Through inner attunement, the ancient yogis were able to perceive the energetic basis of all matter. The seven chakras or energy centers comprise their model of the energetic or subtle body. Each chakra is located along the spine, starting at the base and running upwards to the crown of the head. These "whirling disks of light" each radiate a specific color and spiritual quality, and are associated with corresponding psychological, physical, and emotional states necessary for the development of the whole person.
Though the chakras have not been confirmed by Western science, with the spirit of inquiry, we can explore this model through asana, meditation, and other practices --and ultimately incorporate what we find useful for our own growth and self-understanding.
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| Muladhara, or Root Chakra, is located at the base of the spine. It is symbolized by the color red and a lotus with four petals. Muladhara represents the center of instincts, stability of mind and body, survival and self-sufficiency. A positive balance in the Muladhara Chakra would be mental and physical health and prosperity. It is related to the adrenal glands and gonads.
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| Svadhisthana (sweetness), or Sacral Chakra, is located at the lower abdomen between the belly button and pubic bone. It is symbolized by the color orange and a lotus with six petals, and its issues are creativity, pleasure/pain, relationships, and emotions. A positive balance in the Svadhisthana Chakra would be represented by stability in one's sexuality, sensuality, and emotions. It is related to the reproductive system.
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| Manipura, meaning "lustrous gem," is the third chakra and is located at the solar plexus (between belly button and bottom of rib cage). It is symbolized by the color yellow and a triangle within a lotus with ten petals. Its issues are personal power, self esteem, willfulness and energy, and it is related to the metabolic and digestive systems. A healthy balance in the Manipura Chakra would be shown as having motivation, purpose, and confidence.
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| Anahata Chakra, meaning "not struck," is located at the heart (center of the chest). It is symbolized by the color green and a lotus with 12 petals. Its issues are love, acceptance, and trust. Anahata is the center of compassion, and a positive balance in the heart chakra would be showing sensitivity and unconditional love for self and others. It is related to the immune and endocrine systems.
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| Vissudha Chakra is the purification center and is located at the throat. It is represented by the color blue and a crescent within a 16 petaled lotus, and its issues are communication, inspiration, expression, and faith. A healthy balance in the Vissudha Chakra would be shown as fluent and clear thought, creative written and spoken expression, and wisdom. It is related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
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| Ajna, meaning "to perceive," is also known as the third eye chakra and is located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. It is represented by a deep indigo blue and a lotus with two petals. Ajna is thought to be the point at which the two nadis (energy channels), Ida and Pingala, merge becoming the center that controls all higher mental activities including psychic, emotional, and mental intelligence, and insight. Someone with a healthy and balanced sixth chakra would have a keen imagination and intellect, strong intuition, and deep spiritual awareness. It is related to the pineal gland which produces the hormones serotonin and melatonin.
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| Sahasrara, which means "thousand petaled lotus," is the seventh chakra and is located at the crown (top) of the head. It is represented by the color white or violet and is considered to be the center of wisdom and pure consciousness. Its issues are devotion, inspiration, selflessness, and spiritual understanding. It is related to the pituitary gland and also connects to the central nervous system. Someone with a healthy and balanced seventh chakra would have highly developed emotional awareness and may even reach a higher spiritual state of bliss or unity with the divine. |
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