Reiki is a natural healing therapy, which has been traced back to ancient Tibet and was rediscovered in the 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui of Japan. According to Reiki philosophy, illnesses are caused by energy blockages in the body. The practitioner draws upon the universal energy while laying his or her hands on or over the patient. The healing energy flows from the practitioner's hands to the patient's body, removing the blockages or discomfort. There is no physical manipulation of the body with this treatment. It has been described by som as a spiritual "laying of hands"

