Man is born with four functions, physical function, intellectual function, physiological function and potential function. Potential function is a paramaterial energy which we call somatic potential. It is the basis and source of the first three functions and exists in the form of Qi (Ch'i) inside the human body, characterized by paratime, paraspace, and paraperception, etc. Somatic potential can be developed into paranormal abilities, such as extrasensory perception, psychokinesis and psychic healing, etc. by cultivating and developing it through practice. The study of the essence and features of somatic potential, the research on the development and utilization of somatic potential are called somatic potentialology. It is, like soulology, an important part of somatic science.

The term 'hauting' is generally applied to cases involving recurrent phenomena, of a supposedly paranormal nature, that are associated with particular places. Approaches to understanding hauntings can be divided into two categories : those that attempt to explain the manifestations 'naturalistically' (e.g. in terms of the misinterpretation of normal sounds or the effects of underground water), and those that employ concepts such as telepathy or the laying down of a 'psychic trace' in the haunted location. Some psi-based theories posit discarnate agency. 'Naturalistic' and psi-based theories are reviewed, and suggestions are made regarding possible directions for future research in this area.