Reiki is a Japanese word meaning “universal life energy.” It is a gentle method of hands-on healing that taps into one's energy. It is referred to as ki in Japanese, chi in Chinese, and prana in Indian. Reiki is not massage, hypnosis, or a tool for diagnosing illness, but rather a technique that uses energy flow to promote balance of body and mind. Reiki can alleviate pain and stress and promote restful sleep, healing, and relaxation. Reiki is a gentle art that draws on universal life energy to benefit women who are in breast cancer treatment. This philosophy of health and illness comes from ancient Buddhist healing arts, which operates from the belief that illness is caused by energy that is blocked in the body. Reiki helps restore the flow of energy, to balance and harmony in the body.

To receive Reiki, most people lie on a table fully dressed. It is important to wear comfortable clothes, even though little or no pressure is applied. The technique can also be done in a chair or hospital bed. The Reiki practitioner is focused and centered on the energy that flows through the practitioner to the subject. You will receive the amount of energy that you need to feel balanced, nurtured, and cared for. Usually a deep sense of relaxation, calm, and well-being occurs as a result of Reiki energy.

Research on various types of energy work has shown that Reiki not only brings a deep sense of relaxation, but also promotes a decrease in anxiety, pain, and muscle tension. It can also facilitate wound healing and enhance a feeling of wellness and a general sense of health.