The idea of the etheric body, also known as the vital body or energy body, is a key component in various esoteric, spiritual, and metaphysical traditions. It is recognized as to become a subtle counterpart to the physical body, acting as a connection involving the physical and spiritual realms. Unlike the physical body, which comprises dense matter, the etheric body is regarded as manufactured from a greater, more subtle kind of energy. This energy is usually referred to as a luminous field that permeates and surrounds the physical body, extending several inches beyond it. The etheric body is believed to play an essential role in maintaining physical health, since it is the template or blueprint upon that the physical body is built.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the etheric body is closely linked to the idea of Qi or vital energy. Qi flows through the body's etheric body, a network of energy channels, to sustain life and health. Once the flow of Qi is balanced and unobstructed, the physical body remains healthy. Conversely, blockages or imbalances in the flow of Qi can cause illness. Acupuncture, Tai Chi, and Qigong are practices directed at regulating and enhancing the flow of Qi within the etheric body to market overall well-being. Similarly, in Ayurveda, the etheric body is linked to the concept of prana, the life force that animates all living beings.

The etheric body is frequently described with regards to chakras and nadis in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Chakras are energy centers located over the spine, from the base to the crown of the top, each associated with various physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. Nadis are energy channels that carry prana through the entire body. There are thought to be tens of thousands of nadis, with the three most significant being the Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. The etheric body is considered intricately linked to these energy structures, influencing and being influenced by their states.

In Western esoteric traditions, such as Theosophy and Anthroposophy, the etheric body is considered the initial layer of the human energy field. Based on Theosophists like Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater, the etheric body is composed of etheric matter, which can be finer than physical matter but nonetheless the main material world. Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, also emphasized the significance of the etheric body, describing it as the life span force that animates the physical form. He believed that the etheric body plays an essential role in growth, healing, and regeneration.

The etheric body is thought to talk with the physical body through the endocrine and nervous systems. It is believed that the chakras are linked to the major endocrine glands, and that the flow of energy through the nadis influences the nervous system. This interaction is thought to result in the regulation of bodily functions and the maintenance of health. Once the etheric body is strong and balanced, it supports the physical body's vitality and resilience. However, when it is weakened or disrupted, it can cause physical and emotional problems.