What are Chakras?

The Seven Major Chakras and Their Colors

All things in the Universe are made of energy.  If you look at the model of an atom, you will see that it is comprised of Protons, Neutrons and Electrons.   The part that is often not thought of is what is in-between those things.   What holds it together?   What holds collections of atoms together to form larger pieces of matter?  The answer is Energy.   A sea of energy surrounds all things.   Some energy can be measured, others can't.   Just because something can't be measured yet, doesn't mean that it doesn't exist!

This Universal energy enters and nourishes our Auras and physical bodies through portals called Chakras. Mankind has had knowledge of the Chakras long before the modern age.  For thousands of years they have been an integral part of yoga philosophy in India. In Sanskrit, the word "chakra" (correctly pronounced chock-ruh but commonly called shock-ruh) means wheel.  These wheels turn or spin is specific directions and are said to resemble whirlpools.  In addition, our seven major chakras are associated with different colors of the spectrum of light.

Reiki and the Chakras

The conventional hands positions associated with Reiki healing focus on the actual 7 main chakras.   These Chakras may become have become imbalanced, due to stress, illness, or other factors.. Restoring order and health to the Chakras is very important to the wellness, simply because interferences within power circulation can result in sickness.

Reiki can clear the chakras of discordant energy and blockages, restoring the harmonious flow of Ki.

Energy flows both into and out of the aura through the chakras.  You can read my post on the Aura here for more information on the Aura.

For each major chakra on the front of the body, there is its pair on the back. Together they are considered to be the front and rear aspect of one chakra. Some consider the root and crown chakras can be pairs.

The seven major chakras are described here:

1. Root chakra (Red)
   
   The Root Chakra is associated with the core survival aspects of life. A balanced root chakra will result in a healthy desire for basics needs for survival (food, warmth, shelter, etc.)
2. Sacral chakra (Orange)
   
   The second Chakra corresponds to “gut feeling” emotions, creativity, sexuality and libido.
3. Solar plexus chakra (Yellow)
   
   This Chakra is associated with self confidence, intellect, and a clear sense of purpose.  It is also the source of our personal power.  When this chakra is functioning properly, its energy helps us to manifest our hopes and dreams into reality.  When this Chakra is not functioning properly, it can psychologically manifest as insecurity about physical or financial matters.  Physically, an imbalance can lead to digestive disorders.
4. Heart chakra (Green and sometimes Pink)
   
   The heart chakra is associated with love and emotional well being.  When it is healthy, our ability to give and receive unconditional love and compassion is optimal.  When not healthy this chakra often results psychologically in feelings of sadness, fear and anger and can physically manifest as heart disease.
5. Throat chakra (Blue)
   
   The throat chakra is associated with communication and expression of mental creativity. When this chakra is functioning properly, we are able to communicate or ideas and express our truths.  When not functioning properly, communication can suffer.  This can lead to stress and frustration. We may over eat and drink. Physical manifestations of a dysfunctional Throat Chakra may be respiratory diseases, dental disorders, and low self-esteem.
   
   
6. Third-eye chakra (Indigo)
   
   This Chakra is often associated with intuition and clairvoyance, as well as our ability to visualize and manifest.  An imbalance in this Chakra can manifest itself persistent headaches, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
7. Crown Chakra (Violet or White)
   The crown chakra is our direct connection with God.  When it is balanced we feel at one with the universe.   Many spiritually advanced people believe that expansion of the crown chakra enables us to tap into the highest sources of spiritual wisdom.  Blockages can result in feeling lonely, fearing death, and needing to compare ourselves to others.