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Segment I: The Chakra System


Lesson 1: What is a Chakra?

If we look at ourselves from a broad perspective, we find that we are much more than a physical body. There is the body, mind, and spirit. The body refers to your physical body, the mind refers to your thought processes, and the spirit is your soul and your bodys energy system. They are all inter-related, for one cannot exist without the other in this realm. This lesson series addresses the chakras, a part of the bodys energy system.

The word “chakra” is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel”. Specifically, a chakra is an “energy wheel”, or vortex. A Chakra is thought to be formed at a point on the body where multiple energy lines cross. There are 7 major chakra’s, 21 minor chakra’s and numerous lesser chakra’s. The seven major Chakra’s are formed at points where energy lines of the body cross 21 times. The 21 minor chakra’s are formed where energy lines cross 14 times. There are many lesser chakra’s in which the energy lines cross fewer than 14 times. These lesser chakra’s are said to correspond to acupuncture points or the points along meridians as in Applied Kinesiology.
This series addresses the 7 major chakras. These 7 chakras are considered very important in energy healing. Although this series addresses the chakra’s from a clinical point of view, whenever possible we will look at them from the energy healing perspective. For the remainder of this series, the term "chakra" will refer to the 7 major chakra’s.

A chakra is considered to be an energy vortex, where energy exchange occurs with the Universal Energy Field (i.e., the universe). Energy flows into the chakra, ultimately finding its way into the nervous system. Each of the chakra would appear as a circular energy vortex about 5 inches in diameter at a distance of 1 inch from the body. This would be within the first, or etheric, layer of the aura. The chakra tapers as it gets deeper into the body, where it comes to a point at a location very close to the spinal cord. This point is referred to as the root of the chakra. The roots of all chakra’s are connected through a line of energy within the body, which runs through and parallel to the spinal cord. This line of energy is called a meridian. There are many meridians in the body.

A normal chakra is one which has energy flowing into it in a clockwise direction. The clockwise direction may be determined by placing a watch over the chakra location and noticing the direction of the second hand. A "clockwise: chakra is sometimes referred to as an "open" chakra. It is important for chakra to be open because it increases our energy flow, which is necessary for good spiritual, emotional and physical health. A person with all open chakra’s is freely expressing life as they were intended to, expressing appropriate emotions, and is uninhibited by their situation or criticism by others.

If energy is not flowing into a chakra, the chakra is termed "shut" or "blocked". If energy is leaving the bodies energy system rather than being absorbed by it, the chakra is termed one which has "counterclockwise energy flow". In these cases, little or no energy is being exchanged with the universe. Lack of energy flow into the human energy system eventually results in physical disease. A person with multiple shut chakra has difficulty expressing life freely and has difficulty in relating to life in general. All chronic illnesses have a physical, emotional and spiritual effect on the person, and are always accompanied by one or more shut chakra’s.

Although we term chakra as being "open" or "shut", differing degrees of open and shut exist. Chakra’s may also be termed as "hyperactive", or "weak". These terms are used to describe the relative energy levels of one chakra to another. The term "balancing" refers to equalizing the energy intake of each chakra so that they are all nearly equal.

The chakra also transmit energy between the layers of the aura. This is done through the tips or roots of the chakra’s. Properly functioning chakra are essential to the normal aura. Whether one reads auras or diagnoses through chakra’s, normality of one indicates normality of the other, and dysfunction of one is indicative of dysfunction of the other. However, regardless of how one diagnoses, the chakra and aura must be corrected or cleansed independently.

Each chakra has a specific function associated with it, and governs a certain area of our personality, spirituality, specific glands, specific organs, and is associated with a specific layer of the aura. If a specific chakra is open, those specific areas associated with it will be normal and healthy. If the chakra, on the other hand is shut, those areas which it should be nourishing will eventually enter an unhealthy state.

In future lessons we will identify these specific characteristics of each chakra. We will take a look at the organ systems related to the chakra, the effects of the chakra being blocked., the relation of that particular chakra to the aura, and a few disorders that may be indicative of a blocked chakra. We will also define a color associated with each chakra, advanced lessons will address the significance of this color.



Lesson 2: The Locations of the 7 Major Chakras

The 7 chakra’s are numbered 1 through 7. Chakra’s 1 and 7 are not paired. Chakra’s 2 through 6 are paired, with one component emerging from the front of the body and the other component emerging from the back. For the paired chakra’s, they are commonly labeled "A" for the “anterior” or front component and "B" for the back component. For example, 3 would have 2 components, 3A and 3B.

For the paired chakra’s 2 through 5, the front component is associated with "feeling" or "emotional" centers. The back component is associated with the "will" center. Both the front and back components of chakra 6 are associated with mental functions. Chakra 1 is only associated with the "will" center and Chakra 7 is only associated with the mental center.

Chakra 1 is also known as the base or coccygeal chakra. Although it is not paired, some believe it to be paired with chakra number 7, the crown chakra. Its location is between the anus and sex organ, and opens in a downward direction.

Chakra 2 is known as the sacral chakra and is paired. The front component, 2A, is located right below the navel and is also known as the pubic center. The rear component, 2B, is located at the sacrum (the triangular shaped bone at the base of your spine), and is also known as the sacral center.

Chakra 3 is known as the solar plexus chakra and is paired. The front component, 3A, is located right below the breast bone at the solar plexus (hence its name). The rear component, 3B, also known as the diaphragmatic center, is located on the back behind the solar plexus, about at the level of T8 to T9.

Chakra 4 is known as the heart chakra and is paired. The front component, 4A, is located at the breast bone. The rear component, 4B, is located right between the shoulder blades, and is referred to as the ego center.

Chakra 5 is also known as the throat chakra and is also paired. The front component, 5A, is located in front of the throat. The rear component, 5B, is located at the back of the neck. Sometimes chakra 5B is also called the professional center.

Chakra 6 is known as the head or "third eye" chakra, and is the last of the paired chakra. The front component, 6A, is known as the forehead center or simply the "third eye", and is located in the center of the forehead. The rear component, 6B, is known as the mental executive center, and is located at the back of the head.

Chakra 7 is unpaired and is known as the crown chakra. Although it is not paired, some believe it to be paired with chakra number 1, the coccygeal chakra. It is located at the top of the head and opens in an upward direction.



Lesson 3: Chakra 1. The Root Chakra

Chakra 1, the base, root, or coccygeal chakra, is related to physical energy and the will to live. This chakra is technically unpaired in the traditional sense, but some consider it to be paired with chakra number 7, the crown chakra. The coccygeal chakra controls the will centers associated with it. There are no feeling centers associated with the coccygeal chakra.

If the coccygeal chakra is open and working properly, the individual has a strong will to live and is "well grounded" in physical reality. The person would be characterized by having a strong belief system and as one who has a lot of physical energy.

Should the coccygeal chakra be shut, the physical energy level of the person will be low, and the person will avoid physical activity because the energy simply will not be there to participate in such activities. The persons will to live will be affected, and the person may be suffering from one or more chronic illnesses. The person may be described as "sickly" or "weak".

The color associated with the coccygeal chakra is red. The coccygeal chakra is related to the Etheric Body of the aura (the first layer). This chakra and auric layer relates to the physical plane.
The coccygeal chakra nourishes the adrenal glands, hence its relation to physical energy, and the kidneys. The adrenal glands secrete cortisol, norepinephrine, adrenaline, estrogen, androgens, mineralocorticoids (plays an important role in mineral balance), glucocorticoid (plays an important role in glucose metabolism), and a wide variety of other hormones essential to normal, healthy living. The kidneys eliminate toxins and waste products from the body and play an important role in water and mineral balance. If the coccygeal chakra is open, these organs will be working properly, whereas malfunction of these organs would indicate a blocked coccygeal chakra.

Addison's disease (hypoadrenalism) results from the failure of the adrenal cortex to produce sufficient adrenocortical hormones. Cushing's syndrome (hyperadrenalism) results from the adrenal cortex secreting too much cortisol. It would be likely that a blocked coccygeal chakra would be found in persons with these disorders.



Lesson 4: Chakra 2. The Sacral Chakra

Chakra 2, the sacral chakra, is related to ones communion with another person. The sacral chakra is paired, with the pubic center opening to the front (2A) and the sacral center opening to the rear (2B).

The pubic center, chakra 2A, is related to the quality of love for the opposite sex, and the feelings that are associated with a healthy relationship. The pubic center of the sacral chakra is one of the "feeling" centers.

The sacral center, chakra 2B, is related to sex drive and the quantity of sexual energy. The sacral center of the sacral chakra is one of the "will" centers.

If the sacral chakra are open and working properly, the person has the drive for and capability for a normal sexual relationship with a person of the opposite sex. The quality of love, and the associated giving and receiving within the relationship would be overflowing, beyond that of simply physical pleasure.

Should the sacral chakra become shut, the physical energy available for a sexual relationship will be low, and the associated feelings will have something "missing". Inability to achieve orgasm would indicate a block in the pubic center. Lack of sex drive would indicate a block in the sacral center.

The color associated with the sacral chakra is orange. The sacral chakra is related to the Emotional Body of the aura (the second layer). This chakra and auric layer relates to the physical plane.
The sacral chakra nourishes the gonads and other organs of the reproductive system. The gonads secrete the sex hormones, testosterone in the male and estrogen in the female. If the sacral chakra is open, these organs will be working properly. If these organs are not functioning correctly, for example, infertility, impotence, or certain hormone imbalances, this would indicate a blocked sacral chakra.



Lesson 5: Chakra 3. The Solar Plexus Chakra

Chakra 3, the solar plexus chakra, is related to one knowing their place in the universe and the desire for good physical, emotional and spiritual health. This chakra is paired. The solar plexus chakra (3A), opens to the front and is associated with the "feeling" center and the diaphragmatic center (3B), opens to the rear, and is associated with the "will" center.

The solar plexus chakra, 3A, is related to knowing ones place within the universe and the feeling of "connectedness" and of "belonging" within the universe. Firm grounding within the universe, and a free expression of one's being are characteristics of a strong and healthy solar plexus chakra. The solar plexus chakra is also important in our connections with others. Spiritual connections between two individuals often involves the solar plexus chakra.

The diaphragmatic center, chakra 3B, is related to ones desire for good physical, emotional and spiritual health, as a result, this center is also known as the "healing center".

If the solar plexus chakra (both 3A and 3B) is open and working properly, the individual will be "well grounded" within the universe, and have a great desire for a healthy body, mind and spirit. Such a person will have a great interest in spiritual matters.

Should the solar plexus chakra be shut, or not working correctly, the person will have uncontrolled emotions and feel overwhelmed emotionally all the time. In other cases, the person will block feelings toward others, perhaps not having any feelings at all. This makes it impossible to have a "spiritual connection" with another person. If the diaphragmatic center is blocked, physical, emotional, and spiritual health would not be a concern for that person.
It is uncommon for 3A to be open and 3B to be blocked, and vice versa. Should this occur, we would be describing an individual who well grounded within the universe, and has deep healthy relationships with others yet has no desire for physical, emotional and spiritual health and balance for themselves. Such characteristics are rarely found in anyone.

The color associated with the solar plexus chakra is yellow. The solar plexus chakra is related to the Mental Body of the aura (the third layer). This chakra and auric layer relates to the physical plane.

The solar plexus chakra nourishes the pancreas, stomach, liver, gall bladder, small intestine and other organs of digestion. The liver is the organ that detoxifies your body, it also plays an important role in virtually every intercellular biochemical process in the body. The pancreas and liver play important roles in digestion and glucose metabolism. If the solar plexus chakra is open, the organs of digestion will be working properly, whereas malfunction or disease of these organs would indicate a blocked solar plexus chakra. The importance of the liver and pancreas in good physical health cannot be overemphasized.

Often, a persons desire and search for good physical, emotional, and spiritual health leads them to a path where they are concerned about eating properly, getting the proper vitamins and minerals, not taking medications, but rather looking for holistic approaches to health. This would be compatible with a healthy solar plexus chakra.



Lesson 6: Chakra 4. The Heart Chakra

Chakra 4, the heart chakra is another of the paired chakra. In the front, the heart chakra, (4A), is the "feeling" center through which we form loving relationships with others. In the rear, chakra 4B, also called the heart chakra, is related to the ego and is associated with the "will" center. Because chakra 4B does not have a commonly accepted unique name assigned to it, we will call it the "ego center" for the rest of this lesson simply to avoid confusion with 4A.

The heart chakra, 4A, is related to forming loving relationships with ourselves, our loved ones, our children, families, friends, and all other human beings. Loving relationships and freely expressing appropriate love are characteristics of a healthy heart chakra. As with chakra 3, the solar plexus chakra, the heart chakra (4A) is also involved in spiritual connections between two individuals. In addition, the heart chakra is very important in healing, as anyone who has studied Reiki or other forms of energy healing knows.
The other heart chakra, 4B, which we are calling the "ego center", is related to ones desire for accomplishing things in life. Setting and accomplishing lifes goals, as defined by the individual, not society, is characteristic of a healthy ego center. Creating the vision for an alternative medicine site on the internet and bringing the vision to reality is an example of a healthy ego center.
If the heart chakra, 4A, is open and working properly, the individual will be able to form loving relationships with others easily, and would have a desire to seek out those relationships. An open heart chakra means the individual can easily see value in the life of every human being, and sees everyone as one of God's precious creations. If the ego center, 4B, is open, the individual will be able to set realistic goals and accomplish much, especially if the other chakra are in balance.

Should the heart chakra, 4A, be shut, the person would have trouble loving others and not easily understand the concept of unconditional love. Love to this person would tend to be more of a physical rather than spiritual definition. Should the ego center, 4B, be blocked, the person will have trouble setting goals and accomplishing anything. At the same time, the person may continually be demanding their own way, and see others as stumbling blocks in the way of their accomplishing their goals.
Unlike the solar plexus chakra, it is quite possible for the heart chakra, 4A, to be shut and the ego center, 4B to be open. Quite commonly , an overactive ego center (4B) occurs as a compensation to a shut heart chakra (4A). Should this occur, we would be describing an individual who would attempt to gain all the worlds possessions and accomplish much, without regard to how it is done or affects other people. Such a person would tend to view others as a possession or tool, for example the husband who views his wife as a possession rather than an equal.

The colors associated with the heart chakra is green and rose. The heart chakra is related to the Astral Body of the aura (the third layer). The heart chakra is unique in the sense it bridges the spiritual plane (chakra / auric levels 5, 6, and 7) with the physical plane (chakra / auric levels 1, 2 and 3).

The heart chakra nourishes the heart, circulatory system, blood, and the parasympathetic nervous system. The thymus gland, located beneath the sternum, plays a very important role in immune function. Everyone is familiar with the importance of the heart and circulatory system. Since the blood nourishes every cell of the body, the importance of a healthy circulatory system cannot be overemphasized. If the heart chakra is open, the immune system will be strong and the circulatory system will be working properly, whereas heart disease or circulatory problems would indicate a blocked heart chakra. Poor immune system would also be an indication of a blocked heart chakra.

I have a patient who comes to my office to get her chakra balanced. She states that here in the United States we have an "epidemic of blocked heart chakra". She is specifically referring to the unloving nature of people today ... and is she ever right when you consider the lack of value placed on human life today by the society in which we live. When you consider that circulatory disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, the relationship between the heart chakra and circulation becomes very clear.



Lesson 7: Chakra 5. The Throat Chakra

Chakra 5, the throat chakra, is associated with an individual being responsible for themselves and gives the person their sense of who they are in respect to their profession and society. This chakra is paired. The throat center (5A), opens to the front and is associated with the "feeling" center and the "professional center" (5B), opens to the rear, and is associated with the "will" center.
The throat center, 5A, is related to a persons development in the area of fulfilling personal needs, such as food. The throat center is an indicator of a persons ability to receive what is given to them or what life brings them. The reaction to a persons life experiences is largely governed by the throat chakra.

The professional center, chakra 5B, is related to ones sense of belonging and position within society, particularly ones peers, co-workers, and profession.

If the throat center (5A) is open and working properly, the individual will be able to take what life brings them and joyfully accept lifes positive experiences. Likewise, should negative experiences come their way, they will be able to see the potential positive aspects of the situation and turn it around for good. Those who have an open throat center will not be found blaming others for any failures they may have, but would take the initiative to create the opportunities to fulfill their desires.

Should the throat center be shut, or not working correctly, the person would tend to blame others for failures in their own life. They will see the world as a hostile place and may sense that "everyone is out to get them". Such a person will attract negativity. Since likes attract, the persons circle of friends will be those who also have blocked throat centers.

If the professional center is working correctly, the person has probably chosen a profession that is well suited for them. They look at their work as a joyful expression of who they are, look forward to going to work, and are deeply fulfilled by the work experience. They will always give their best, even if they are not being paid for what they do.

If the professional center is shut, work becomes an unpleasant chore, or a task to be avoided, and the person finds no joy whatsoever in the working experience and cannot understand how others enjoy what they do. The person will also have the "fear of failure" syndrome, not taking the chance or risk because of everything that could go wrong. Late in life, this person will be plagued with thought like "I should have ....." or "I wish I had done ......".

The color associated with the throat chakra is blue. The throat chakra is related to the Etheric template (physical aspect) of the aura (the fifth layer). This is associated with the spiritual plane.
The throat chakra nourishes the Thyroid gland, Parathyroid gland, lungs, vocal cords and bronchial tree, and the esophagus. The thyroid gland is primarily involved in regulating the bodies metabolism. The Parathyroid is involved in calcium balance. The entire lower respiratory system is related to the throat chakra. If the throat chakra is open, the respiratory will be working properly, whereas frequent illness of this area would indicate a potentially blocked chakra.

Hypothyroidism, Graves Disease, Goiters, Thyroiditis, and problems with calcium and iodine balance and metabolism all have to do with the thyroid and parathyroid glands. These problems are typically of the chronic nature, therefore will certainly show up as a block to some degree of the throat chakra. Consider also the "will" center of the 5th chakra, the professional center, involved in the enjoyment one finds in work. The low energy characteristic of hypothyroidism is incompatible with the high energy found in those who give 110 percent at the work they do.

Frequent colds and respiratory infections would indicate a blocked throat chakra. An interesting observation is that some people get colds, the flu, and respiratory infections all the time, yet others rarely are affected by these illnesses. The condition of the throat chakra of the two groups should not be a surprise.



Lesson 8: Chakra 6 - The Head Chakra

Chakra 6, the head, or "third eye" chakra, is associated the ability to visualize and understand concepts in general and follow through with the creation, refinement and implementation of these concepts. The head chakra is unique in the sense there is not a "will" and "feeling" center associated with it. Both components 6A and 6B are associated with intellectual function.

The forehead center, 6A, is related to a persons capacity to visualize and understand concepts of the universe, the world, and reality. Being able to place oneself in another position and see their viewpoint (eclectic thinking) is a characteristic related to the forehead center.

The mental executive center, chakra 6B, is related to carrying out the ideas and visualizations related to the forehead center, and to do so in a well thought out manner.

If the forehead center (6A) is open and working properly, the individual will be able to visualize concepts well, and have a great insight into how related ideas and concepts will work together to achieve the desired result. Such a person may be viewed as a "visionary", or one with great plans. The mental executive (6B) would be related to the visionary carrying out the ideas. This would involve everything from the planning stage through the ribbon cutting ceremony. A person with an open forehead chakra will be characterized as a leader, manager, and problem solver, and able to get things done regardless of obstacles in the way.
Should the forehead center be shut, the persons creativity will be severely hindered. Should the center be strongly counterclockwise, the person will have a confused and distorted perception of reality. With this counterclockwise forehead center, the individual will be creative, but in a negative way. An example of this would be a computer engineer visualizing a new way to develop a computer virus, rather than putting the energy into something positive, such as a way to prevent the transmission of a computer virus.
If the forehead center is open, and the mental executive center is shut, we are describing a person who has great visions and desires to carry them out, but simply cannot. As a result, the person will be continually frustrated at not being able to accomplish anything.

The color associated with the head chakra is indigo. The forehead chakra is related to the Celestial template (emotional aspect) of the aura (the sixth layer). This layer is associated with the spiritual plane.

The head chakra nourishes the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, brainstem (lower brain), cerebellum, left eye, ears, nose, and a good part of the central nervous system. The Pituitary and Hypothalamus glands regulate the entire endocrine system, for they are the bodies link between the nervous system and endocrine system. It is clear why the head chakra is only associated with intellectual functioning when one considers the great amount of brain tissue associated with it.



Lesson 9: Chakra 7. The Crown Chakra

Chakra 7, the crown chakra, is associated with a persons spirituality. The crown chakra is unpaired, but some believe it to be paired with the coccygeal chakra. Just like the head chakra, the crown chakra is a mental center.

If the crown chakra is open, the person will be in touch with their spirituality. This goes far beyond simply claiming to be spiritual through practicing a religion or simple belief in certain concepts. The spirituality associated with an open crown chakra is one in which the whole person - body, mind and spirit, are integrated into a completely whole human being. Such a person has grasped the full concept of life, and understands the whole concept of themselves, and knows their purpose for existing. Spirituality in this sense is a very personal form, not defined in words or something that can be easily explained to others.

Should the crown chakra be shut, the person does not have a connection with their spirituality. They are uninterested in spiritual things, and could care less about others quest for their own spirituality. Furthermore, they can not understand what others are trying to relate when speaking of spiritual experiences. They live in the "here and now" and only the physical world is of interest to them, that even probably from a distorted viewpoint.

If the crown center is counterclockwise, a person will often attack the spirituality of others. They will view their own spirituality as correct as they have carefully defined it, and anyone who does not conform to their beliefs is simply viewed as wrong.

The color associated with the crown chakra is violet and white. The crown chakra is related to the Ketheric body (spiritual aspect) of the aura (the seventh layer). This layer again is associated with the spiritual plane.

The crown chakra nourishes the pineal gland, right eye, and the cerebrum (the part of the brain controlling thinking and all voluntary bodily movements and functions). Like the head chakra, the crown chakra is associated with an enormous amount of brain tissue.

The brain composes the majority of the central nervous system. For this reason, organic brain pathologies will eventually manifest themselves as a problem in either the crown or head chakra. Diseases and conditions involving thought processes may indicate a problem with the crown chakra, although the head chakra should not be overlooked in these cases. The vast majority of conditions listed as mental disorders, learning disabilities, and behavior disorders may very well be a shut or counterclockwise head or crown chakra.

This is the last lesson in this segment of this series. The next segment will address diagnosing, correcting, and balancing, chakra’s.