What are the chakras and how do they affect my health? The chakras are energetic symbols represented by spinning wheels of light. Chakra means wheel in Sanskrit, and the ancient yogis described the chakras as the energy centers in the body through which energy flows.
The seven main chakras run along the spine, starting at the tailbone and ending at the crown of the head. They are positioned in front and in back of the body and energy passes through the spine. Each chakra may spin at a different rate of speed, and the size and brightness also vary depending on many factors including the person’s physical state, spiritual vibration, energy levels, illness, or stress.
The lower three chakras (root, sacral, and solar plexus) are connected with earthly pursuits and survival such as having our basic needs for food, shelter, and companionship/sex met.
The upper three chakras (throat, third eye, and crown) are more involved with higher level interests such as spirituality, the meaning of life, and our role in making the world a better place.
The fourth (or heart) chakra is where we balance the upper and lower chakras to find harmony and ease in our body, mind, and spirit.
Each chakra also has a corresponding endocrine gland and a nerve plexus. Therefore the chakras energy can impact the systems and organs that the glands and nerves control.
So it’s all connected. If we keep our energy system or chakra system healthy, our body and mind should stay healthy too. My next several posts will explain how the different chakras work, so stay tuned!
Lea Grimaldi, writing, reiki, yoga, fitness 