Chakra Healing

The word "Chakra" is a Sanskrit word for "wheel" and many people are very interested to learn about chakra healing and chakra balancing. The chakras are said to be like moving wheels, or spheres, of energy that rotate or spin in distinct areas of the body.

There are seven major chakras as well as many minor ones. You can heal and balance the chakras through various means. Some people prefer to work on this healing in the privacy of their own homes, while others seek guidance from a spiritual advisor. A little research, and you will probably find that you are drawn to one method or another. Rest assured, there is no one "right way".

The following is a short description of the seven major chakras.

The first chakra is the base, or root chakra, and it is located at the base of the spine. The root chakra deals with groundedness, self-preservation, and survival. The root chakra is involved with the adrenal gland, bones, muscles, lower extemities and the spinal column. The root chakra's element is earth and it is perceived as red. The first chakra governs our abilities to interact with the physical dimension.

The second, or sacral chakra, is located between the navel and the base of the spine in the pelvic area. This chakra influences the abdomen, hips, genitalia, and lower back. The element associated with the sacral chakra is water. The sacral chakra helps connect us to others through sensations and movement. This chakra also has to do with reproduction and desire and its color is orange.

The third chakra is the power chakra. It is located just above the navel in the solar plexus. This chakra has a lot do with our personal power and will. It is associated with the liver, spleen, stomach, pancreas, gall baldder, metabolism, digestion, and ulcers. The way we see ourselves is involved in this chakra and it is vital for energy and effectiveness. The element of the third chakra is fire and the color is yellow.

The fourth chakra is located in the center of the chest and accordingly is called the heart chakra. No surprise, this chakra influences the area around the heart, the heart itself, the circulatory system and endocrine system. This middle chakra is the emotional chakra and is linked to unconditional love and compassion. This chakra also contributes to peace and feelings of centeredness. The element associated with the fourth chakra is air and the color is green.

The fifth chakra is the throat chakra. This chakra influences the vocal cords, lungs, bronchi, and thyroid gland. This chakra is therefore, the center of self expression, communication, and creative identity. The element of the fifth chakra is sound and its color is blue. People with well trained voices are said to have a well developed throat chakra.

The sixth chakra is the third eye chakra. It is also knows as the brow chakra and is found in the center of the forehead. This chakra influences the nervous system, lower brain, pituitary gland, nose, ears and left eye. The third eye is how we see intuitively and is used for self-reflection. It is also related to intelligence, imagination and spiritual nature. The element for the third eye is light and the color is indigo.

The seventh chakra is the crown chakra and as such, is found at the top of the head. This chakra relates to the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, upper brain, pineal gland and right eye. This is the chakra of self-knowledge and awareness. This very important chakra cannot be "activated" until all the other chakras are balanced and healthy. When it is activated, the individual is open to receiving high wisdom, enlightenment, and great awareness. The seventh chakra is the spiritual chakra and when it is open, the individual is recognized as being very highly evolved. You might notice that in some pictures of saints and mystics, the seventh chakra is shown as being open and operating. The element of the seventh chakra is thought and the color is violet or sometimes, a combination of both violet and white.

The chakras are very important and it is believed they play a vital role in one's emotional and mental health, physical health, and spiritual development. The chakras are invisible except to those highly developed individuals who are praticed at using the third eye.

There are many books that go into great detail about each of the chakras. If you are interested in learning more, you will have no problem finding good reading material. Once you become aware of their importance, you will want to become educated about how to heal and balance the chakras.