Let's have an analogy. Reiki is similar to radio waves. We cannot see them but we know they are everywhere surrounding us. When we turn on a radio and tune into the radio waves, we can pick up a signal. That signal is turned into a radio program. Similarly, the universal life force (Reiki) is everywhere even though we cannot see it unless we use Kirlian photography.
When we are tuned into the energy by a Reiki Master, we are able to harness Reiki to heal ourselves and others. This gift of healing stays with us for the rest of our lives. We can only lose it if we use it for negative or destructive purposes. Reiki is pure and it needs to be treated as such.
Reiki is channelled through the hands. When you place your hands on your body, or the body of another person for the purpose of healing, you connect with the universal life force. The wisdom of Reiki then goes to work to bring about healing, balance and whatever is needed on a holistic level.
You will learn more about the Reiki Attunment Process in Chapter 5.