A Brief Introduction to Chakras

Chakras or Chakram in Sanskrit means wheel or circle. Chakras are simply defined as centers of spiritual energy in a human body. The concept of chakras was first found in ancient literatures known as Upanishads from India. However, these concepts with variations are also apparent in Tibetan Buddhism, the Jewish Kabbalah, Chinese medicine and Islamic Sufism. Western teachings have adopted the concept of chakras from a Hindu denomination called Shakta (Shaktism). This article talks on the Western understanding of chakras.

Chakras can be perceived through psychic vision or clairvoyance. They are visualized as spinning circles of energy which end in a lotus or flowers with many petals. Each chakra rotates to attract universal energy (or qi in Chinese) into the body. Such energy is said to heal and balance spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. Activating these chakras will mean a higher sensitivity towards the universal energy.

There are 7 seven chakras in the body beginning from the base of the spine to the top of the head. These chakras are as follows:

Base or root chakra - located at the base of the spine.

Sacral chakra - located at between the naval and the genitals.

Solar plexus chakra - located over the adrenal gland.

Heart chakra - located at the center of the chest.

Throat chakra - located at the base of the throat.

Brow chakra or the third eye chakra - located between in the eye brows.

Crown chakra - located at the top of the head, it's the softest place on a baby's head.

Each chakra has a color, sense, element (earth, fire, water, etc), metaphysical properties and reference to body parts and organs. A malfunction, by way of either excessive energy or a deficiency in energy in a chakra can be manifested into emotional, mental and physical distress.

For instance, the root chakra has the color red or brown associated to it. It is represented by the earth element. The organs associated to it are the adrenal glands, genitals, spine and bladder. The legs, feet and large intestines fall under this chakra. In metaphysical terms, the root chakra is important for health, courage, patience, sexuality (for men) and stability. Excessive energies of it will be shown in the form of self centeredness, greed, anger, violence and insecurity and overly self protection (survival fears). Excessive energies of it could also manifest in the form of spinal tension and constipation, hemorrhoids and obesity.

There are ways to activate and balance chakras. Such methods are applied by way of chanting mantras, quiet meditation, mudras (finger gestures used in yoga meditations), aromatherapy, exercising and the usage of gems and crystals. For example, one way of healing the root chakra is to walk barefoot in the garden most preferably between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning.

All that has been said above warrants deeper reflection and exploration.This article has been a brief foundation to chakra knowledge for those wanting to have an overview of what it is all about. Chakra knowledge is vital before exploring the realm of spirituality - for it is the threshold to our first glimpse of what the universe holds for us.