About Chakras or the Energy Centers

Chakras are centers of energy and consciousness within the subtle energy body. They are directly connected with the physical body. The balance of the chakras provides the foundation for physical, mental, emotional health. There are hundreds of chakras connected to the human body, but there are 7 main chakras that are the focal point to begin to understand the energetic anatomy and how it relates to your biology and your psychology.

Although descriptions of similar energies have been described in many ancient cultures, the word "Chakra" is a Sanskrit word which means "wheel". Each chakra looks like a three dimensional circle that has a color of resonance. The spinal column supports the complex interconnection between the chakras and each chakra is related to a gland in the endocrine system.

The chakras are always present, but as you begin to actively pursue yoga the life force in your body begins to awaken your energy body. As you become more aware of the subtle workings of your body self awareness comes in the form of elevated states of consciousness which ultimately lead to union of the individual self with the Cosmic Self.

To learn more about the 7 major chakra centers of the body click on the individual chakra buttons (left).

Bibliography and Suggested Reading

• Anatomy of the Spirit, Caroline Myss, PhD. ISBN 0-609-80014-0.
• Why People Don’t Heal, and How They Can, Caroline Myss, Ph.D.. ISBN 0-609-80244-0.
• The 7 Healing Chakras, Brenda Davies, M.D., ISBN 1-56975-168-4.
• New Chakra Healing, Cyndi Dale, ISBN 1-56718-200-3.
• Wheels of Life, Anodea Judith, Ph.D, ISBN 0-87542-320-5.
• The Yoga Tradition, Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., ISBN 0-934252-83-1.
• The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Sogyal Rinpoche, ISBN 0-06-250834-2.
• The Chakras, C.W. Leadbeater, 1927, ISBN 0-8356-0422-5.
• Jiva Mukti Yoga, Sharon Gannon & David Life, 2002, ISBN 0-345-44208-3

There are 7 energy centers called "Chakras" and they parallel the spine. Each chakra has certain qualities and associations. There are yoga postures, meditations and breath control techniques that help us get this energy in balance.