How does reiki work?

The Reiki practitioner is the conduit between the patient and the source of the universal life force energy; the energy flows through the practitioner’s energy field and through her hands to the patient. (The energy does not come from the continued practitioner; rather it comes through the practitioner from the universal source. There is no energy drain on the practitioner.) Reiki treatments typically last about 50 minutes. During the treatment the patient lies on a massage table, fully clothed. The Reiki practitioner gently places her hands palms down on or just above the patient’s body in specific energy locations and uses a series of 12 to 15 different hand positions. The length of time that the practitioner leaves her hands in each position is determined by the flow of energy through her hands at each location. There is no pressure, massage or manipulation. The patient experiences the energy as sensations such as heat, tingling or pulsing where the practitioner has placed her hands. Sometimes, the sensations are felt moving through the body; some people do not perceive any change at all. Most people feel very relaxed and peaceful, and many fall asleep during the treatment.