More and more people are looking for ways to speed healing without turning to additional prescription drugs. One of the more popular complementary therapies people are trying is Reiki. Reiki is a noninvasive approach to healing. It is safe for people of any age and works with modern medical techniques (hence the name “complementary”).

Therapeutic sessions involve a kind of “laying-on-of-hands” in which a Reiki master channels universal life energy to the person in need of healing. The energy channeled in this way is said to overcome disturbances in the person’s own energy field that occur as a result of illness or injury. The Reiki master’s goal is to restore the free flow of energy within the person. As this occurs, the person’s own healing processes are made more efficient.

According to Reiki proponents, Reiki sessions speed healing of broken bones, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and alleviate chronic pain. One of its greatest presumed effects involves the reduction of stress and the destructive impact that stress has on the body.

Almost anyone can learn Reiki. Students must learn the special hand positions and Reiki symbols from a Reiki master. Importantly, a Reiki master must “attune” students before they can become healers. The process of attunement is a special ritual that connects students to the universal life force. Reiki training can occur in face-to-face workshops or through online courses.