There is no evidence that Kirlian photography is a paranormal phenomenon.
Some researchers say it reveals a physical form of psychic energy.
Others believe that it reveals the etheric body , one of the layers of the aura believed to permeate all living things, and that an understanding of this energy will lead to greater insights into medicine, psychology, psychic healing, PSI , and dowsing . Critics say the technique shows nothing more than a discharge of electricity, which can be produced under certain conditions. Kirlian used his own hand for his first experiment, and photographed a strange glow radiating from the fingertips. He and his wife, Valentina, a biologist, experi mented with photographing both live and inanimate subjects. Their work was brought to the attention of the West in the 1960s, and response in the scientific community was mixed.