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Chakra centre
The chakras are centres of psychic energy. Although they don't exist in a physical reality, they do impact upon, and reflect, the health of our physical body,as well as our emotional and mental balance. In my experience they definitely do exist, and I cannot stress enough how powerful the chakras are as a frame of reference for understanding your state of physical and mental health, and as gateways to wellness. Each chakra clearly reflects the level of well-being and balance in the related areas of your physical body.
We usually view the chakras as being located along the spinal cord, within the body, and We can understand them as being like vortexes or wheels.
In yoga therapy, I work with the chakras to help clients. The process of opening and cleansing the chakras is simple, highly informative and fun. And it works.
A quick guide to the seven main Chakras
Base (Muladhara) Chakra
Sacral (Swadhistana) Chakra
Navel (Manipura) Chakra
Heart (Anahata) Chakra
Throat (Vishuddhi) Chakra
Eyebrow (Ajna) Chakra
Crown (Sahasrara) Chakra
Base
Your Base Chakra (Muladhara) is located at your tailbone. Muladhara means 'root support', and it reflects how secure you feel in the world. Are you given to anxiety, fearing that your basic needs may not be met? (In our world that usually means money). Or, are you quite strong and solid, able to trust that life will support you? Here also lies our 'fight or flight' instinct. Physically, Base Chakra rules the physical structure of your body - your bones, muscles, flesh. Also the legs, feet and bowels. Diseases in these areas are understood and treated via the Base Chakra in Therapeutic Yoga.
Sacral
Your sacral (Swadhistana) Chakra is Situated at the pubic bone. This is your centre of sexuality, creativity, the dream world and a sense of family and belonging. Swadhistana means 'Seat of the Soul'; life force energy and joy is stored here. It is also your physical Centre of balance. Sacral (Swadhistana) rules all the waters of the body, including the urinary system and kidneys. Also the reproductive system, especially in women.
Navel
Navel Chakra (Manipura). Here lies our ego, our persona and personality, and the place from which many of us live our lives, especially our work lives. This chakra (Manipura) is located between the navel and the diaphragm, and gives us our self-worth, or the lack of it. Gut feelings spring from here, and our intelligence begins here. Manipura rules our digestive system, and good digestion brings good health.
Heart
Heart (Anahata) is located at the centre of your chest, at the breastbone but further back. Here we begin to rise above child-like 'me' consciousness and to care about others. We may feel vulnerable here, because we carry old wounds of the heart. However, Anahata has a deeper layer where a flame of eternal compassion and stillness burns. Focused attention here will bring you a huge sense of peace and expansiveness. Our physical heart and lungs, as well as our circulatory system, are Anahata. Therefore, in yoga terms, modern-day diseases of the heart and the respiratory system are accessed via an understanding of Anahata.
Throat
Throat (Vishuddhi), at the base of the throat, is about being true to yourself, self-expression and listening to your own inner voice. This is also the Chakra from which we output creatively. It rules the upper alimentary canal, the throat, and the thyroid gland. Sore throats typically represent being unable to express our truth.
Eyebrow
Eyebrow (Ajna), above the eyebrows, is the centre from which we can oversee the ups and downs of our lower centres. Here is the centre of clear thought and clear sight. Ajna rules the mind, the brain, and the pituitary and pineal glands. Clarity at Ajna makes a fundamental difference to our optimism and insight.
Crown
Crown (Sahasrara) is located at the very top of the head, where the fontanel is in newborns. It is unaffected by anything we do in life, or by our physical health. It is said that the soul enters and leaves the body from this point at the beginning of life and at death. Awareness at the Crown Chakra brings a knowing of a dimension beyond our wordly cares, and thus bestows a sense of boundless joy.