Understanding Pranic Energy Experiences: A Qualitative Approach

Prana is the driving and organizing force of the entire universe, and essential for survival. It can be experimental and experiential. This is a retrospective analysis of the pranic energy perception data collected for an exploratory study conducted in 2014 using the convenience sampling method. This paper describes the experiences of 100 participants during a hand sensitization practice. Participants were guided to feel the prana between their hands according to prescribed steps in the pranic healing technique, taught by Master Choa Kok Sui. The experiences reported by participants were analyzed by three independent judges and one expert using the qualitative content analysis technique introduced by Strauss and Corbin. Responses were first grouped according to nine elements. These elements were categorized under four major properties - positive experience, experience of awareness, energy experience, and feedback on the study program. These properties were further divided into two categories - experiences and feedback - based on the theme they cover. Participants experienced various sensations, which demonstrates that energy can be felt, and can benefit one's affective and physical state. Because of this qualitative content analysis, we have a better understanding of the various ways people perceive, experience, and benefit from pranic energy experiences.