Topic: Human Tissue

The "human wick effect" is the primary conventional explanation for SHC, suggesting body fat acts as candle wax and clothing as a wick. Larry Arnold challenges this theory, noting that it fails to explain the total destruction of bone or why crematoriums require massive amounts of fuel if a simple wick could suffice. He criticizes skeptics like Dr. Lester Adelson for dismissing photographic evidence as hoaxes without conducting field investigations of the scenes.

Thai magical rituals sometimes involve the use of human tissue, such as bone fragments, which is viewed as a source of supernatural power rather than something macabre. Janks explains that the relationship is reciprocal; by performing favors for the wearer, the spirit associated with the tissue gains "merit" to help it reincarnate. Different systems, like the Lanna or Central Thai traditions, use various methods to either work with the original spirit or create a new one within the material.