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Other common
name(s): aura photography
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Kirlian photography refers to a type of photographic image
made with high voltage. This method is usually used to capture an image
of a body part, such as a person's hand.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not suggest that Kirlian
photography is useful in diagnosing cancer or any other disease.
How is it promoted for use?
Supporters of Kirlian photography believe that all physical
masses, including humans, give off auras that represent the body's
energy fields or life forces. These auras are invisible, believers say,
but Kirlian photography can capture them on film. They claim that
Kirlian photographs of the human body carry information about the
subject's physical, psychological, and psychic state. The various
colors and lines of the photographs are said to reflect the subject's
mood, personality traits, and health. Supporters of Kirlian photography
say that the photographs can be used to diagnose problems with organs,
such as kidney disorders, nutritional deficiencies, substance abuse,
mental illness, anxiety, confusion, and even cancer.
What does it involve?
Kirlian photography does not actually involve a photographic
lens or camera. The machine used to produce a Kirlian photograph
consists of a high-voltage electrical source that is attached to a
metal plate. A glass plate sits on top of the metal plate, and a piece
of photographic paper is laid on top of the glass plate. The object
being photographed, such as a hand or foot, is placed directly on the
photographic paper. A Kirlian photograph emerges consisting of jagged,
colored lines that outline the shape of the photographed object with
colors or shadings around it. This image is said to represent an aura,
or outline, of the body's life force.
What is the history behind it?
Kirlian photography was developed by a Russian electrician,
Semyon Kirlian, and his wife Valentina, in the 1950s. It is based on
the theories of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher, educator, and
artist. In 1978, researchers in Romania claimed that the technique
could detect malignant tumors; however, these claims have not been
proven.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support the idea that
Kirlian photographs can be used to diagnose physical or psychological
problems. Research has shown that the images are caused by a variety of
factors, none of which are an indication of health problems.
Scientists explain that Kirlian film images reflect
differences in skin temperature, the position and pressure of the
object on the plate, air temperature, moisture levels, voltage, type of
film used, and other factors. Changes in length of exposure and
development time can also affect the images captured in the films.
Coins and other nonliving objects also appear to have auras when
photographed in this manner.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Kirlian photography is not considered harmful for most people,
although pacemakers or implanted cardiac defibrillators may be affected
by the electrical field. However, relying on this method alone for
diagnosis and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer
may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Barrett S. Kirlian photography. Quackwatch Web site. Accessed
at http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/kirlian.html on
May 23, 2008.
Kirlian photography. Aetna InteliHealth Web site. Accessed at
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/358832.html on
May 23, 2008.
Stanwick M. Aura photography: mundane physics or diagnostic
tool? Nurs Times.
1996;92:39-41.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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