Kirlian photography is a form of photogram made with a high voltage. It was discovered in 1939 by Semyon Kirlian, who claimed the resulting image could be compared to the human aura. The technique entails photographing subjects in the presence of a high-frequency, high-voltage, low amperage electrical field, which displays glowing, multicolored emanations known as auras or biofields. Later, in 1960, Biophysicist Viktor Adamenko suggested that the patterns in photographs might provide new information concerning the life processes of animate objects. In fact, there is evidence that Kirlan photographs give indications of the health and emotional changes in living things by changes in the brightness, color, and patterns of light.

Supporters of Kirlian photography’s medical value say the method reveals one of the layers of the aura thought to permeate all animate objects, and understanding the process may result in a better understanding of certain aspects of medicine, psychology, and psychic healing. As Kirlian photography is said to distinguish altered states of consciousness as well as intimate, nonverbal communication patterns between people, it can prove to be an important tool in diagnosing emotional problems for their later treatment. In 1979, parapsychologist Thelma Moss corroborated Kirlian photography’s potential as a diagnostic medical instrument. She said that the Kirlian process helped understand the bio energy of the astral body.