How the chakras work ?

Chakra, or in Sankrit, “cakra” literally means “wheel” or “circle” but in the yogic context, a better translation is “vortex” or “whirlpool”.

Therefore, the chakras are the vortex of panic energy at some specific area in the body that controls the circulation of the prana.

The vortex is the perfect image to understand how the chakra is created.

Our body is composed of a network to which chakras are connected. This network is composed of psychic channels called the nadis; in a more scientific way, this will correspond to the nerves but is more subtle in nature.

At the meeting point of the nadis, a vortex is then created; that’s what we call a chakra.

Each chakra is a switch that opens up patterns of behaviour or emotional reactions that may have been unconscious in our everyday lives. They relate to specific areas of the brain, and in most people, these psychic centres lie dormant and inactive.

To stimulate the flow of energy in the chakras and to help them be activated, it is important to have full concentration on them while performing yogic practices.

We have 114 chakras in our human body, but we always talk about and focus on the seven main ones.

Picture from Danielle Caners. www.artistherbalist.com

The major chakras are located along the pathway of the sushumna, one of the three main nadis in our human body, located along the spine.

Suhsumna originates at the perineum and terminates at the top of the head.

As you might have heard about the serpent coiled or seen some images with this snake going up along the spine, this represents the awakening of the kundalini. It shows the energy flow going along the spine by the root chakra at the perineum, through the others, and finishing at the head, the crown one.

The aim of yoga is to awaken the dormant kundalini through self-purification and concentration of the mind and to lead it up through the chakras.

The seven main chakras

Mooladhara chakra, aka root chakra

Based at the perineum in the male body and at the cervix in the female body.

Mool means 'root', and adhara means 'place'.

The earth element, mooladhara, will be associated with the senses of grounding, survival instincts, and connection to the earth.

Swadhisthana chakra, aka sacral chakra

Based approximately two fingers width above the mooladhara chakra, in the spine

The literal meaning of the word swadhistana is ‘one’s own abode’. The sanskrit words swa mean 'self' and sthan mean ‘dwelling place’.

The water element, swadhistana, is associated with seeking pleasure and security. It is the seat of the individual and collective unconscious.

Manipura chakra, aka solar plexus chakra

Situated in the spine behind the navel.

The word mani means ‘gem’ and pura means ‘city’. Therefore, manipura means ‘city of jewels’.

It is called like this because it is located behind the fire centre; it is lustrous like a jewel and radiant with vitality and energy.

The fire element, manipura, is the centre of self-assertion, dynamism, and dominance. It is associated with vision and the feet, with ambition, and with the will and ability to rule.

Anahata chakra, aka heart chakra

Situated in the spine, behind the sternum, level with the heart

The word anahata literally means ‘unstruck’. The primordial sound, which originates from beyond this material world, is the source of all sound and is known as anahata nada, the unstruck sound. The heart centre is where the soul manifests. Perceived by the yogi as the pulse of the universe.

The air element, anahata chakra, is the centre associated with the sense of touch (feeling), the hands (gibing and taking), and emotions, ranging from the narrow attachments of jealousy to unconditional love.

Vishuddhi chakra, aka throat chakra

Situated at the back of the neck, behind the throat pit.

The word shuddhi means ‘purification’ and the prefix vi enhances this quality.

Ether element, vishuddhi chakra governs the ears and the vocal cords, the region of the larynx, and the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It is the centre related with communication.

Ajna chakra, aka third eye chakra

Situated in the midbrain, behind the eyebrow centre, at the top of the spine

The word ajna means ‘command’. In a deep state of meditation, the disciple receives commands and guidance from the higher self through this chakra.

The element of this chakra is the mind; this is where wisdom and intuition develop. Ajna corresponds to the pineal gland.

Sahasrara chakra, aka crown chakra

Situated at the crown of the head.

The word sahasrara means ‘one thousand’.

It is the abode of the highest consciousness. The fusion of matter and energy, the individual soul with the supreme soul. When kundalini awakens, it ascends through the chakras to sahasrara and merges into the source from whence it originated.

Having attained this, the yogi gains supreme knowledge and passes beyond birth and death.

I will write articles in detail to explain each chakra. Stay tuned and subscribe to be noticed when I will release them.

Namaste