Physical body is tangible and we are very much aware of our anatomy
and physiology. Energy body is more or less subject of perception.
Generally energy body cannot be sensed with the help of outer sense
organs that are eyes, ears, nose, tongue or skin. However energy body
can be perceived using our inward senses or intuitive abilities. Some
gifted persons can see aura surrounding people, plants and animals.
These days we can use techniques like Kirlean photography to scan our
energy bodies.

Different cultures have defined energy body or subtle body in
different ways. Energy bodies can be explained with the help of aura,
Chakra system, Acupuncture or Acupressure points that is meridians,
Nadi system etc. As per Hindu philosophy, every human being has seven
bodies on seven planes. As per Vedanta and Yogic philosophy, five
sheathes or Kosha covers our true self.

These five sheathes are explained below.

Annmaya Kosha: Sheathe manifested and nourished by food i.e. physical body

Physical body, made up of flesh, fat, blood, bones, skin and nerves is
a wonderful instrument to experience pleasure, pain, thoughts,
feelings, knowledge and wisdom. Physical body is also energy that
vibrates at a very low rate. Subtle energy vibrations emanating from
our thoughts, feelings, and Spirit or Soul surround it. Energy
vibrations become finer as we proceed outwards from physical body.
Some of these frequencies surrounding our physical body are beyond
perception.

Pranmaya Kosha: Sheathe manifested and strengthened by Prana or life
force energy

Life force energy or Prana or Chi energy vitalize and nourish each and
every cell of the body. We have our own reservoir of Pranashakti known
as Kundlini. It holds physical body and mind together. Generally,
Prana can be breathed in and circulate among all the body parts along
with the Oxygen. Universal life force energy is abundantly available
in whole Universe.

Manomaya Kosha: Sheathe also known as mind including conscious,
subconscious and unconscious.

Manomaya Kosha is composed of Manas and Indriyas. Manas means mind and
the Indriyas are inputs given by five sensory organs. Here the term
mind encompasses thoughts, feelings, memory and imagination. Mind is
the cause of bondage. Salvation can also be achieved through proper
reasoning process of mind. Mind gives us the feeling of 'I' and
'mine'. It creates attachments and aversions on physical level.

Vijnanmaya Kosha: Sheathe responsible for the sense of discrimination
or discernment

Vijnanmaya Kosha is composed of intellect, knowledge and wisdom. At
this level, by intellect we mean intuitive intellect or higher self.
It is different than reasoning power of our brain. Budhi or sense of
discrimination is at work here. It gives us the gift of discernment.
Discernment is ability to discriminate falsehood from truth.

Also this layer is responsible for development of intent and will.
Development of this sheathe is important to experience divine light
and awareness. Here true knowledge is reflected through intuitive
intelligence. Pure consciousness is at work here. It helps us in
becoming a witness to the drama of life.

Anandmaya Kosha: Sheathe composed of pure bliss

Ananda means bliss. Bliss is experienced by developing and
strengthening this sheathe. This energy body is reflection of our true
self or spiritual self also known as soul. It is closest to the soul.
It is fully at work during deep sleep. It can be experienced partially
during wakeful or dream state of mind.

Our true self or Soul or Atman is bliss absolute, total bliss.

Alternate healing systems, energy healing methods and natural
therapies acknowledge importance of strengthening all these layers or
sheathes to experience total health and well being. Nutritious food
and healthy lifestyle help in strengthening physical body. Various
breathing techniques, Yoga, Tai Chi, QuiGong etc help in strengthening
energy bodies. Prayer and meditation are helpful in developing right
outlook and attitude towards life. Experiencing love and compassion
are our spiritual needs. Prayer, meditation etc are helpful in
experiencing our spiritual self.

There are many alternate health therapies that acknowledge importance
of harmony and balance at the level of body, mind and spirit. These
therapies help in removing energy blocks and correct the energy flow.
Some of them are Reiki healing, Chakra balancing, Aromatherapy,
massage techniques etc.

In my forthcoming posts, I will discuss them one by one.