Reiki, "hands-on" energy healing: does it work or is it a hoax?

Reiki is a form on hands on energy healing that was brought to the United States from Japan in 1937 by Mrs. Hawayo Takata, who continued to practice it until she passed away in 1980. However, reiki was discovered by Usui-Sensei, who was born in 1865. Reiki was discovered when he climbed Mt. Kurama, where he began to do penance while fasting. On the twenty-first day of his fast, he felt a certain reiki energy over his head and was awakened by the reiki cure. After gaining this knowledge, he applied reiki to not only himself but family members, and reaped immediate results. Usui-Sensei knew he should spread this knowledge to the public, and people came far and wide to receive his healing.
Now that we have covered the history, let me explain what exactly reiki is and how it works. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction that promotes healing. Called "laying on of hands," it is based on the notion that an unseen life force energy flows throughout all of us and keeps us alive. Also termed "chi" energy, we receive it in 3 ways: from the environment, from the food we consume, and from within. If our life force energy is low, then we are likely to feel stressed out and develop an illness. Thus, reiki comes into play. If it is high, we are more likely to be happy and healthy. The word reiki is broken down into two syllables- "rei," which means God's wisdom or higher power, and "ki," which is life force energy.
Many people may think that reiki doesn't work and is a complete waste of time, but in my opinion it works wonders. Even if it may not work for some people, it is a safe way to heal yourself. There are no side effects, unlike pharmaceutical drugs which could produce unwanted effects. Reiki is a simple, natural, safe way of spiritual healing that flows through and around you.
I personally know a handful of people who have received their certificate in reiki healing. My one friend, Lorena, (who is actually in this class) received her reiki attunement in Asia. Having received a reiki session myself and having read books on it, I can assure you that it worked for me. I have never had one while I was seriously ill, but I have heard stories of people who have received treatment and the results were miraculous. Although my session was not to personally heal any ailments,  I can assure you that I felt so much more relaxed and at ease. Reiki is a great way to simply calm you down if you are feeling anxious.
To anyone who does not believe in reiki, I ask that you keep an open mind and give it a try. If it is not for you, at least you can say that you tried something new and experienced it for yourself. You may surprise yourself at the results that you find.

http://youtu.be/N5CrWUwBGQA