Chakras: Intro To The Seven Chakras
09/10/22 15:53 Filed in:
ChakrasChakra is a Sanskrit word meaning spinning wheel. These are a system of seven energy centres located along the spine. Each chakra corresponds to an area of the body, a set of behavioural characteristics and stages of spiritual growth. Practicing yoga and focusing our energies during different postures helps us to align our chakras and get all the wheels spinning in the same direction and at a synchronous speed. Understanding how to fine tune and control our chakras through yoga and meditation helps bring balance and peace to our mind, body and spirit.
There are seven chakras, each associated with a different part of the body along the spine from the perineum to the crown of our head. Each chakra is associated with a particular body location, a colour, a central emotional/behavioural issue, as well as many other personal aspects including identity, goals, rights, etc.
The seven chakras are:
- Muladhara- base of the spine
- Svadhisthana- abdomen, genitals, lower back/hip
- Manipura- solar plexus
- Anahata- heart area
- Vishuddha- throat
- Ajna- brow
- Sahasrara- top of head, cerebral cortex.
Through the movements and postures of yoga, we learn to focus our concentration and energy to and from the various chakras in our body. This allows us to compensate for areas that may be out of sync with the rest of our body or not active at all. By balancing the energy among all seven of the chakras, balance is achievable.
This spiritual energy is known as Kundalini energy. In its dormant state, it is visualized as a coiled up snake resting at the base of our spine, the Muladhara chakra. Since the chakras act as valves or pumps regulating the flow of energy through our system, controlled and purposeful movements such as yoga is extremely beneficial in realigning our chakras in a way greatly benefits us and promotes our physical and emotional wellbeing.
