Hidden within the body there is believed to exist a complex energy system made up of seven separate energy centers. These are known in Buddhist and Hindu religions as ‘chakras’. These chakras correspond to different physiological, psychological, and spiritual characteristics of the mind and body. The chakra system, meaning "wheel" or "disk" in Sanskrit, is quickly becoming a respected form of spirituality in the West along with meditation and yoga practice. The key to unlocking the hidden power of the chakras is to ensure all are unblocked and balanced allowing energy (or ‘prana’) to flow smoothly in and out of the body. This free flow of energy unifies the body with the earth and a higher level of consciousness. The chakras lie vertically along the spinal column forming a central energy line known as ‘sushumna’.
At the base of the spine underneath the first chakra lies a powerful energy source commonly known as kundalini, meaning "coiled" in Sanskrit. Kundalini is often symbolized as a sleeping serpent. To attain kundalini is considered the ultimate achievement in many forms of yoga and meditation. Once awakened through deep meditation or yoga, kundalini is said to flow upwards through the sushumna bringing with it different levels of enlightenment at each of the seven chakras. Awakening of kundalini energy has been likened to achieving nirvana, god-consciousness, self-realization, and divine wisdom. It is said that premature awakening of kundalini before a practitioner is ready is considered unwise as it can lead to negative physical and emotional symptoms.
Life long practitioners of meditation and/or yoga nearly universally recommend that new students start slowing and spend the time to learn about, understand and appreciate the importance of chakras. This is especially true when it comes to methods used for opening and aligning chakras. As one trains and becomes more proficient at meditation and/or yoga prana (universal energy) will begin to flow freely up and down the sushumna (along the spine) and bring with it increasing wellness, a feeling of enlightenment and a deeper connection to the universe. The following is a quick guide and explanation of each of the seven major chakras, their location and function within the body, their Sanskrit name, corresponding color, and element:
Root Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Muladhara
Location: Perineum
Color: Red
Sense: Smell
Linked to: Digestion, Anus, Kidneys, Prostate
Responsible for: Security, Survival, Instinct, Physical Nature
Imbalances: Anxiety, Fear, Digestion Problems, Depression
Element: Earth
Sacral Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Swadhisthana
Location: Tail Bone
Color: Orange
Sense: Taste
Linked to: Genitals, Reproductive System, Stomach, Urinary Tract
Responsible for: Sexual Desire, Creativity, Emotions, Pleasure
Imbalances: Decreased Libido, Lowered Immune System, Guilt, Shyness
Element: Water
Solar Plexus Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Manipura
Location: Navel
Color: Yellow
Sense: Sight
Linked to: Pancreas, Adrenal Glands, Liver, Intestines
Responsible for: Ego, Energy, Willpower, Success
Imbalances: Diabetes, Pancreatitis, Low Self-esteem, Lack of Confidence
Element: Fire
Heart Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Anahata
Location: Chest
Color: Green
Sense: Touch
Linked to: Heart, Lungs, Blood, Skin
Responsible For: Love, Compassion, Wisdom, Nurturing
Imbalances: Heart Disease, Back Pain, Jealousy, Trust Issues
Element: Air
Throat Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Vishuddha
Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Sense: Hearing
Linked to: Thyroid Gland, Vocal Cords, Oesophagus, Trachea
Responsible for: Truthfulness, Communication, Creative Expression, Faith
Imbalances: Thyroid Imbalance, Laryngitis, Addictive Behavior, Suspicion
Element: Ether
Third Eye Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Ajna
Location: Brow
Color: Indigo
Sense: Mind
Linked to: Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland, Brain, Eyes
Responsible for: Understanding, Intuition, Clairvoyance, Insight
Imbalances: Psychosis, Headaches, Detachment, Confusion
Element: Light
Crown Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Sahasrara
Location: Top of Head
Color: White
Sense: Unity
Linked to: Pineal Gland, Pituitary Gland, Brain, Nervous System
Responsible for: Awareness, Unity, Duality, Connection to Higher Consciousness
Imbalances: Chronic Illness, Detachment, Apathy, Materialism
Element: Thought
There are many different versions of the chakra system which appear throughout history. The origin of the chakra system can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts. The introduction of the chakras into western society began in 1918 with the publication of Sir John Woodroffe’s book "The Serpent Power – The Secrets of Tantric and Shaktic Yoga". Woodroffe published the book under the pseudonym "Arthur Avalon". The book provides an explanation and commentary on the basic principles of Hindu philosophy translated from ancient Sanskrit texts. The modern adaptations of the chakra system and kundalini yoga in the West all stem from Woodroffe’s seminal work, and his research has evolved into the numerous meditation therapy and yoga programs in existence today.
There are many different ways of opening and balancing the chakras. Many enthusiasts of the chakra philosophy will combine two or more methods at the same time. Meditation to music containing specific sound frequencies such as solfeggio, binaural beats, theta waves, and isochronic tones corresponding to each individual chakra is becoming increasingly popular, and many relaxation CDs incorporate these frequencies into their music. Color baths, crystals, specific foods, and yoga can all be utilized in harmonizing the chakras, and for those who need outside guidance a trained Reiki master can identify and release any areas of blocked energy from within the body.
The concept of bodily energy centers, or chakras, does have numerous detractors, especially in the scientific community. Those with years of experience in meditation and yoga strongly disagree and point to thousands of years of chakra practice which has proved beneficial to countless individuals to make the case that chakra theory is a viable wellness tool.
Have questions about energy work? Give Reiki Master And Psychic Page A Call – 1-866-407-7164
Psychic Elennoire is a clairvoyant and Reiki Master. If you are looking for someone to talk with about personal issues, or whatever, give Elennoire a call at 1-866-407-7164, today. Should you want to learn more about Reiki, perhaps become a Reiki master yourself, check out this Reiki Course.
