The Human Frequency Spectrum: Adrenaline, Emotion, and the Spiritual Aura

Authored: Daniel J Henry

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of neurochemistry, emotion, and the metaphorical concept of the human “aura.”  Drawing on physiology, psychology, and comparative theology, it proposes that measurable bio-electromagnetic rhythms of the brain and heart form the physical substrate of what ancient traditions described as a spiritual glow.  Adrenaline and other endocrine agents act as chemical amplifiers that modulate this field.  The result is an integrative model linking “uppers” and “downers” of emotion to frequency coherence, moral equilibrium, and perceived vitality.

1. Introduction

Across cultures, the radiance or dimming of human presence has been portrayed as evidence of inner harmony or disorder.  Modern instruments detect subtle electromagnetic fields generated by neural and cardiac activity.  This correspondence invites a non-supernatural interpretation of “aura” as the outward pattern of inward physiological coherence.

2. Neurochemical Dynamics: Uppers and Downers

Category

Dominant Chemistry

Nervous-System Mode

Core Effect

Uppers (Adrenaline, Dopamine)

Sympathetic activation

Heightened arousal, energy, fight/flight

Expansion, assertiveness

Downers (Serotonin, GABA)

Parasympathetic activation

Rest, reflection, recovery

Contraction, restoration

Both phases are necessary.  The “upper” supplies creative charge; the “downer” provides integration.  Chronic excess of either yields imbalance—burnout or depression.

3. Electromagnetic and Frequency Correlates

Physiological Source

Frequency Range

Typical Human State

Brain waves

0.5–100 Hz

Delta (sleep), Theta (meditation), Alpha (calm), Beta (alert), Gamma (integration)

Heart-rate variability (HRV)

0.01–0.3 Hz

High coherence = love/peace; low coherence = stress

Muscle & skin currents

1–1 000 Hz

Tension or relaxation

Infrared emission

10¹³–10¹⁴ Hz (≈10 µm λ)

Body heat “glow”

Visible reflection

4–7.5×10¹⁴ Hz

Complexion, vitality

The “spiritual glow” often reported around calm or joyous individuals parallels states of neural-cardiac coherence and elevated infrared emission from improved circulation.

4. Emotional Frequency Mapping

Emotional Climate

Brain–Heart Pattern

Physical Frequency Character

Symbolic Color (Aura Lexicon)

Fear / Anger

High-beta, erratic HRV

Fast, incoherent spikes

Red-orange

Joy / Love

Alpha–beta coherence

7–10 Hz rhythmic pattern

Gold–green

Sadness / Grief

Theta predominance

4–6 Hz slow wave

Blue-violet

Peace / Meditation

Alpha–theta synchrony

Smooth 0.1 Hz HRV + 8 Hz alpha

White-silver

Symbolic colors derive from traditional aura literature; frequencies from electrophysiological data.

5.  The Spiritual-Psychological Interpretation

In theological psychology, “light” symbolizes ordered being; “darkness” symbolizes disorder.  When adrenaline or other stress hormones dominate without integration, human perception narrows and energy disperses—analogous to the “diabolic” (that which divides).  Balanced chemistry supports coherence, the physiological correlate of what religion names grace or peace.

Thus, the “devil” in bodily terms may be defined as persistent incoherence—energy without harmony.  Conversely, virtue represents coherent vitality—energy aligned with compassion and reason.

6.  The Human as an Ecosystem of Resonance

The body operates as a bio-electromagnetic ecosystem:

• Brain: signal generator

• Heart: master oscillator

• Hormones: chemical modulators

• Environment & relationships: feedback amplifiers

Coherence within one individual promotes synchrony in others; incoherence propagates stress.  Hence the social significance of emotional regulation and collective mindfulness.

7.  Practices That Restore Coherence

1. Resonant breathing (~6 breaths/min) — aligns HRV around 0.1 Hz.

2. Meditation / prayer — increases alpha–theta synchrony.

3. Gratitude or compassion focus — elevates oxytocin, lowers cortisol.

4. Physical grounding — stabilizes muscle-current microfields.

5. Balanced stimulation and rest — maintains adrenal rhythm.

These practices convert chemical energy into organized frequency—“raising vibration” in both physical and metaphorical sense.

8.  Conclusion

Human vitality emerges from the interaction of chemistry and coherence.  “Uppers” and “downers” describe oscillations of a single system seeking balance.  The language of light, aura, or spiritual radiance poetically expresses the same principle physics records as frequency harmony.  Understanding this continuum enables a theology of the body in which caring for neurochemical equilibrium becomes a form of moral stewardship.

References (selected)

1. McCraty, R. & Childre, D. Coherence: Bridging Personal, Social, and Global Health. HeartMath Institute, 2010.

2. Jung, C.G. Letters, Vol. 1 (1906-1950). Princeton University Press, 1973.

3. Porges, S. The Polyvagal Theory. Norton, 2011.

4. Persinger, M.A. “Neuropsychological Bases of God Experiences.” Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1983.

5. Scripture references: Matthew 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19 (the body as temple).