Chakras are the nexus of metaphysical and biophysical energy residing in human body. They are the loci of life energy or “prana shakti” or “chi”.
The function of the chakras is to spin and draw in this Universal Life Force Energy to keep the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health of the body in balance.The earliest known mention of chakras is found in the Upanishads.
There are seven major chakras or plexuses in human body representing seven major organs, which controls our physiochemical and mental processes.
Since the energy flow begins from head and moves downward hence the chakras will be described from head to feet. The seven chakras are as follows:
- Crown or Sahasrara chakra
- Brow or Third eye or ajna chakra
- Throat or Vishuddha chakra
- Heart or Anahata chakra
- Navel or Solar or Manipura chakra
- Belly or Sacral or Swadhishthana chakra
- Root or Mooladhara chakra
Crown or Sahasrara Chakra: This chakra is located at the top of the cranium. It represents pituitary or master gland (regulates functions of other glands). This chakra indicates one’s spirituality. Crown chakra is represented by the color violet (which has the highest frequency among the visible light spectrum) or white (which is the equal combination of all colors). Element associated with this chakra is space.
Brow or Third Eye Chakra: Brow chakra is located between two brows. Pineal gland is represented by this chakra (according to many scientists pineal gland is the vestigial third eye and now it is converted into photoreceptive organ. Mark of the third eye is also visible externally in the primitive animal like tuatara or Rynchocephalia.). This is the chakra of psychic perception and helps in the creation of personal realities.Brow chakra is represented by indigo or dark blue. Element associated with this chakra is time.
Throat or Vishuddha Chakra: this chakra is located at the base of the neck and represents thyroid and parathyroid gland. Throat chakra performs the communication and expression with both material and spiritual world. The color light blue represents this chakra. Element associated with this chakra is life.
Heart or Anahata Chakra: Heart chakra is located behind the breastbone or thymus. This chakra represent heart and thymus gland. This chakra is associated with emotions and universal love. Color of this chakra is green or rose. Element associated with this chakra is air.
Navel or Solar or Manipura Chakra: Solar plexus is located in between the lower ribs. The organs represented by this chakra are pancreas, liver and other gastric organs. This is the energy assimilation center of the body. Color of this chakra is yellow. Element associated with this chakra is fire.
Belly or Sacral or Swadhishthana Chakra: Its location is few inches below the navel. This chakra represents spleen in male and uterus in female. Old emotions are stored here and this is the center for sexuality and purification of emotions. This chakra is the seat of kundalini that is why it is called swadhishatana (swa=own, adhishthana=position) chakra. The color represented by this chakra is orange. Element associated with this chakra is water.
Root or Mooladhara Chakra: It is located at the anus or genitals. The organs represented by this chakra are adrenal gland and excretory organs. This chakra is the gateway of life and death, birth and rebirth and basic emotions. The color of this chakra is crimson red (which has the lowest frequency among the visible spectrum of light). Element associated with this chakra is earth.
Besides the major chakras, there are many minor chakras, which are situated at the palm of hand or base of the feet.
There is another level of important energy center or chakra, which is situated beyond the crown chakra and above the physical body.this chakra is called the transpersonal chakra. Color of this chakra is clear (that means it has the frequency which is higher than visible light spectrum). This chakra unites with the oneness and the goddess-within.
Below the physical feet is the earth or ground chakra. This chakra is represented by the color black. This is the point, which connects us with mother earth.
If these major chakras are properly energized and in harmony, the whole body and the organs will perform well and we can live a healthy life physically, mentally and spiritually.