Related Terms

• Aura photography, coronal discharge photography, fingertip aura, gas discharge visualization (GDV), Kirlian diagnostics, Kirlian electrophotography, Kirlian energy, Kirlian-graphic, spark electrography, Tesla coil Kirlian photography.

Background

• Developed by a Russian couple and based on the theories of Rudolf Steiner, Kirlian photography is a diagnostic technique that makes use of a high-voltage, high-frequency electrical field. This electrical field interacts with an object (for example, a part of the human body) that is "photographed." The photographic "plate" may be used to make a diagnosis.

• Kirlian photography can produce a colored image, which is believed by some to reflect a person's aura.

• The safety of Kirlian photography has not been established. Kirlian is not a substitute for established methods of diagnosis. People with pacemakers and implanted cardiac defibrillators should use Kirlian photography with caution, as they may be affected by the electrical field.

Theory

• In Kirlian photography, high-frequency currents are applied to the human body, and the subsequent electromagnetic discharge is visualized on a photographic plate. It is suggested that these images are caused by a process of high-voltage coronal discharge.

• Coronal discharge refers to the observation of discharge patterns around circular objects on the film. (These spark patterns along the edge of objects resemble the outer corona of the sun during an eclipse.) Different colors or shadings may appear around photographed objects, depending on the type of film used.

• It is asserted that every organism or substance radiates and absorbs energy differently and exhibits unique geometrical frequency and radiation characteristics.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Insufficient available evidence.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

• Kirlian photography is unproven as a diagnostic or therapeutic technique and should not be relied upon as the sole source of medical information or treatment.

• The safety of Kirlian photography has not been established by available scientific studies. Kirlian photography should not be used in people with pacemakers or implanted cardiac defibrillators. People who have heart disease or are pregnant should use this technique with caution.

• Because Kirlian is a non-invasive procedure, it is not expected to cause adverse effects.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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7. Greyson ND. "Kirlian photography" film artifacts. Can Assoc Radiol J 1989;40(6):331. View Abstract

8. Hakimi R. Kirlian photography, holistic blood diagnosis, capillarity tests. Cancer diagnosis of a different kind. MMW Fortschr Med 2003;145(23):49-50. View Abstract

9. Quickenden TI, Tilbury RN. A critical examination of the bioplasma hypothesis. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 1986;18(2);89-101. View Abstract

10. Kirlian SD, Kirlian VK. Photography and visual observation by means of high frequency currents. J Sci Appl Photogr 1964;6:397-403.

11. Stanwick M. Aura photography: mundane physics or diagnostic tool? Nurs Times 1996; 92(25):39-41. View Abstract

12. Treugut H, Koppen M, Nickolay B, et al. [Kirlian photography: accidental or person-specific pattern?] (in German). Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd 2000;7(1):12-16. View Abstract