The Chakras are the energy centers of the body. They are spinning wheels/vortexes of energy that correspond with the bodies nerves plexuses and endocrine system.
Sound’s pretty out there, I know. But give me a chance to explain..
OK, so the body is made up of energy. Although we have a physical form, it is governed and given life by a life force, an energy that is automatic, an energy that runs through all things that are living. This is a bloody miracle and we should marvel at this fact every day. An amazing life force that shivers through our body without us even asking it to! Wow.
Anyway, scientists are struggling to explain and understand how and why and what this energy is, where it came from how life came to be as it is. What is consciousness? And how did it come about? All of these questions… but this article is about CHAKRAs, so I will get back to the point…
7 Energy Centers
So this energy that is in our bodies is centred at 7 major locations of the body, the 7 chakras. Imagine it is like a spinning wheel of energy which is concentrated in specific areas. Now these areas of concentrated energy happen to spin over the 7 major endocrine glands of the body. One of the functions of the chakras is to correspond with the bodies endocrine and nervous system and maintain balance and harmony in the physical body. The endocrine system’s primary function (explained very briefly) is to control and monitor the bodies hormone levels and metabolize nutrients. The chakras also have an effect of on subtle body, on our mind, feelings and emotions. When a chakra is out of balance (which can mean under or over active). it manifests in our physical and mental bodies.
So let’s take a look at where these 7 chakras are, and what they govern-
1st) The Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra) . Located at the base of the spine. Related endocrine glands = Testes/Ovaries. The Root Chakra governs our feelings about the physical world, of security, safety and instinct. Element = Earth.
2nd) The Sacral Chakra (Svadhistana Chakra). Located in the Sacral area. Related endocrine glands = Adrenals. The Sacral Chakra houses our emotions, creativity and sexuality. Element = Water.
3rd) Solar plexus Chakra (Manipura Chakra). Related endocrine gland= Pancreas.The Solar Plexus Chakra controls our sense of power in life, confidence, freedom and action. Element = Fire.
4th) Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra). Located in the heart area. Related endocrine gland = Thymus Gland. The Heart Chakra is the centre of love and compassion. Element = Air.
5th) Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra). Related endocrine gland = Thyroid Gland. The Throat Chakra governs speech and self expression as well as communication with ourselves and others.
6th) Third Eye Chakra (Ajna Chakra). Located between the eyebrows/centre of forehead. Related endocrine gland = Pituitary Gland. The third eye chakra is related to clairvoyance, imagination and psychic ability.
7th) Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra). Located at the crown of the head. Related to the Pineal Gland. The highest of the chakras is related to connectedness, oneness with life, bliss, understanding and knowing.
So here is a basic introduction to the chakras. In later articles, I will go into more detail about each of them.
Try a chakra themed yoga class in Palm Cove with Beth from Hartig Yoga.