classes, and many find it useful to use when performing Reiki treatments.
The energy system of the body has its own organization and so-called energy anatomy, just like the physical system. The anatomy of the body’s energy fields (see Figure 2-2) has been described as follows:
Illustration by Kathryn Born
FIGURE 2-1: Examining the major organs of the human body.
Energetic layers of the body:Physical: What you can see and dissect of the human bodyEtheric: The energy field associated with the physical bodyEmotional: The energy field in charge of emotions and feelingsMental: Your thoughts and intellectSpiritual: Your connection with spirit and the divine These illustrations and descriptions of the body’s layers are simplified for this book. The spiritual body, for example, can extend far out in many layers, especially for people who have developed this part of themselves through meditation and other spiritual practice. Really, the body exists at multiple interacting levels.
Aura, which contains all these energy layers.
Meridians, which serve as an energy highway system throughout the body.
Chakras, which act as energy centers in the body. A central column of energy runs through the body and connects the chakras.
Viewing the body this way, you can think of the chakras as organs and the meridians as blood vessels or lymphatic vessels that transport information. These parts of your body’s energy anatomy are described in more detail in the later sections “Pinpointing the acupuncture system: The meridians” and “Locating your energy centers: The chakras.”
Sensing your body’s electromagnetic field: The aura
The aura is the overall energy structure associated with an object in addition to the physical body of the object. The human body has an auric energy field that surrounds, penetrates, and extends outward. The aura is illustrated in Figure 2-2 with its component energy bodies. It includes the physical, etheric (the layer closest to the body), emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. This gives a visual representation of the interaction of the mind, body, emotions, and spirit.
Illustration by Kathryn Born
FIGURE 2-2: Spotting the body’s energy fields and chakras.
You may have heard of auras in terms of colors surrounding the body and changes in color that can occur:
Some people can see auras. Psychics and clairvoyants can see color, shapes, and sizes of auras. You can learn to see auras too. (Check out the next section.) Some believe that auras are indicators of health or illness.
Changes in an aura may precede physical illness in the physical body.
It’s believed that healing of the physical body must also include healing of the aura, or the disease might recur.
Seeing your aura
1 Hold your hand in front of you.If possible, use a blank or white background.
2 Look softly at your fingers; try to close your eyes halfway.
3 Take your attention to the space surrounding each finger.Move your eyes out a little until you see a color or line. Close to your body, the aura may appear purplish gray or yellow.
It takes a little practice, but keep focusing on the space surrounding your hand. After you get the hang of it, you’ll want to keep practicing.
Don’t worry if you’re unable to see auras. With Reiki training, you’ll become able to sense energy with your hands.
Have you ever looked at old religious paintings? The saint’s gold halo in religious paintings represents a golden colored aura.
Reiki and the aura
When you get a Reiki treatment, the energy treats your entire system, including your aura. Your aura holds the energy of
The state of your body, mind, emotions, and spirit
What you’ve picked up from others
Memories and stuck energy
Awareness of your feelings (upbeat and open, or closed and with negative emotions like anger, sadness, and overwhelm) indicates the state of your aura or your general state of being. You’re complex, and many energies affect you and emanate from you at any given time. As your spiritual awareness blossoms from Reiki or another spiritual practice, you become more aware of subtle energies within and around you.
Pinpointing the acupuncture system: The meridians
Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, was aware of the acupuncture system, which has been used in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate tiny points of energy in the body. Acupuncture points are like traffic signals that light the way of main thoroughfares for energy movement throughout the body, which are called meridians.
Listing the meridians
The body has 12 main meridians that transport energy to the organs and systems of the body. The meridians crisscross through the body from head to toe and exchange information. Imagine that these meridians are running through your body’s front, back, side, head, feet, and hands.
To give you an idea of the different meridians,
