Introduction to Chakras

Visualise seven whirlpools of rainbow-coloured light, steadily revolving in harmony with one another. These are the seven major chakras, or energy centres, within the body's subtle anatomy, running along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head.

In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, chakra means 'revolving wheel'. The spiritual traditions of the Hopi, Cherokee, Tibetan, Hindu, and many other cultures agree that these rotating energy centres are present within the human body.

The chakras are the connection between the body, mind, and spirit, each chakra relating to a specific gland, organ or area of the body; a colour; and a physical, mental, or spiritual feeling. There are many other correspondences, including elemental forces, crystals and gemstones, deities, animals, planets, and essential oils.

These energetic centres can become out of balance due to many reasons, both internal and external. Physical and emotional traumas can be responsible for energy blocks, preventing the free flow of vital energy within the body. An imbalance or obstruction in a chakra causes physical problems in the specific organ, gland or body-part that it relates to.

Each chakra forms part of a whole system, all being of equal importance. Likened to cogs in a machine, it only takes one small part to be out of balance to affect the functioning of the whole.

Chakra healing can generally only be safely and correctly achieved by a practitioner with many years experience, using a variety of methods, including the use of crystals, colour, sound, and acupuncture.

The first step that we can take is by developing an awareness of our chakras. Although unseen by the human eye, these centres can be felt, and any points of unbalance can be focused on. Through ways such as close awareness, meditation and visualisation, and sound and movement, we may eventually bring our chakra system back into balance.