Our bodies are composed not only of muscles, bones, nerves, organs, arteries, etc., but also of a system through which our "life force energy flows" (Gifford). When this energy system is blocked or imbalanced we are more likely to become sick. By keeping the 'life force energy' flowing however, we can more easily maintain our health. Returning to a sate of health - healing - can be described as "returning to a state of alignment with your Higher Self or true way of being" (Herron). Reiki is an "art" focused on healing - healing the imbalances in a person's "universal life energy" as they are presented on the "physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels" (Pope). Since the re-discovery of Reiki in the 19th century, this form of touch therapy has been used more and more often, and has become more and more accepted in the mainstream medical world. This may be because just like all other doctors, the Reiki practitioners do not heal paitents on their own; it is the transference of the patients 'universal life energy' that allows the body to heal faster and more effectively.