Reiki is a Japanese hands-on method of bodywork that channels energy through seven chakras (energy centers) to attune the body to its optimal energy level. In Self-Healing Reiki, Barbara Emerson helps readers bypass the expensive—and some say elitist—process of working with a master by teaching themselves through a simple but complete set of exercises. Emerson divides the book into three areas of focus. In the first part, she introduces Reiki philosophy and techniques, showing hand positions for the unobstructed flow of energy and methods for performing a healing session on oneself and others. In the second part, she explores the spirituality in energy and healing, detailing her own system of “bare-bones Reiki” that allows the user to resist religious dogma and ideals. In the third part, she explains techniques for living as a master and transmitting the teachings, stressing the physical, emotional, and mental balance needed to perform attunements on others.