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What does the Church of Scientology teach that E-meter readings show?

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In the context of Scientology, the E-meter is used during a counseling process known as auditing to help individuals identify and eliminate engrams—mental images of past experiences that cause negative emotional effects.

According to Scientology teachings, the E-meter measures the strength of a small electrical current passing through the body of the person being audited. The device's readings indicate changes in the individual's emotional states, which allow the auditor to identify the presence of stored engrams. By bringing these engrams to consciousness and confronting them, the individual aims to rid the mind of them entirely and reach the state of being "Clear".1