REIKI
The life force energy or Ki, that produces healing flows through the chakras in the center of the palm and the tips of each finger.
Through the hands are always used in Reiki healings, they are not the only place Reiki energy flows from. Once you start Reiki I, and complete its attunement, you will find energy can flow throughout any part of your body.
Energy through the hands can happen at other times as well. Once the use of healing of the hands is used, you will find the energy turns on. It can be when your with some friends, acquaintances, or just resting on your body. When this happens it is important to take advantage of the healing energy.
When both hands are rested on oneself or positioned with the intent to heal, Reiki and the healing energy begins to flow. As soon as the energy begins, the healer or receiver usually notices heat sensations and is identifying characteristics of Reiki.
With her hands placed in a Reiki position, the healer feels a cycle of sensations. She feels the expected warmth of body heat, but she may feel other sensations as well such as heat, cold, water flowing, vibrating, trembling, magnetism, static electricity, tingling, color, sound or pain moving through the healers hands. The healer may also feel as if her hands had gone to sleep, with pins and needle sensations The person receiving the healing may feel the same thing, different or nothing at all. There is almost always a sensation of some kind. The sensations can last as long as 5 minutes. The sensation will end and the quiet body warmth will return. This is a signal to the healer to move to the next point or position.
Reiki can also be used on Animals and Children. Both have the ability to absorb the energy but in animals it can take a lessor time then humans. When an animal is ill she will usually accept the healing energy. When she is ready to pass over, they will often reject it. Pets could also reject it at other times, especially when they wish to be on the move.
On Babies, Reiki can aide in relaxing and putting them to sleep. Babies usually like it at any time and find it refreshing as well.
Reiki, can be used highly effective with gemstones and crystals. All stones must be thoroughly cleansed before use and charged with your hand energy field. In using this method the Reiki energy positions are used on the chakra areas and can highly enhance the effect. With energy transformation you bring Ki from the Earth into the body, that you are working on.
Reiki can also be used for self healing. A full body position of healing energy is most beneficial. With Reiki healings it can be done individual, self, group healings and distance healings.
The attunement process maybe the most profoundly sacred thing felt. The attunement turns on the light within our darken form reconnecting capabilities that are universal but through our development lost.
Each person receiving Reiki attunement experiences something different. She may feel sensations, see colors, watch pictures of herself from the past lives, connect with spiritual guides or be filled with the light, joy and warmth. Some break into tears or laughs, still others may not feel anything but have a sense of more energy.
The person giving the attunement feels something different each time as well, Intensive joy is one of the many feeling, another is abundance of energy.
Passing attunements is a Kundalini experience, that affects both etheric and Hara levels.

 
 
Graphics from "Essential Reiki" by Diane Stein

FAITH HEALING
The channel benign healing energy to the individual to activate natural self healing mechanisms, either through the laying on of hands or by thought or prayer.
Most healers believe therapeutic changes take place in the patients soul during treatment, prompting biological responses, especially when used with the auras and the chakras. Healers work in the name of a spirit or God. Many today believe in spiritual or Divine presence and purpose behind their therapy. They see themselves as a vessel or an instrument of the Higher Divine Presence or Spiritual aspects.
Specific forms of healing include, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, aura Healing, Spiritualist Healing, Spiritual Healing, Faith Healing, & Absent Healing.
There is no explanation as to how healing is induced, but trials allegedly demonstrate its beneficial effects.
The healing sessions may last from a few minutes to over an hour, but longer session of an hour or more are considered a greater course of treatment that is advised.
A rapport with your practitioner is not essential, but you must be comfortable with the healer and the philosophies on which the healings are based. It is also important to remember the benefits of healing for some maybe more psychological or spiritual then physical.

Graphics from "Hands of Light" by Barbara Brennan