Reiki is usually performed by a practitioner placing their hands gently on the recipient’s body. During a session the Reiki energy is sometimes felt as heat, vibration, lightness or heaviness, or a pulling or shifting of energy. The seven major chakras are the ones most directly affected by a Reiki treatment. Often times, (but not always), the Reiki practitioner will begin a Reiki session by opening the Crown chakra and then working their way down through the lower chakras. The Crown Chakra is located on the top of the head it is the center of mental and spiritual enlightenment – the highest level of consciousness that one can attain. This chakra does not relate to a singular body part, but rather it harmonizes and protects the entire organism. Its influence is felt strongly in the eyes and cerebrum. Some ailments that can indicate a weak crown chakra include headaches, MS, depression and sleep disorders. The Third Eye Chakra is located on the center of the forehead slightly above the eyebrows. This chakra influences our senses of vision, hearing and smell. It is our center of wisdom and through meditation the energy in this chakra can help to transcend dualistic thinking. This center is our gateway to our intuition and to higher levels of consciousness. Some indications of a weakened or blocked third eye chakra include lack of focus or concentration, attention – deficit disorders, forgetfulness and a tendency toward superstition. The Throat Chakra is located in the area of the cervical vertebrae near the larynx. The breath and voice is dependant on this chakra. A strong throat chakra creates a harmonious balance between thoughts and feelings and enhances our ability to communicate honestly and authentically with others. All ailments of the throat and speech impediments are indications of blocks in this chakra. The Heart Chakra is present at the level of the physical heart, not off to the left, but rather in the center of the chest. It governs the heart, lungs and hands arms and upper back. Also the thymus gland is dependant on the healthy functioning of this chakra. The heart is at the center of the chakra system and acts a bridge for energy flow between the higher and lower chakras. The love of the heart chakra is a kind of awareness that serves as a foundation for selfless compassion. Tolerance and a feeling of connectedness to all people and life are indications of a strong functioning heart chakra. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, or being easily overwhelmed by others, are characteristics of a blocked heart chakra.