In this form of natural healing, practitioners act as a channel through which 'reiki energy' is drawn to areas of need or imbalance. Anne Woodham explains

The word 'reiki' is derived from the Japanese rei ('universal') and ki ('life energy'). Reiki (pronounced 'ray-key') was founded in the late 19th century by Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese theologian who studied ancient Tibetan healing practices for 16 years. Reiki passed to the West via Usui's pupil, Dr Chujiro Hayashi, and his student Hawaio Takata, a Japanese woman living in Hawaii in the 1970s. There are now said to be millions of initiates in Europe, Australasia and the Americas.

How does it work?
Practitioners claim that reiki makes the body's molecules vibrate at a higher intensity, dissolving the energy blockages that can result in disease and disharmony. Channelling cosmic reiki energy is also said to benefit the practitioner who is helped to achieve well-being and higher consciousness. Initiates have their physical and spiritual, or 'etheric', bodies 'attuned' by the revelation of ancient and secret symbols in a three-stage process that can take years. Those who reach the final level and are qualified to teach reiki are known as Reiki Masters.

At the beginning of a reiki healing you are asked to explain what it is that you want treated. To receive reiki, you lie clothed on a treatment table, or sit, if that is more comfortable. The healer balances your chakras, or 'energy centres', by holding their hands on or over your body for about five minutes at a time in 12 basic positions. Four of these are on the head, four on the front of the body and four on the back. The channelled energy is said to 'work for the highest good'. This means, for example, that while you may not receive the physical cure you hoped for, you could find that emotionally and spiritually you come to terms with the situation.

Next page: What to watch out for

What to watch out for?
People report feeling relaxed or invigorated after treatment, but reiki is not a substitute for medical treatment. Check any symptoms of illness with your doctor.

How much does it cost?
A full reiki treatment usually takes 60–90 minutes. Prices vary according to location, but average £20–£60.

How can I find it?
Practitioners may practise after passing the first of three reiki 'degrees'. The following provide information about finding a practitioner or becoming a healer.

The Reiki Association,
Cornbrook Bridge House, Clee Hill, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 3QQ
www.reikiassociation.org.uk

The Reiki School
Budworth, Shay Lane, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8UE
Freephone 0800 197 7206
www.thereikischool.co.uk