In Japanese, Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) means “universal life energy.” It’s a healing technique based on the transmitting of life energy by gently placing the hands in specific positions either on or above the body. The “laying-on of hands” is designed to alleviate pain, return vitality, heal illnesses, and aid in spiritual growth. Dr. Mikao Usua, a Christian monk in Japan, developed this after he came upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system in the 19th century. It was then introduced to the United States in the 1930’s by Hawayo Takata.