Reiki is a Japanese word that means "universal life force energy". It is a safe, noninvasive energy healing technique that promotes relaxation and helps relieve stress. Reiki encourages healing of the whole person by returning energetic balance to the body and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. When the body is in a parasympathetic state it can rest and heal. Because of this, reiki can be beneficial for a wide variety of physical, emotional and spiritual concerns.