What does "Reiki" mean?
Rei in spiritual or esoteric context means the Higher Intelligence (God, Goddess, Universal Mind, Christ Consciousness, etc.) that guides the creation and functioning of the Universe.
Ki is a non-physical energy that flows in all living things: humans, animals and plants. Ki has many names: prana, chi, life force, etc.
A good functional definition for Reiki is spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki is the Wisdom of God that directs the life force energy to be used for the purposes of the Higher Good of the person receiving it.
What are the benefits of Reiki?
The benefits of Reiki are numerous: One of the most important benefits is that of stress reduction and relaxation. Other benefits include elimination of physical discomfort, boosting of the immune system and acceleration of the healing process. Reiki is a wonderful compliment to traditional medicine.
Reiki balances your chakras, your body's energy field, clears your thoughts and brings about an inner peace/calm.
Does the practitioner heal?
The practitioner does not diagnose or really "heal". A practitioner provides the channel for the Universal Life Force to work actively with the receiving body. Reiki is guided by the Higher Power, not by the mind or ability of the practitioner.