A Brief Overview of the Chakras

The human body is amazing. How many parts and processes allow it to function properly? Most of us learned about basic anatomy and physiology in middle school, but did you ever learn about the chakras?

The chakras are part of an energetic system within the body, and although they cannot be seen by an x-ray or MRI, most scholars and physicians now view them as an important and intrical part of the human body. There are seven major chakras running along the Sushumna, on the central channel of the spine. The Sushumna, along with the Ida and Pingala are know as Nadis, which are also parts of the subtle, energetic body.

Chakra, a Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "disk", denotes an intersection between body and mind. Chakras send energy out from the core of the body, as well as assimilating energy from the outside into the core. They represent actions from our everyday lives and the repeated patterns exhibited through those actions. Anodea Judith, in her book Wheels of Life defines a chakra as "an organizational center for the reception, assimilation, and transmission of life energy".

But why learn about the chakras? They can help us to better understand ourselves and to release unnecessary repeated patterns of behavior. The following outlines the seven major chakras, their locations within the body, elements and corresponding level of consciousness.

Chakra One: Base of spine, Earth, Survival
Chakra Two: Lower abdomen, Water, Emotions and sexuality
Chakra Three: Solar plexus, Fire, Personal power, will, self esteem
Chakra Four: Heart center, Air, Love
Chakra Five: Throat, Sound, Communication, speaking our Truth
Chakra Six: Forehead, Light, Intuition and imagination
Chakra Seven: Crown of head, Thought, Higher consciousness

Any chakra can be open or closed (or somewhere between the two). If a chakra is blocked or closed, an individual must uncover and remove whatever is blocking it. Practices such as yoga and meditation can help to open and heal blocked or closed chakras. Other practices, such as physical exercise, drinking water, creating art and listening to music can help as well.

The following resources may help for a more in-depth look at the chakras:
Books by Anodea Judith: Wheels of Life and Eastern Body, Western Mind
Search for chakras on the Yoga Journal website
Anatomy of the Spirit, by Caroline Myss, Ph.D