Reiki is a Japanese word often translated as Universal Life Force Energy.
It is this energy that is channeled through the hands of a Reiki
practitioner to facilitate the healing process. It may be used alone, or
in conjunction with other healing methods. Reiki is complementary to
conventional medicine.

At the most basic level, everything in our Universe is energy. Reiki
works at this most basic level of existence, helping to rebalance our
energy system. Humans are wonderful conductors of energy. Reiki healing
makes use of this natural ability of all humans to consciously direct
healing energy through the hands of the Reiki practitioner. Just as a car
battery can be "jumpstarted" through the use of an outside energy source,
so Reiki helps to supply this extra energy to the receiver. The person
receiving this energy boost then makes use of this influx of energy to
assist in restoring and renewing themselves in whatever way the body's
wisdom directs it.

A Reiki practitioner does not heal others; rather, the Reiki acts as a
facilitator of energy. We each are our own healer. Outside sources in
many forms such as drugs, supplements, nutrition, energy, and physic al
manipulation simply help our bodies when they may be depleted. Since
energy is our essential nature, it makes sense to also replenish at this
most basic level.

Reiki is not a religion, it holds no creed or doctrine. Dr. Makeo Usui
rediscovered this very old "technology" hidden in Tibetan Sutras in the
late 1800's. Outcomes are different for every treatment, since the healer
is the determining factor in the end result. Each person draws in the
amount of life force that she needs to release, activate, or transform the
energy of the body. Reiki is not a belief system, therefore no mental
preparation is needed to receive a treatment, only a desire to receive and
accept the energy.

This information was provided by my friend Dave, to find out more about Reiki click the link to his site in the Gateway at the top right of this page. Thanks Dave :)