Traditionally, it is considered that there are seven major chakras, or energy centres as they are sometimes referred to in the human energy system, each relating to parts of the body, organs and glands. Each chakra is associated with different functions and correlates to a spectrum colour and one of the five senses. In addition, they relate to one of the seven levels of the aura, sometimes known as the subtle bodies.
The word ‘chakra’ derives from the Sanskrit word for ‘wheel’. Chakras are also often symbolised as flowers opening – for example, the thousand-petalled lotus is a favoured description for the Crown Chakra at the top of the head. They are also perceived to be like cones or cups and the symbolism of a chalice is often used for the Crown Chakra.
The Chakras are located at various points around the energy system of the body, in front of the spinal column and are aligned vertically up and down the spine. This line of energy centres is sometimes termed the “Hara” line. They are areas where several or many of the major and minor meridians and channels meet or cross.
Asian cultures have been aware of these centres for about 4,000 years and it’s only in the last 50 years or so that this information has filtered into the west and been accepted.
Chakras are energy centres within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. They are sometimes described as energy transformers, which monitor the amount of energy entering and leaving the energy field. Depending on circumstances and the state of the energy field, chakras can seem lethargic and slow moving or sparky and overactive. Ideally, each chakra will be balanced with its six counterparts, so energy works evenly throughout the system.
However, a perfectly balanced and harmonious chakra system is relatively rare, and a degree of imbalance is essential to allow changes and spiritual evolution to take place. Therefore, such imbalances should be viewed as signs of positive growth and not a cause for worry or alarm.
There are also 21 other minor chakras. There are also twenty-one minor chakras situated around the body, and you actively use the ones in the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet when you are giving or receiving Reiki.
Each Chakra is linked to one of the 7 layers of the Aura with the lowest level Chakras being linked to the innermost and densest layer of the Aura, and the higher-level Chakras being linked with the lighter, more diffuse outer layers.