Reiki is a form of alternative therapy commonly referred to as energy healing. It emerged in Japan in the late 1800's and is said to involve the transfer of universal energy from the practitioner's palm to their patient. The word Reiki means " mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign." It comes from the Japanese word "rei" ( universal) and "ki" ( life energy). Energy healing targets the fields around the body. According to practitioners, energy can stagnate in the body where there has being physical injury or possible emotional pain. In time, these energy blocks can cause illness. Energy medicine aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. Improving the flow of energy around the body, say practitioners, can enable relaxation, reduce pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness.

Reiki is best held in a peaceful setting, but it can be carried out anywhere. The patient will sit in a comfortable chair or lie on a table, fully clothed. There may or may not be music, depending on the patient's preference. The practitioners places their hands lightly on or over specific areas of the head, limbs, and torso using different hand shapes, for 2 and 5 minutes. the hands can be placed over 20 different areas of the body.