What Are Chakras And What Are They For?

The chakras are energy points whose balance helps us to enhance our vital energy and to achieve greater well-being, both physically and mentally.

In recent years, a wide range of complementary therapies of oriental origin have spread in the West, which are attributed properties that allow to promote well-being. Although the evidence for their safety and efficacy is limited, the testimonies of those who have tried them arouse the interest of many. In this article, we will try to understand what chakras are and what they are for.

According to Wikipedia , chakras are a concept that comes from Hinduism and refers to energy centers located in the body, in particular starting from the perineum up to the aura area above the crown. According to the Hindu tradition there are seven, and each of them has a specific energy vibration associated with aspects of life and health. But let’s see in detail  what the chakras are and what they are for.

What are the chakras and how do they work?

The word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit and means “circle” or “disk”. According to Hinduism, the chakras are 7 energy centers located in different parts of the human body. They perform the function of “valves” regulating the flow of energy,  and depending on their position, they change in terms of vibration strength and speed.

In India it is believed that the air that is inhaled, known as “prana energy”,  passes through the body giving strength to the energy centers. They receive, accumulate and distribute prana to optimize the functions of different parts of our body.

Therefore, since ancient times they have been used as a resource in energy medicine, suggesting that they can help treat certain conditions and health problems.

However, although studies have been conducted on this, such as research recently published in Global Advances in Health and Medicine , there is not enough evidence to guarantee that they are useful against disease.

According to this research, they are related to the endocrine system of the body. Furthermore, as previously stated, it is composed of 7 vital energy centers, which focus mainly on the spine.

The 7 vital energy centers of the chakra system

1. Muladhara or root chakra, associated with the adrenal glands.
2. Svadhisthana or sacral chakra, associated with the ovaries and testicles.
3. Manipura or solar plexus chakra, associated with the pancreas
4. Anahata or heart chakra, associated with the thymus.
5. Vishuddha or throat chakra, associated with the thyroid.
6. Ajna or third eye chakra (located between the eyebrows), associated with the pituitary gland.
7. Sahasrara or crown chakra, associated with the pineal gland.

By producing energy vortices, the chakras , when healthy, provide energetic information through which the body’s systems create a global information system, which is what affects well-being.

However, more research is needed to determine if these types of therapies really help fight disease through the subtle energy generated at these points.

What feelings are the chakras associated with?

Despite the lack of evidence, they continue to be a resource of alternative medicine as an adjunct in the treatment of problems related to the glands mentioned. Furthermore, according to Hindu and Buddhist texts, they are also associated with certain feelings.

1. Muladhara or the root chakra

• It is located between the anus and the genitals.
• Its color is red.
• Its element is the earth.
• He is inhibited by fear. Fears must be allowed to show themselves clearly in order to free them.

2. Svadhisthana or sacral chakra

• It is located in the sacrum area.
• Its color is orange.
• The associated element is water.
• He is blocked by guilt. It is necessary to free oneself from one’s faults and to know how to forgive.

3. Manipura or solar plexus chakra

• It is positioned two fingers above the navel.
• Its color is yellow.
• The element is fire.
• Freezes due to shame.

4. Anahata or the heart chakra

• It is located at heart level.
• Its color is green
• Its element is air.
• Pain inhibits him.
• It is related to the feelings of the heart.

5. Vishudda or the throat chakra

• It is located in the throat area.
• Its color is blue.
• The element is the ether.
• It is associated with communication.

6. Ajna or third eye chakra

• It is located between the eyes.
• Its corresponding color is purple.
• It is associated with intuition and flavor.
• Freezes due to illusion.

7. Sahasrara or the crown chakra

• It is located on the top of the skull.
• Its color is indigo.
• He is inhibited by earthly relationships.

The chakras to promote well-being

The chakras are a resource offered by oriental medicine as a complement to promote well-being. However, given the lack of evidence, it is important to consider it a therapeutic option and not a first-line treatment for disease.

Finally, to learn more about their benefits and their practice, it is good to rely on the guidance of an expert. Often the practice is combined with other beneficial therapies, such as yoga, quartz baths, and deep breathing exercises.