universal Life Force Energy. The purpose of Reiki is to increase one’s own natural self-healing abilities. The Reiki practitioner is merely a channel for the universal energy. The practitioner uses specific hand positions above the person's energy centers, with the intent that healing occur, and energy flow through them. Reiki never does harm. The recipient has the right to accept the healing energy or not, because true healing ultimately comes from within anyway.
Reiki strives to increase vitality and clear blockages thus enabling healing to take place on emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical levels through the transmission of universal life energy. Blockages are said to occur whenever experiences too painful to fully acknowledge or problems remain unresolved. When this occurs negative energy or thought patterns are said to build up and remain within our energy field blocking the flow of energy. Each Reiki treatment is unique and since we all have had different life experiences, all people will have a different experience during a Reiki treatment. Recipients often express feelings of peace, tranquility, relaxation, safety, and well-being. Reiki is said to help enhances personal awareness, release blocked and suppressed feelings, and increase vitality/energy levels. However, one does not have to be ill to experience the benefits of Reiki healing energy. Think of it as a means of effortless self-improvement by which we can become closer to wholeness.