What are chakras?
The word "chakra" is much more mainstream than when I started as an energy medicine practitioner back in the 90s, but what IS a chakra and why are they important to your health and well-being?
The word Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel. In a way they do look like wheels, but more accurately, they are vortexes. There are seven major chakras located along the midline of the body (although there are more above and below, as well as many minor chakras...that's a topic for another day!)
We know that each of the seven major chakras is located at a nerve plexus. We also know that the energy frequency emitted at each of those location matches the color that has been associated with that energy center since ancient times. So science is on its way to confirming what ancient healers have know for thousands of years!
Each chakra has associated areas of the body, purpose, meaning, and color. They are how we receive, assimilate and transmit our life energies. Ideally, we want the flow of energy in our chakras to be open, connected and balanced. When it isn't, due to stress, trauma, environment, conditioning, etc, it can effect our health, relationships, state of mind, spiritual connection...virtually any and all aspects of existence.
So, it is really valuable to have an understanding of how this system works, as well as awareness of imbalances in your own system, and how to bring about greater balance and flow.
Starting next Wednesday the 22nd, I am going to post about each chakra, starting with the 1st or Root. I will talk about the associations with that center, and questions you can ask yourself to assess it's health and balance, as well as suggestions for opening the flow of energy.
I invite you to share this information, as well as leave comments about your experiences and questions.