Reiki (pronounced Ray-Key) is a system of enlightenment and a hands-on healing art developed in the late 19th century by Mikao Usui in Japan. It is an art that is passed from Master to student. The word Reiki comes from two Japanese words - Rei and Ki, meaning Universal Life Force Energy. The term 'Reiki' is used to describe both the energy and the Usui system of using it. The original system developed by Usui was called Usui Reiki Ryoho. There are many variants of Reiki being practised these days.
In short, Reiki is a Japanese energy healing system which channels universal life energy into the body by a gentle placing of the hands in specific positions on the body.. Benefits reported include sense of well-being, relaxation, pain management and comfort.