“ We are made of energy.
Everything in the world is made of energy, which can be defined most simply as - information that vibrates.”
Cyndi Dale | The Subtle Body
WhAT IS ENERGY HEALING?
Energy healing is a holistic practice that harnesses the body's subtle energies to enhance physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It operates on the principle that our bodies are more than just physical; they also encompass subtle energy fields known as the aura or energetic field, which are vital to our overall health.
ENERGY HEALING TRADITIONS
Various modalities of energy healing exist, spanning ancient traditions and contemporary practices. Reiki, originating from Japan, involves practitioners using their hands and specific symbols to channel 'Chi' energy for healing purposes. Qi Gong, a Chinese discipline, integrates movement, meditation, and breathing exercises to balance and cultivate Qi (life force energy) within the body. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine also utilise the concept of Qi and meridians (energy pathways) to restore harmony and vitality to the body.
Shamanic practices encompass diverse cultural traditions that employ energy healing techniques, including journeying to spiritual realms and working with spirit guides, animal allies, and other entities to address imbalances and retrieve lost soul fragments. Other methods such as Chakra balancing, Emotion Code, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Quantum Touch, and ThetaHealing each offer distinct approaches to working with energy to promote holistic well-being.
These different techniques and traditions share a common goal of working with energy to promote healing and balance in the body, mind, and spirit. Each approach offers unique insights and methodologies for addressing various aspects of the human energy system, supporting overall health and wellness from a holistic perspective.
WhAT IS SUBTLE ENERGY?
Subtle energy refers to the unseen force that permeates all life. It exists apart from physical energy but interacts with and influences physical processes. This energy flows through and around the human body along pathways known as meridians or fields, often referred to as the aura or energetic field.
Unlike measurable forms of energy such as electricity or heat, subtle energy operates at frequencies beyond the reach of conventional scientific instruments. Found in various traditions as Chi, Qi, Prana, or Life Force Energy, it is considered essential in holistic and spiritual practices for maintaining health and well-being.
Subtle energy is responsive to thoughts, emotions, and intentions. Practices like energy healing, meditation, and Kundalini yoga are designed to balance and optimise this energy flow. Understanding and working with subtle energy forms the cornerstone of many healing modalities and spiritual practices, offering profound insights into the interconnectedness of all existence and the energetic basis of life itself.
THE AURA
The aura is an electromagnetic field that surrounds the physical body of humans, animals, and objects—indicating that everything possesses an aura to some extent. This field is composed of subtle energies that interact with and influence the physical body and surroundings.
The aura is believed to reflect an individual's physical health, emotional state, and spiritual condition. It can vary in size, colour, and intensity, influenced by factors such as organ health, mental well-being, and emotional state, thereby providing an indication of overall well-being.
In holistic and spiritual practices, the aura is often considered a dynamic representation of one's life force energy, encompassing various layers or subtle bodies. These layers are associated with different aspects of existence, from the physical to higher consciousness.
Understanding the aura can provide many insights and is a foundational concept in energy healing, meditation, and other practices aimed at balancing and harmonising the body-mind-spirit connection.
THE SUBTLE BODIES
Each of the subtle bodies corresponds to a specific chakra, which are energy centers in the body, and they also align with different planes of existence or levels of consciousness. This framework is commonly used in various spiritual and healing traditions to understand the multidimensional nature of human beings and their connection to the universe.
Physical Body: Although not considered a subtle body, it's the foundation upon which the subtle bodies operate. This body is inert unless animated by the Etheric Body.
Etheric Body: The layer of the human energy field closest to the physical body. Often referred to as the blueprint of our physical form, it acts as a bridge between the physical body and the higher subtle bodies. This layer of energy mirrors the physical body's structure and health, including organs, tissues, and systems. It is the ‘life force energy’ that animates the Physical Body. It is linked to the Root Chakra (Muladhara) and associated with the physical plane.
Emotional Body: Governs our feelings, emotions, and emotional health. It is closely linked to our heart and gut, often reflecting our deepest emotional experiences and reactions. This body can store unresolved emotions and traumas, which can manifest as energetic blockages. Functioning as a bridge between our thoughts and physical experiences, the emotional body plays a crucial role in how we process and express emotions. It is linked to the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) and associated with the emotional or astral plane.
Mental Body: Associated with the functions of the mind, our thoughts, beliefs, and mental processes. It governs how we think, reason, and perceive the world around us, playing a key role in shaping our reality. This body is connected to our brain and nervous system, influencing both conscious and subconscious thought patterns. It is linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) and associated with the mental plane.
Astral Body: Associated with our emotions, desires, and experiences in the non-physical realm. It acts as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds, allowing us to connect with higher states of consciousness and other dimensions. The astral body is often linked to our dreams, intuition, and out-of-body experiences. It is linked to the Heart Chakra (Anahata) and associated with the astral plane.
Etheric Template Body: Serves as the blueprint for the etheric and physical bodies. It exists at a higher vibrational level and contains the perfect template or ideal form of our physical body. This layer is responsible for the structure and organisation of the etheric and physical bodies, ensuring that energy flows correctly and maintains health and vitality. It is linked to the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) and associated with the etheric plane.
Celestial Body / Spiritual Body: Associated with higher consciousness, spiritual awareness, and divine love. It is connected to our intuition, higher mind, and spiritual aspirations, allowing us to experience a profound sense of unity and connection with the Universe. This body is often perceived as radiant and light-filled, reflecting the highest vibrations of our being. It is linked to the Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) and associated with the celestial or spiritual plane.
Causal Body: Also known as the ketheric template or the soul body, is the outermost layer of the human energy field and represents the culmination of our soul's experiences and spiritual evolution. It holds the blueprint of our higher purpose and the lessons we are here to learn. This body is connected to the higher aspects of our soul, encompassing our life's purpose, karmic patterns, and the accumulated wisdom of our past lives. It is linked to the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) and associated with the causal or divine plane.
It is worth noting that there are several variations to the Western 7 bodies system used in different metaphysical teachings. The above is a common model.
“Ancient wisdom and quantum physicists make unlikely bedfellows: In quantum mechanics, the observer determines (or even brings into being) what is observed, and so, too, for the Tiwis, who dissolve the distinction between themselves and the cosmos. In quantum physics, subatomic particles influence each other from a distance, and this tallies with the aboriginal view, in which people, animals, rocks, and trees all weave together in the same interwoven fabric.”
Huston Smith