As previously mentioned, reiki does not rely on physical contact, merely the intention to pass universal life force through a person's chakras. Therefore, some people find that they are able to practice the art without being physically present with those they are treating. By showering themselves and getting into a focussed state of calm, some practitioners will be able to offer treatments from the next room or even miles away. It is not unknown for people to be treated in their hospital bed even though their healer is in another town entirely. This seems counter-intuitive to people who have a mental picture of the practice as one that involves the laying on of hands. However, because ki is deemed to be a universal life force, it can be tapped into from anywhere and at any time by someone with the skills to do so.