What are Chakras?
The seven chakras are the centers in our bodies through which energy flows.
The Sanskrit word Chakra literally translates to wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body. There are seven main chakras, which align the spine, starting from the base of the spine through to the crown of the head. To visualize a chakra in the body, imagine a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called Prana, is vital life force, which keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.
These swirling wheels of energy correspond to massive nerve centers in the body. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy cannot flow. Chakras are each thought to govern a unique emotional and spiritual state. How energy flows through these centers greatly affects us. Balanced chakras allow energy to flow freely, promoting health, vitality, and harmony. But life experiences such as illness, trauma, and stress can cause imbalances which block the flow of energy. These imbalances produce a wide array of ailments & disturbances and can result in chronic illness, disease, and habitual patterns of thinking, feeling, & behaving.
Blocked energy in our seven chakras can often lead to illness, so it’s important to understand what each chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely. Fortunately, chakras can be cleared, rebalanced, and energized through yoga, Pranayama (breathing), meditation, and essential oils.
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