Chakra or energy center is a term used in Pranic healing, an ancient Hindu system of energy healing. “Prana” means life energy. “Aura” is another terminology traced to Pranic healing. Aura is a non-physical body that consists of energy, which exists along with our physical body. The aura that covers our body is said to have seven layers pertaining to the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual as manifested by energy.

Studying the color and thickness of auras gives ideas on the state of health of individuals. Six colors are associated with aura and interpreted into six personalities. These colors are all present in an individual but one or two are more pronounced.

Tantra is another system of energy healing. It comes from the word “tan” which means to spread or expand. The notion of connectedness is a returning theme in Tantric writings on spirituality. As a method of healing, spirituality and sex figure prominently. It is thought that the joining together of man and woman can reach spiritual levels during orgasm, which removes the body and mind of collected impurity.

Unlike Pranic and Tantric healings, which have Hindu origins, Reiki originated in Japan. It is newer than Pranic and Tantric healings. Reiki represents universal energy, an energy brought forth by higher intelligence. Students of Reiki are taught how to tap this energy to heal physical, emotional, and mental illnesses.

Although Pranic, Tantra, and Reiki are all systems of energy healing, they differ in the type of energy tapped for healing: life energy, sexual energy, and universal energy respectively.

The concept of the between mind, body, and spirit; the connection of individuals to all living and nonliving things around them and to the universe; and how energy impacts physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are some of the main similarities of these three healing methods.