This is actually a somewhat antique concept, but an accurate one. It is often called "the silver cord", although it can look pretty grimy in some cases. It is an astral phenomenon that affects the physical in many cases. Sometimes these are past life connections that are tough to sever; sometimes they are the product of malefics in one's life; sometimes they are components in psychic attacks.

There is also the thinking that in AP, one is connected to the physical body by a silver cord that can yank back the astral body in a jerk.

Energy cords
Energy cords are a very interesting artifact of the human aura. My children used to call them "cosmic taffy".
They are described on pp. 183-202 of Barbara Brennan's "Light Emerging" book.

In essence, they are cords of energy/ light which bind us to each other. They develop on the upper layers of our auras when we form a relationship with another person, and stretch between like chakras - in other words from one person's first chakra to the other person's first chakra, and from one person's second chakra to the other's second chakra, etc. Repair and nourishment of these cords can cause significant change not only to the person receiving the repair, but also
to the other person tethered by that relationship cord.

There are five types of these cords - soul cords, cords from past life experiences, genetic cords (connection to birth parents), parental relationship cords, and cords for relationships with others. Since these cords are formed on the fourth auric layer and higher, the cords remain intact "before and beyond three dimensional physical space". Once they are made, these cord connections never dissolve, although it is possible that they could sustain damage, or get tangled, or "dirty".
Repair and nourishment of these cords will repair the damage done in relationship with that particular cord. For example, damage to heart chakra cords could eventually manifest in dis-ease of the physical heart, and damage to sixth chakra cords could manifest as headaches, disorientation, brain related diseases, or learning disabilities, etc.

Damage to the solar plexus, or third chakra cords is particularly common in people in general. One source of danger to the chakra is another type of cord which forms between people's chakras. Barbara Brennan calls them "bioplasmic streamers". These are more temporary cords which are formed in real time, as we communicate and relate to others. It is these streamers (among other things) which can cause damage between two people, and their chakras and chakra cords. These streamers might suck your energy away, or hook into your chakra, or tear open your auric field, dragging your energy field down and possibly damaging the chakra cords. These are the cords, or streamers that I suggest be cut
in a guided practice of severing attachments to past relationships, guilt, anger, or whatever feeling or condition is believed to be a problem. The previous Information emphasized negative aspects of chakra cords, auric cords, threads , connections so I'd like to comment on some other aspects of what my kids have called "cosmic taffy" because it is sticky and stretches . The Huna word is AKA this substance or energy or concept is of that material which connects us to each other it is how information and mana (energy)-chi travel.

All contact whether in the physical or on another level involves the exchange of these threads. An ongoing relationship will build cords. Energy and information is exchanged along these cords and connections. Where the cords are located/ locked in has a lot to do with the quality of the relationship.

Your aka cords to and from your high and lower selves and spiritual sources are also how you receive information, send prayers, convey and receive healing energies.
Your positive loving relationships are supported by these cords.

Some of these cords can dissipate our energy keep us locked into negative relationships etc. and can become tangled and distorted.
When A romantic relationship ends abruptly a lot of the pain is from the tearing or severing of the auric cords. Other grief and loss also is a symptom of cord severing or tearing.
A principle means of precenting energy drain from so called "energy vampires involve shielding in a way that prevents undesired cords from being attached.

If you do become aware of a negative connection rather than pulling it out or cutting the cords I find that releasing them, returning the energy to the originater and dissolving cords and reabsorbing the cords you have created yourself is more effective.
One technique is calling on Reiki or other spiritual energy Angelic energy for example.
First fill your aura with Light or the energy you have called in while holding the intention that all the energy connections that do not serve your highest good be returned to their
owners and that you release any of your own energy cords and connections and retrieve and absorb them back into your own being .
Some people like to visualize this energy being cleaned and charged as it returns .
I have had friends, relatives and clients who were involved in negative or obsessive
relationships or who were suffering from "heartbreak" feel the cords just kind of pop off during treatment and suddenly be emotionaly free and have a completely different outlook on the relationship.
In Huna manifestation and prayer practices the energy, intention and image of the desired goal is sent along carefully built aka cords to the three selves and the spiritual source.

Peggy Jentoft

Thank you all for your responses.

Blessings,

Amber