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Introduction to Chakras

How the Seven Chakras Work

The word chakra is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning wheel or disk and describes one of seven basic energy centres in the body.  Almost all religions believe in spiritual and energy power points within the human body and these power points are called chakras.  A chakra is a wheel-like spinning vortex that whirls in a circular motion and helps to distribute energy throughout the body.

The seven main chakras are aligned along the spinal column, starting at the base and going up through the head.  Each chakra reflects a different colour and is connected to us on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.  On the physical level each chakra governs a main organ or gland, which is then connected to other body parts that resonate at the same frequency.   Balanced chakras create a free-flowing energy network in your body that promotes physical and mental health, vitality, and harmony, as well as spiritual and psychic awareness and evolution.

Although there are seven primary chakras, there are also about a hundred smaller secondary chakras.  These smaller points are often called meridians and are used during acupuncture to balance the 'Chi 'or energy flow. 

Chakras draw in energy from our surroundings.  The energy can be anything from a colour vibration to ultra-violet rays to a radio or micro wave to another person’s aura.  In essence our chakras pick up everything around us including the energy of people we are in contact with (that’s why other people’s moods have an affect on us!).  If we are in contact with negative energy, then this will block or unbalance our chakras.  In addition, unreleased emotions such as fear, anger, resentment or guilt, can also block the flow of energy to the chakra. 

How Can You Unblock a Chakra?

When one chakra is out of sync it may eventually effect its neighbouring chakras.  When a chakra is out of balance it generally means that it is over-active or under-active, or possibly congested or blocked.  If this happens it is usually felt on a mental, emotional or physical level.  The good news is that there are many ways to unblock and rebalance your chakras,clearing and revitalizing them. Some of the methods include breathing exercises, meditation, prayer, colour and sound healing, reiki, yoga, reflexology, healthy diet, exercise, gemstones, crystals, flower essences and essential oils.  As long as you have a strong desire and a clear intention, you will find the perfect way that suits you.

The Seven Main Chakras

Chakra One: Muladhara
Earth, Physical identity, oriented to self-preservation
Located at the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation.  It represents the element earth, and therefore relates to our survival instincts and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical world.  Ideally this chakra brings us health, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence.

Chakra Two: Svadhisthana
Water, Emotional identity, oriented to self-gratification
The second chakra, located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs, relates to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality.  It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation and movement.  Ideally this chakra brings us fluidity and grace, depth of feeling, sexual fulfilment and the ability to accept change.

Chakra Three: Manipura
Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition
The power chakra, located in the solar plexus.  It rules our personal power, will and autonomy, as well as our metabolism.  When healthy, this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity and non-dominating power.

Chakra Four: Anahata
Air, Social identity, oriented to self-acceptance
The heart chakra is the middle chakra in a system of seven.  It relates to love and brings together  opposites in the psyche - mind and body, male and female, persona and shadow, ego and unity.  A healthy fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, have a deep sense of peace and centredness.

Chakra Five: Vishuddha
Sound, Creative identity, oriented to self-expression
The throat relates to communication and creativity.  Here we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language.

Chakra Six: Ajna
Light, Archetypal identity, oriented to self-reflection
The brow chakra or third eye centre.  It is relates to the act of seeing, both physically and intuitively.  As such it opens up our psychic abilities and our understanding of archetypal levels.  When healthy it allows us to see clearly, in effect, letting us “see the big picture.”

Chakra Seven: Sahasrara
Thought, Universal identity, oriented to self-knowledge
The crown chakra relates to consciousness as pure awareness.  It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing.  When developed, this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection and bliss.