Chakras
Chakra is the word used to describe energy centers in the human body. This term is traditionally associated with philosophies, religions and systems of medicine in the Orient, but is increasingly a term used in conjunction with the scientific study of the aura and of the other human energy functions. Often, the concept of the chakra is as a manifestation of the aura. Many times in such research, the eastern terms for energy functions are used without association with a particular belief system, since Western science does not have usable terms. This can make such energy systems seem quite mystical. the energy system known as Reiki does not refer to chakras in its teachings directly, however, I use the term as a "landmark" on the body.
The energy centers, usually seen as 7 in number, have been traditionally associated with certain human qualities or functions. Briefly, the chakras are:
| Chakra | Location | Color | Body Function | Assoc. Gland | Subtle Energy Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown | Top of Head | White | Brain | Pineal | Universal Influences |
| Third Eye | Center of Forehead | Violet | Eyes, Ears, Nose | Pituitary | Extended Perception |
| Throat | Throat | Blue | Lungs, Voice, Throat | Thyroid | Verbal/Creative Expression |
| Heart | Mid-Sternum | Green | Heart, blood, circulation | Thymus | Love of all types |
| Solar Plexus | Solar Plexus - below Xyphoid | Yellow | Stomach, Liver, nerves | Pancreas | Energy and Thought |
| Sacral | Just above Pubic bone | Orange | Reproductive System | Gonads | Sex, societal expression |
| Base, or Root | Base of Spine - perineum | Red | Spinal Column, kidneys | Adrenals | Physical energy, will to live |
They are generally seen as whirling vortices of energy, in various colors. Dysfunction is perceived as a changed rotation or limitation of rotation, along with changes in color.
Various religious traditions have used the understanding of chakras or their equivalent as a way of expanding consciousness or healing. Some traditions have used other names for centers of energy, especially in China:
| Energy Center | Location | Function | Energy Type | Chakra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Tan T'ien | between the eyebrows | inspiration | shen | Third Eye |
| Middle Tan T'ien | center of chest | intuition | ch'i | Heart |
| Lower Tan T'ien | 2-3" below navel | instinct | jing | Sacral |
| Upper Chou | neck to diaphragm | - | - | Throat/Heart |
| Middle Chou | diaphragm to navel | - | - | Solar Plexus |
| Lower Chou | navel to perineum | - | - | sacral - base/root |
