What Are the Chakras?
In Sanskrit, "Chakra" means "Wheel" or "Circle" — a beautiful metaphor for these spinning vortices of energy. When we speak of chakras, we refer to sacred gateways within the etheric layer of our subtle body, transcending the physical form.
The subtle body comprises multiple vibrating layers of energy that constitute our being beyond the physical vessel. The etheric layer forms the first stratum of this luminous architecture (see Figure 1). As we journey outward from the physical body through each successive layer, the vibration becomes increasingly refined. All these dimensions of energy — including our physical form — interpenetrate harmoniously, creating a unified and sacred system.
The chakras serve as luminous energy centres through which we send and receive cosmic universal energy — often called "Prana," "Life Force," or "Chi" — from our environment into our physical being.
Our energetic system encompasses hundreds of energy exchange points. However, the seven principal chakras remain the most revered, etherically connected along the spine and crown. The first chakra rests at the base of the spine (coccyx), whilst the seventh graces the crown of the head.
The chakras act as main gateways for the life force energy to enter and navigate the physical body (via the nadis and meridians) from the subtle bodies. At the same time, those main gateways provide exit points for lower frequency energy to be released back to the subtle bodies for transmutation and then release back to the universe. A fully opened, clockwise-spinning chakra will help energy flows through the body. While a chakra, turning counterclockwise, will move the energy out of the body. Furthermore, energy will also float up and down between the different chakras.
The physical body is dependent upon this vital energy flow to maintain optimum wellbeing. As each chakra represents an aspect of your personality, character and spiritual development, working with them will directly influence your personal growth, health, and spiritual evolution.
Each chakra is linked to organs in the physical body; but also, your psychological, emotional and spiritual wellness. Colors, stones and crystals, essential oils, shape, symbols, and numbers will influence your chakra system. In addition to its other functions, each of the seven main chakras represents a level of consciousness or a developmental stage of life.
Chakras are continually opening and closing, it’s part of their nature. If you experience something negative that sticks with you, one or more of your chakras are likely to close in response. Typically, as you release the negativity and move on, the chakras open again. However, if a chakra becomes chronically blocked, it will eventually make you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally sick and out of balance. Chakras can become blocked by long-held negative states, rigid thought patterns, negative emotions, toxins, etc.
Chakra healing focuses on restoring balance and freeing blockages, to allow the chakras to healthily moderate your energy once again.
EXPLORE THE CHAKRA SYSTEM
Chakra Racine — Muladhara
The sacred foundation of stability and inner security; our original connection with Mother Earth and the physical world.
Chakra du Cœur — Anahata
The sanctuary of love, compassion, and emotional harmony; our bridge to unconditional love and profound healing.
Nasal Chakra
The seat of emotions and creativity. Awakens intuition, sensory perception, and inner guidance; nurtures clarity and heightened awareness.
Chakra de la Gorge — Vishuddha
The voice of truth and authentic expression; nurtures communication, creativity, and the courage to speak and listen with integrity.
Chakra du Plexus Solaire — Manipura
The radiant centre of personal power, confidence, and willpower; ignites inner strength, manifestation, and profound transformation.
Third Eye Chakra — Ajna
The gateway to intuition and inner wisdom; illuminates spiritual awareness and the ability to perceive beyond the visible world.
Chakra Couronne — Sahasrara
Divine connection, higher consciousness, spiritual enlightenment, unity, and transcendence of the self.