There are many ways to describe Reiki. Here's a nice overview by William Lee Rand, President of International Center for Reiki Trainiing, a large Reiki organization.
"The practice of Reiki originated in Japan about a hundred years ago. It is a method for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing based on a primal energy the Japanese call "ki", which mean life energy. Ki is the subtle energy that keeps all living things alive. When your life energy is high, you will feel vibrantly alive and able to not only enjoy yourself but also feel more confident and capable of solving problems and dealing with life situations. Ki is also the energy within the body that maintains the immune system, heals wounds and creates a sense of well-being.
Reiki is a technique that a student can easily learn in a weekend class. Once mastered, it can be used to increase life energy, and promote healing within ourselves and others. When using this technique, the Reiki energy transmits through the hands whether placing them on yourself or others. You can use Reiki at any time to boost your feeling of well-being. In Reiki classes, students learn how to provide Reiki sessions in which they give Reiki to themselves or another using hand positions around the head and shoulders, abdomen, legs and feet.
Reiki heals by restoring one's life energy. Reiki has been used to provide help for people with virtually every kind of health issue, disability, or difficulty. However, Reiki is not a replacement for regular medical care but works alongside medical care to improve its benefits by helping people relax and feel safe.
Reiki can be used to increase productivity and creativity at work. It also provides people with a better attitude toward themselves. It can motivate people to take better care of themselves by assisting with stopping smoking, improving diet, getting more exercise, being more relaxed and having good relationships with others. Overall, Reiki can be a pathway to health, happiness and success." William Lee Rand
Reiki is only one way...but it might be helpful to you. The best way to know is to experience a session and decide for yourself.
To try Reiki, visit BOOK SESSION at www.thesacredways.com