We are alive because life energy, or Ki, flows through us. It flows within the body through the chakras, meridians, and nadis pathways. It can also be present and pass directly through the organs and tissues of the body. It also flows around us in a field of energy called the aura. The free and balanced flow of healthy Ki is the cause of well-being. Ki animates the physical organs and tissues as it flows through them. Ki nourishes the organs and cells of the body, supporting them in their vital functions. When the flow of healthy Ki is disrupted, it causes diminished functioning within one or more of the organs and tissues of the physical body. Therefore, the disruption in the flow of healthy Ki is the leading cause of illness. 

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Ki is responsive to thoughts and feelings. When we have positive, optimistic thoughts, we increase our flow of Ki, and this causes us to feel better. However, when we have negative thoughts, our Ki is disrupted and diminished, and we do not feel as good. When negative thoughts become lodged in the subconscious mind, they permanently disrupt the flow of healthy Ki. This happens when we consciously or unconsciously accept negative thoughts or feelings about ourselves. These negative thoughts and feelings influence Ki and cause it to become byoki (Japanese word for disease, illness, or sickness) or unhealthy Ki. The byoki then attaches itself to the organs and tissues of the body and also disrupts the healthy flow of Ki. The body's organs and tissues can be affected depending on the location of the blockage. This diminishes the vital function of those organs and cells of the physical body, and unless the blockage is released, a person could eventually become ill. 

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When a person receives a Reiki session, the Rei, or spiritually conscious part of the energy, assesses where the person has byoki and then directs the healing energy, usually to the byoki nearest the hands. However, sometimes it will go to the byoki that is most in need of healing, even if it is far from the hands. The Reiki energy then works with the negative thoughts and feelings that have created the byoki and are blocking one’s flow of healthy Ki and replaces them with healthy thoughts and feelings, thus releasing the byoki. This can happen in a number of ways. By flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy, Reiki raises the vibratory level in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break apart and fall away. In so doing, Reiki clears, straightens, and heals the energy pathways, thus allowing healthy Ki to flow naturally.