Energy is basic to Reiki healing and we are not just physical bodies but energy fields as well. We are all surrounded by energy fields or aura which takes energy from around, the chakras or energy centers process it and the meridians or energy pathways supply it throughout the body. It is akin to the physical body which needs food to give it energy.
Basically, we are energy fields vibrating at different rates surrounded by aura. There is a specific frequency of vibration of our body and all our thoughts, emotions, feelings and spiritual ideas in our body. The pulsation of the energy field creates the aura which is an advanced perceptual system and acts as a conduit between the external and internal environments.
The energy body consists of many layers and has its unique function and they keep on inter-reacting with each other as well as the physical body. Out of them, the first layer is called the etheric layer situated at 0.25 to 2 inches from the outer layer of the body. This is the energy equivalent of the physical body.
There is a field called the Emotional Field in which we sense, perceive or experience feelings. Its field is beyond 1 to 3 inches of the physical body. Then is the Mental Field which is related to thoughts and brain processes and extends to 3 to 8 inches from the physical body. Next is the spiritual field which is a combination of 4 or more layers which are associated with higher self and spiritual matters and is active during meditation or prayer. These layers extend to 6’ 2” past the external surface of the physical body.