Rei means "universal" and refers to the spiritual dimension of the soul. Ki means "life force energy" which flows through all living things.
When combined, it's meaning is "universal life force energy" Reiki is a very powerful healing energy which is used with the hands and can be used on oneself or others, both humans and animals.
The universe is filled with endless and inexhaustible energy. It is this universal, pristine and productive source of power and energy which cannot be destroyed, it can only be transformed that forms the basis of Reiki. It was founded many years ago in Japan by a great man Mikao Usui Sensei.
Reiki is a built in healing tool so to speak. Some people possess this unknowingly. Reiki heals by cleansing/balancing emotionally, mentally, physically and heightens your spiritual awareness. It can be performed with both hands on or distantly. When performing Reiki, a healing heat is produced within the hands. When the hands reach an imbalanced area on the body, a tingly sensation will be felt in the hands also, for example, anything from a bruise, muscular pain to emotional stress. The list of things Reiki can heal are endless.