What is Reiki?
What is Reiki and How Does it Work?
The word Reiki derives from rei and ki which is usually translated as 'universal life force energy', although it does have other traanslationd too. This refers to the natural 'quantum energy' that flows through all living things - giving life itself. There is an abundant supply of this energy throughout the whole of the universe and when we are in excellent health, there is a powerful flow through the body. During times when our mind/dody/spirit is under stress, the energy is slowed down or reduced. We will start to feel ill or 'out-of-sorts' and our ability to cope is reduced.
Practitioners trained in Reiki will have received a number of attunements. These are a series of adjustments which allows the body's energetic systems to receive a greatly increased amount of Ki. A practitioner just needs to place their hands above or on a person for this energy to flow to them. The recipient gets of an energy boost allowing them to feel energised and very relaxed concurrently and with a sublime sense of inner peace. 
Reiki is easy to learn, even if you have no previous experience of any form of healing, you just have to allow the process to happen - and it will!!! This is why Reiki works. The intent of the practitioner to send healing energy to a recipient and the fact that they are willing to receive it. Once attuned to Reiki, Ki energy will flow naturally once you express your intent.
Reiki flows through the whole body but tends to 'gravitate' to the affected parts of the person's energy field and body. It then infuses them with 'positive' energy to neutralize negativity around the physical and mental body. Reiki clears, strengthens, and heals the energy pathways.
Reiki is provided and guided by the 'Universal Consciousness', so the practitioner does not control the healing. It is believed that the energy just knows where to go. The practitioner cannot absorb the illness or problem suffered by the client as the energy flow is only one way - towards the recipient. The practitioner is not really responsible for the healing, he or she is a conduit for the energy transfer.
All energy healers use life force - Ki, but not everyone uses Reiki healing. Reiki is unlike many other forms of healing as the practitioner received attunements by a Master. As it is a "channeled" healing, the Reiki practitioner's energies are never depleted as they are Chi Gong, (Chi Kung). When energy flows the 'Universal Consciousnes deems both practitioner and recipient to need healing, therefore both receive treatment.
What Can Reiki Do?
Reiki does not take the place of conventional medicine. Always consult a GP for an acute or infectious condition and problems of urgent concern.