The note from the book Reader's Digest-"Family Guide To Natural Medicine"(How to Stay Healthy the Natural Way) Reiki:Healing Through Energy Transfer. Reiki is a hands-on-healing art based on the belief that there is a Universal Life Energy,present everewhere.When channeled properly,this energy promotes healing.The method was discovered-or,perhaps more accurately,rediscovered-by japanese theologian in the mid-1800s.While searching for an understanding of touch healing,Dr.Mikao Usui came upon some ancient Sanskrit manuscript. Within the texts he found the principles for what later became the art of Reiki.The name,bestowed by Dr.Usui,and pronounced ray-key,is from the japanese words rei,meaning universal,and ki meaning vital force. Relieving Congestion. According to practitioners,Reiki work to relieve energy blockages in the body,whether caused by physical,emotional,or spiritual ills.Practitioners believe that their healing method can help relieve a range of ailment,from arthritis to stress.Of course the treatment is not recommended for broken bones,acute pain,or other conditions requiring immediate medical attention. When a Reiki healer is trained,he or she is initiated with a series of attunements.This process consists of the instructor,or Reiki Master,tracing ancient energizing symbols on the person's head,and then on 12 other places along the body,known in Ayurvedic medicine as chakra. The therapeutic effect of Reiki is not dependent on how the hands are held or on the skills of the reiki practitioner;what is important is the tranfer of energy from one being to another.In every case,the flow of vibrations or radiant energy is reciprocal,with the practitioner and client may feel warmth from the practitioner's hands,tingling,or a sense of relaxation. Reiki practitioers do not offer a scientific explanation of how their treatments work.But their is general aggrement that one must learn this healing art through a Reiki Master.In seminars taught byReiki Masters,students practice on one another and also learn to project life energy. What DO Auras Reveal? According to some practitioners,we all radiate luminous energy fields that create colorfull auras around our bodies.Most scientists and medical professionals doubt their existence,but for believers,auras are the outward manifestation of our mental,physical,and emotional condition. Believers claim that changes in the character and color of our auras reflect changes in mood,energy level,or health.For this reason,some practitioners use them as a guide to diagnosis and treatment.For example,pink or white auras may denote happyiness and good health,while certain shades of red may indicate suppressed anger;and gray or brown could signal an emotional or physical problem.According to Barbara Ann Brennan,author of "Hand of Light",a person who abuses alcohol or drugs will have a dirty green aura.