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April 7, 2021Chakra: The Energy Centers
Eastern philosophy and medicine originating in ancient India and China have traditionally regarded body structures and the life processes as inseparable. Chakras, as Indians would call them, are the energy centers in a person’s biological field. All vital functions of the human body are determined by energy that spins in the chakras. These can be referred to as whirlpools, energy bursts, or wheels.
The process of energy transformation happens in these centers. Vital energy, along with blood, circulates around the meridians in the chakras and fuels all organs in the human body. When the circulation in these meridians stagnates, the human body becomes susceptible to various disorders as well.
The Chakra System
There are 49 chakras mentioned in the Vedic Canons, seven of which are basic; 21 are in the second circle, and another 21 in the third circle. According to the Vedas, there are multiple energy channels leading to different locations. Three of these channels are basic. The first one, shushumna, is hollow and is concentrated in the spine. The other two energy pathways, ida and pingala, are located on either side of the spine. These two channels are the most active in most people, while shushumna remains stagnant.
The seven basic chakras spin at high speeds in the body of healthy individuals, but slow down in times of sickness, or with age. When the body is in a balanced state, the chakras remain partially open. On the contrary, closed chakras are unable to receive energy, leading to various ailments.
Muladhara
The first basic chakra, Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine in the tailbone area. Life energy, which is at the core of a strong and healthy immune system, is stored in this chakra. It is impossible for a person to become sick, old, or even die before exhausting his or her reserves of this vital energy. The will to live is controlled by Muladhara. It is also in charge of the bones and joints, teeth, nails, urogenital system, and the large intestine. Symptoms of a malfunctioning Muladhara include, irrational fear, dizziness, insecurity, and intestinal conditions.
Svadhistana
The second chakra, Svadhistana, is located at the level of the sacrum, three or four fingers below the belly button. This chakra regulates the pelvis, kidneys, and sexual functions. Other peoples’ emotions are also felt through this chakra. A malfunctioning Svadhistana include, kidney troubles, cystitis, and arthritis.
Manipura
The third chakra, Manipura, is found in the solar plexus area. This chakra is the center for storing and distributing energy produced by digestion and breathing. It is responsible for vision, the gastrointestinal system, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, and the nervous system. Symptoms of a stagnant Manipura are, increased and constant worrying, as well as stomach, liver, and nervous disorders.
Anahata
The fourth chakra, Anahata, otherwise known as the heart chakra, is located in the chest area. We generate and receive love through this chakra. It is in charge of the heart, lungs, bronchi, hands, and arms. Symptoms of stagnation include, depression, and cardiovascular imbalances.
Vishudha
The fifth chakra, Vishudha, is located in the throat and is the core of analytical skills and logic. This chakra sustains the skin, hearing, trachea, and the lungs. Symptoms include a lack of emotional stability, discomfort in the cervical spine, soar throats, difficulties communicating, and esophagus and thyroid ailments.
Vishudha
The sixth chakra, Adjna, is located between the eyebrows and is also referred to as the third eye. Here is the throne for the human brain. Adjna circulates energy to the head and pituitary gland and is also responsible for determining our harmonious development. If a person’s third eye ceases to function properly, one might notice a decrease in intellectual ability, headaches and migraines, earaches, olfactory illnesses, and psychological disorders.
Sahasrara
The seventh chakra, Sahasrara, is found at the very top of the head. It is where the energy vibrates with the highest frequency. It is the entrance for cosmic energy. A stagnant Sahasrara can result in a decreased or lack of inner wisdom, as well as lack of basic intuition.
Balancing The Chakras
The easiest way to keep the chakras balanced is through a set of physical exercises. Practitioners call these rituals. These rituals allow the human body to mold its energy centers to an ideal level of function. The seven rituals, one for each chakra, must be performed together every morning and when not possible, in the evening. The daily chakra rituals are necessary not only for revitalizing the body, but also for achieving success in every facet of life.