5-level model according to Dr. med. Klinghardt

The lowest or densest level of our existence is the physical body. It follows the laws of mechanics, chemistry, and physics. All perceptions are experienced through the five senses. On the physical level, there are a variety of therapies from conventional medicine: surgical interventions, dentistry, pharmaceutically patented medications, and orthomolecular medicine (dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and trace elements), hormone treatment, as well as herbal medicine and homeopathy (low potency remedies that act on the physical level). Heavy metal detoxification and the treatment of infections belong to this level, as do therapies from physical therapy, massage, osteopathy, and other body therapies.

Energy is defined in physics as "the ability to perform work, radiate light, or dissipate heat." According to Dr. Klinghardt's theory, the energy body is a link between the mental field—everything related to information, thoughts, and beliefs—and the physical body. This is the level of biophysics. Treatments on the energetic level include deeper osteopathic interventions and the application of light, sound, current/microcurrent, and magnetic fields, acupuncture, acupressure, breath therapy, and aspects of mental field techniques. Neural therapy (such as injecting scars, ganglia, and other interference fields with a local anesthetic) is also a second-level method. Emotional expression also belongs to the second level, because emotions are a mixture of neurotransmitters and electrical impulse transmission.

Dr. Klinghardt describes the third level like a computer: The mental body or mental field is our information carrier. It enables us to recall memories, process and store new sensory impressions, and interpret perceptions. It is the level of the ego. Our thoughts are the "bits" of our mind. There are many treatments at the third level: conventional psychotherapy, mental field therapy, psychokinesiology, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), new forms of trauma therapy, cognitive therapies, Gestalt therapy, classical homeopathy, and more.

Furthermore, this model's fourth level includes a reality that shapes us, one that exists beyond our understanding, beyond language, and beyond our knowledge. We can sense this level intuitively, but we cannot analyze it with our minds. In physics, it is referred to as a quantum vacuum. Dr. Klinghardt suspects that the influence of our family system, particularly traumatic events and learning experiences in our family history, but also other systems in which we are embedded, is at work here. This could be a religion, a certain political or social system, or a country with its typical, characteristic behaviors. Also conceivable are influences from previous lives, transpersonal experiences, archetypes, symbols, meditative states, curses and blessings, foreign energies, and their effects. Many practitioners who work on this level have a corresponding talent from birth. But some things can also be learned: Examples include depth psychological therapy according to CG Jung, working with symbols and rituals, art therapy according to Amelie Schmeer and family constellations according to Hellinger – a phenomenological method that can make blockages and possibilities for action for the family system (and other systems) visible and tangible.

The fifth level of Dr. Klinghardt's model describes the spiritual aspect of an individual. This is the part of us through which the divine within and through us undergoes learning processes. To be able to consciously experience the fifth level, we must give ourselves enough time and space for solitude, meditation, and prayer.

According to this approach, the lower three levels belong to the personal realm, while the fourth and fifth belong to the suprapersonal realm. Each higher level exerts an organizing influence on the lower levels. In philosophy, this is called "downward causation." The lower levels supply the higher levels with energy and create frameworks and boundaries for a fulfilling life.

The cause of physical or mental problems can lie on any of these five levels. Negative influences on the higher levels penetrate "downward" and only then become visible and tangible as a problem. These can be treated on the first level (medications, surgical procedures, etc.), the second level (neural therapy, acupuncture, etc.), or the third level (psychotherapy, homeopathy).

Dr. Klinghardt's holistic approach first observes the body's reactions to various stimuli. According to this approach, the physical body, the energy body, and the mental body are self-regulating systems that are closely interconnected. The higher bodies provide the lower bodies with intelligence and control. The lower bodies provide the higher bodies with energy (fuel) and feedback.