What exactly are the Chakras and Chakra System?
On your healing and growth journey you will have most probably come across the term ‘Chakras’ and may have little or a vast amount of knowledge to what chakras actually are.
The chakras are key to physical health, emotional stability and mental clarity.
Chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word that means “wheel of light,” but it typically references a spiritual energy center within the human body. The earliest written record of chakras comes from the Vedas, which are ancient Indian texts that describe the philosophy of yoga written sometime between 1,500 and 500 B.C.
The chakras are essentially points of energy located throughout the subtle body (‘subtle’ refers to something we can’t see but can definitely feel energetically. A vortex of moving energy, which then stimulates various endocrine organs in the body to secrete hormones into the blood system.
It is said that humans have seven major and twenty-one minor chakras, that conduct energy in and out of their body and life force. As we continue to evolve and become more sensitive to energy, we will cultivate new chakras to process refined energy layers.
The 7 main Chakras are:
• Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra (Base of the Spine)
• Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra (Sacrum)
• Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus (Solar Plexus)
• Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra (Middle of Chest)
• Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra (Throat)
• Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra (Center of Forehead / Between Eyebrows)
• Sahasrara Chakra – Crown Chakra (Above Head)
Try to imagine the chakras as a “filtration” system. It purifies our energy from the physical plane associated with our primal instincts and basic animal nature, turning it into the highly refined, spiritual plane that connects us with the source of life itself. When we begin the journey through the chakras, we open the way for healing, psychological development and spiritual growth to happen.
Chakra Healing
As we progress upward through the energy centres, we learn more about who we are and can transform and heal our energy levels. This enables us to become more focused on the paths we choose in order to fulfil ourselves; we realise our talents and gifts and allow love and compassion to become the centre of our lives.
Each chakra, or energy centre is linked to an element. The earth element, for example is associated with the Root Chakra, which is red in colour with it’s densest and magnetic energies and sits at the base of the spine. When it’s in balance, we feel strong and grounded; when it’s out of balance, we may feel unrooted and insecure.
The opposite end of the spectrum is the Crown Chakra, violet in colour and located at the top of the head, with it’s lightest energies relating to the electric, cosmic field and connection to higher consciousness. When in balance we feel more at ease and in a state of blissful union with all that is; when unbalanced we experience overall poor coordination, depression, apathy and scepticism.
Each chakra corresponds with many different qualities and substances, such as resonating with a colour or a musical note. All chakras are interdependent. When one energy centre is shut down, others will compensate in maintaining the life force. Their health and integrity are, maintained through a grounded lifestyle and positive and loving thoughts toward the self and the world. Reiki is an ancient technique that can also open and balance the chakras to promote integrated health across our physical, emotional and spiritual layers.
There are many techniques you can use to become aware of and work with your chakras, once you know a little about each one, here are a few suggestions:
• Mantras
• Chakra Meditation
• Yoga
• Reiki
• Nutrition
• Getting outdoors into nature
• Breathwork
• Hand Mudras
Today, in our highly charged world, we are in need of understanding this ancient knowledge about energy so that we can take charge of our lives and change the way we do things, bringing more joy into our lives and transforming the energies that don’t serve us well.