Chakras are vortices of energy located inside our subtle, auric or astral body. These are energy systems whose images have been captured using hi-technology imagery such as holographic patterning and Kirlian photography. There are seven chakras that operate within each of us – the Coccyx Chakra (Mooladhar), the Sacral Chakra (Swadishtan), the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipur), the Heart Chakra (Anahit), the Throat Chakra (Vishuddhi), the Brow Chakra (Ajan) and the Head Chakra (Sahasrar).
Chakras literally mean "wheels," as they are visible as wheels of energy in imagery, running from the base of the spine to the crown of our head, networking the body with more than 72,000 junctions. (Source: Acupuncture And The Chakra Energy System- Treating The cause of The Disease; Author: John R. Cross, FCSP, DrAc, SRP, MRSH; The Chakras, Pages 6-48)
The chakra system performs a wide variety of functions for the human body. I have outlined some of the basic functions:
1. The chakras allow energy to flow into and out of the aura (as they are openings). They thus allow exchange of energy with the Universal Energy Fields (UEF).
2. Energies of higher frequencies are transformed by the chakras into glandular hormonal output and this affects our whole body. Thus chakras opening to their full extent is vital for to attain a healthier human system through better channelization of UEF.
3. Chakras, which originate at the etheric body level, are also connected to physical and cellular structures through fine and subtle energy channels called nadis or auric fibers. They distribute the life force of the chakra into all the parts of our physical body.
4. This subdivision of the chakras called auric fibers is also interconnected with our nervous system. They thus affect the quality and type of nerve transmission within the CNS and the peripheral nerves. Dysfunction at this level causes pathological changes in the nervous system.
5. As chakras are located at every major endocrine system gland, they also activate the glands such as pancreas, thymus, thyroid, pituitary, etc.
6. Chakras are also associated with the function of perception. This is in combination with the interconnection of nervous and hormonal systems exert influence on our psychodynamic functions.
7. Glandular activity and emotional expression of every person is closely related via the chakras. The hormonal activity of the major endocrine glands is dependent on the energizing influence of the chakras.
8. Apart from this, each of the chakras are associated with the following psychological functions:
• Pubic center Chakra – Love for the opposite sex and interchange of pleasure
• Solar plexus Chakra - Consciousness of life and awareness of who we are
• Heart Chakra – Love for others and openness to life
• Throat Chakra – Understanding and assimilating
• Coccygeal Center – Quantity of physical energy and a will to live
• Sacral center – Quantity of sexual energy
• Diaphragmatic Center - Healing and intention towards ones heart
• Between shoulder blades – will towards outer world and ego
• Neck Base – self awareness and sense of self
• Mental executive – ability to carry out ideas in a practical way
• Brow center – Ability to visualize and understand mental concepts
• Crown center – Integration of total personality at the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual planes
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognized Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com