The Seven Chakras
Various Eastern concepts, philosophies and theories refer to the 'chakras', for example Reiki and Yoga. So do modern-day European concepts of Spiritual Healing. The chakra system also now appears commonly in many 'new age' writings and references. The word chakra was originally cakra, meaning wheel, also sun, dating back to between 600-2,000 BC from ancient Indian culture. References to chakras being bodily centres of feeling or consciousness appeared in ancient Indian writings about Yoga as early as 200 BC.
Typically seven chakras are referenced, and these are certainly the main ones on which theories focus, although various systems and doctrines consider that other chakras exist.
These days there is much interest in the seven chakras in the way that they relate to modern life and well-being, and this is not surprising since it is clear now that the ancient chakra system corresponds directly with the major human nerve ganglia which stem from the spinal column. The position of the chakras also relate to the endocrine glands which secrete directly into the bloodstream.
The seven chakras are generally thought of as being centres of energy within the human body, aligned with the spine, which correspond to our feelings, and emotional and behavioural characteristics. Each chakra is also commonly associated with an organ and bodily function, and is usually represented by a colour, and a 1-7 numbering system. Other sensual aspects are associated with the chakras depending on the interpretation and doctrine, for instance shapes and sounds, and human development from conception to maturity.
A person's body, mind and spiritual well-being are balanced and healthy when all of their chakras are 'clear'. When chakras are 'blocked', the related functions and feelings will be adversely affected; also the balance of the person is upset because other chakras are forced to compensate.
The seven chakras (numbered according to the chakra system) are located at the following points of the body, along the line of the spine:
(1) base of the spine
(2) lower abdomen/lower back (below navel)
(3) solar plexus (between the navel and base of sternum, which is the central vertical bone in the rib-cage)
(4) heart (centre of chest)
(5) throat (base of neck)
(6) brow (lower forehead, between eyes)
(7) crown (top of the head)
The lower chakras govern our more basic instincts related to survival and physical self.
The higher chakras govern our mental characteristics and feelings related to thought and consciousness.
Logically the central chakra - the heart - arguably bridges the two, being strongly linked both to physical and emotional feelings.
When all chakras are open and balanced, the mind, body and spiritual self, are healthy. Reiki is one of several techniques and methodologies which can 'open' or 'free' chakras that are blocked (which causes other chakras to become over-active), and thereby to restore a person's natural balance.