Reiki Thought/Question

A thought occurred to me while studying my Level I & II manual...along with some other tools I have purchased. Now...if when channeling Reiki, the energy comes down thru your crown chakra and flows into your body and out thru your hands--why then, do you need to give reiki to yourSelf with all of the hand positions? Could you not simply meditate and intend that Reiki flow thru your crown chakra to where-ever it is that your vessel needs? Am I missing something obvious? Or, is using the hand positions on yourself just another way to do it? Has anyone else ever thought about this?

Also, I've read that it is possible to be born with or attune yourself to Reiki. Yes?