In many spiritual and healing disciplines, and in the world of complementary medicine, the word Chakra pops up quite a bit. That’s fine if you know its meaning- not so great, and, I must say pretty confusing, if you don’t. Here’s our simple summary of the Seven Chakras that covers what a Chakra is, and what the Chakra System is all about.

The Seven Chakras are the energy centres in our body through which energy flows.

The word ‘Chakra’ is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘wheel’. Literally translated from Hindu it means ‘Wheel of spinning Energy’. A Chakra is like a whirling, vortex-like, powerhouse of energy. Within our bodies, you have seven of these major energy centres and many more minor ones.

You can think of Chakras as invisible, rechargeable batteries.

They are charged and recharged through contact with the stream of cosmic energy in the atmosphere in much the same way that your home is connected to a central power source within a city. The only difference is that this cosmic energy source is free.

Imagine this. There is a vertical ‘power-line’ rather like a fluorescent tube that runs up and down the spine, from the top of the head to the base of the spine. Think of this as your main source of energy. The seven major Chakras are in the centre of the body and are aligned with this vertical ‘power-line’.

Chakras connect your Spiritual Bodies to your Physical Body.

Chakras regulate the flow of energy throughout the electrical network (nadis and meridians) that runs through the physical body. The body’s electrical system resembles the wiring in a house. It allows electrical current to be sent to every part, and it is ready for use when needed.

Sometimes, Chakras become blocked because of stress, emotional or physical problems. If the body’s ‘energy system’ cannot flow freely, it is likely that problems will occur. The consequence of irregular energy flow may result in physical illness and discomfort or a sense of being mentally and emotionally out of balance.