Reiki is an ancient Japanese holistic healing system that uses energy to help balance the body and mind and continues to increasingly be used around the world today. As the word ‘holistic’ implies, this method of treatment takes in to account the “whole person”, that is, the mental, social and emotional factors that may contribute to diseases as well as the physical symptoms of a disease. The principle Reiki works on is using energy to assist in enhancing the body’s own ability to heal. During a session a trained Reiki practitioner will gently place their hands on key parts of the body allowing life force energy to channel through to the receiver. Chakras are energy centres through which energy enters and leaves our bodies, both the physical body and the bodies of the aura. Research and studies suggest that Reiki improves physical health and emotional well being, reduces stress and promotes mental clarity. A person receiving Reiki will feel a sense of well being and will feel some of the benefits immediately after a session. Reiki is also used as complementary therapy in a number of hospitals today. It works well with and alongside many therapeutic modalities.