We are all familar with the term 'energy' when related to sources such as gas or electricity but, at an atomic level, everything in the universe is made up of energy, vibrating at different frequencies - including human beings.

Just as light and sound waves oscillate at different frequencies, all cells, atoms and subatomic particles in our bodies are comprised of electromagnetic energy and vibrate at different rates which can be measured for example by ECGs or electro myographs. The normal frequency for the human body is around 250 cycles per second but tests carried out on those using healing energies such as Reiki registered frequencies between 400-800 cps.

Whilst energy in the physical body vibrates at a rate that is slow enough to make it visible, the energy surrounding our body - the aura - occilates at a lighter frequency, making it harder to see with the naked eye, though it can be detected and even photographed by scientific equipment.

The outer edge of an aura can extend from about 2 metres to 20 metres from the physical body so whenever we are among other people our auras intermingle and we pick up signals from other people's auras (e.g. when we subconsciously know that somebody is watching us).

Our bodies also contain energy centres known as chakras and energy channels flowing through the body, called meridians. Reiki practitioners use the body's aura and its seven major chakras to balance the body's energy.