Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, which is a type of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing, through which they transfer a "universal energy" through the palms of the practitioner to the patient, to encourage emotional or physical healing. The word Reiki means "spiritually guided life force energy". Reiki is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If ones "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. Reiki is a complementary therapy that aims to help the flow of energy and remove blocks in a similar way to acupuncture or acupressure. Reiki practitioners believe that improving the flow of energy around the body can enable relaxation, relieve pain, speed healing, and reduce other symptoms of illness. However, clinical research does not show Reiki to be effective as a treatment for any medical condition, including cancer, diabetic neuropathy, anxiety, or depression, and it should not replace conventional medical treatment.