One of the basic teachings of healing with Reiki is that we are more than our physical bodies. We also have an energy body made up of our aura (energy fields), the chakras (energy centers) and the meridians (energy pathways.) Like our physical body that takes in food to nourish it and give it energy, our energy body does the same. The energy fields take energy in, the chakras break it down, and the meridians distribute it throughout the body.
Our body is comprised of energy vibrating at different speeds. Our physical body, our thoughts, emotions, and our spiritual center, all vibrate at a particular frequency or speed. These varying vibrations or pulsations create a field around them which are often referred to as our aura or energy field. The aura is an information center and a highly perceptual system that transmits and receives messages from the external and internal environment.
Each energy layer appears different and has its own individual function. Yet, they continuously interpenetrate each other as well as the physical body. These fields can be felt through touch. It is what we perceive or sense when we scan with our hands.