Chakras are power centers or energetic life forces within the body, according to Patricia Mercier, author of "Chakras: Balance Your Body's Energy for Health and Harmony." Seven basic chakras are lined up from the base of the spine to the top of the head. When your chakras are balanced, you feel at peace.
History
Throughout history, different cultures have had some awareness of the chakra system. The Hindus, Ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Sufi cultures have all had some knowledge of the energetic life force that flows within the body. The 16th century alchemist and physician Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim Paracelsus wrote that each person radiated an energetic sphere within and around his body. Balancing the chakras is said to help a person feel more whole and at peace within himself.
Types
Each of the seven chakras is its own power center with specific influence on the body. The first, or base, chakra is red and located at the root of the spine. The second is the sacral chakra. Its color of influence is orange; it is located between the belly button and base chakra. The solar plexus is the third chakra; it is yellow. It is located right above the belly button in the center of the torso. The fourth is the heart chakra, located around the heart area, and its color is green. The throat chakra is light blue; it is the fifth chakra and located at the bottom of the throat area. The sixth chakra is the third eye, located between the eyes. Its color is indigo blue. The crown chakra is the seventh chakra, located at the top of the head. Its color is white light.
First Exercise
Guided meditations may help you to balance and heal your chakra system, according to Maruti Seidman, author of "Balancing the Chakras." Lie on your back with palms facing up. Focus on your breathing; keep it an easy, rhythmic pace. Breathe only through your nose and become as relaxed as possible. Focus your breath into the heart chakra. Place your hand on it if it feels right. Notice how it feels. Allow all your awareness and love to pour into that chakra for several minutes. Do this for every chakra in the body. If any emotions come up, simply allow them to be and then release them, without any judgment to yourself.
Second Exercise
For the second guided mediation, lie down again with palms facing up. Seidman writes to breathe deeply again for several minutes, becoming as relaxed as possible. Start with your focus on the base chakra and imagine the color red emanating from it and flowing into it. For the second chakra, visualize yellow and so forth, all the way up to the crown chakra where you will envision white light flowing out and in.
References
- "Chakras: Balance Your Body's Energy for Health and Harmony"; Patricia Mercier; 2000
- "Balancing the Chakras"; Maruti Seidman; 2000
