Chakra is a Sanskrit word and it means “Wheel” or “Vortex” because that is what it looks like when we look at it. Each chakra is like a solid ball of energy interpenetrating the physical body, in the same way that a magnetic field can interpenetrate the physical body.
Chakras interact with the physical body through two major vehicles, the endocrine system and the nervous system. Each of the seven main chakras discussed here are associated with one of the seven endocrine glands and also with a particular group of nerves called a plexus.
Thus, each of these chakra’s can be associated with particular parts of the body and particular functions within the body controlled by that plexus or that endocrine gland associated with that chakra. Each of the chakra’s or Energy centers has governance over particular areas of your body.
One of the strongest associations to affect your health and well-being is formed with your endocrine system. The endocrine system is part of the body’s main control mechanism.
It comprises of a number of ductless glands that produce the hormones, acting as chemical messengers that are secreted into the blood stream from particular organs to stimulate or inhibit physical processes. By adjusting the hormone levels, the endocrine system works to maintain the body in a state of optimum health.
The first chakra is called ‘MULADHARA’ CHAKRA’ or ROOT CHAKRA. ‘MUL’ means root and ‘ADHAR’ means support or foundation. It’s developmental stage is from the time you are in the womb till the age of 12 months.
As the name suggests, it provides support for your physical existence. For a tree to grow and bloom, the roots should be healthy and strong and get nutrition to remain that way. Similarly for strength, vitality and a strong skeletal system, the root chakra should be open and balanced.
It is associated with the reproductive glands. It is the center of physical energy, grounding, and self preservation. The Root Chakra governs the back, feet, hips, spine and legs. At the top of the kidney’s are the adrenal’s that produce several hormones including adrenalin, which stimulates the “fight or flight” response and ties directly to the Base Chakra’s survival drive.
This Chakra is related to the gonads in males.
THE SWASDHISTHANA CHAKRA It governs the sexual organs, bladder, bowel and lower intestine. The second chakra is called Swadhisthana Chakra, meaning ‘sweetness’. It is also called Sacral Chakra, located just under the navel and deals with our duality, the feminine and masculine energy, or shiva and shakti or yin and yang. Its developmental stage is from the age of 6 months to 24 months.
The Swasdhisthana Chakra is associated with our senses or sensual pleasure, and hence it is also called our sexual chakra. Though it is not limited only to uor sexual exploration but also extends all the pleasures that we seek on physical level, in our different role as a human being. The mother’s pleasure in nurturing her baby is also a second chakra function.
This chakra is about feeling and sexuality. When it is open, your feeling flow freely and are expressed without you being over emotional.
THE MANIPUR CHAKRA
It governs stomach, upper intestine, upper back and upper spine. This chakra is about asserting yourself in a group. When it is open you feel it control and you have sufficient self esteem. When this chakra is under-active you tend to be passive and indecisive.
The pancreas secrets substances for the digestion of food, such as insulin. When this chakra is over stimulated it can cause problems with excess blood sugar, the major cause of diabetes. An under stimulated stomach chakra can lead to ulcers.
The third chakra is called Manipur Chakra, which means ‘Lustrous gem’. It is also called Solar Plexus Chakra and is the seat of our personal power. The third chakra stores our judgments, opinions and beliefs that we have gathered throughout our lives; about ourselves and the world we live in. its developmental stage is the age of 18 to 42 months.
When your third chakra is opened and balanced, you exercise the choices in your life and become in charge of your own destiny. You are also able to choose your own beliefs rather than conforming to the external beliefs imposed upon you.
THE HEART CHAKRA
It is associated with the circulatory System and thymus Gland. It is the centre of Compassion, Love, Group Consciousness and Spirituality. The Heart Chakra governs the heart, lungs, blood, and circulation. As the Heart Chakra is about Love, kindness and affection, when it is open, you are compassionate and friendly, you work at harmonious relationships.
The thymus is located above the heart and produces lymphocytes, which form a vital part of the body’s immune response. The quality relates the thymus to the healing properties of the heart chakra. The healing promoted by this chakra links it to the Thymus.
The fourth chakra is called ‘Anahata’, meaning ‘Unstruck’. It is also known as heart chakra as it is located in the center of the chest. Its developmental stage is from 3.5 to 7 years of age. This chakra deals with Love, Courage and Compassion. When the Anahata is open you are able to radiate love for yourself which enables you to receive and express love unconditionally rather than becoming dependent on others to love you. This is also the level where you integrate your spiritual self with your physical being.
THE THROAT CHAKRA
It is associated with the respiratory system / thyroid gland. It is the centre for sound , communication, speech, writing and thought expression. It governs the throat, mouth, thyroid, teeth, tongue and jaw. This chakra is about self expression and talking. When it is open you have no problems expressing yourself and you might be doing so in a creative way.
On either side of the larynx is the thyroid, producing thyroxin which controls the rate at which the body converts food into useful energy. This is the area over which the throat chakra has dominance. The thyroid governs the rate of metabolism in the body.
The fifth chakra is called ‘VISHUDDHA’ meaning ‘Purification’. As it is located at the base of the throat, it is also known as the Throat Chakra. The fifth chakra deals with expression and communication. Through the fifth chakra we express what we think, feel desire and detest. Its developmental stage is 7 to 12 years of age . when open, your Vishuddha chakra allows you to fully express yourself without fear of rejection. You are able to communicate your thoughts, feeling and desires. You are also able to speak up for yourself and effectively communicate your needs to others.
THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA It is associated with the autonomic nervous system. It is the centre of psychic power, spirit energies, higher intuition and light. It governs the pituitary gland, pineal gland, skull, eyes, brain, nervous system and the senses.
This chakra is about insight and visualization. When it is open, you have a good intuition. You may tend to fantasies.
Near the base of the skull is the pituitary gland, which releases hormones influencing body chemistry.
The spiritual energy of the Brow chakra are reflected in the pituitary influence on the whole body. This chakra works with the pituitary gland in the body.
The sixth chakra is called the Ajna chakra, which means ‘Command Center’. It is also known as the third eye chakra due to its location between the eye brows. It deals with your inner vision, intuition and intellect. Its developmental stage is at puberty.
With an open sixth chakra you can connect better with your intuitive abilities. You are able to see your life purpose from an expanded view and you have better trust in the process of life. Your consciousness and awareness are greatly expanded.
THE CROWN CHAKRA It is associated with the external nervous system/ pineal gland. It is the centre for enlightenment, dynamic thought, truth and oneness. The Crown Chakra governs the top of the spinal cord, brain stem, pain centre and nerves. This chakra is about wisdom and being one with the world. When this chakra is open, you are unprejudiced and quiet aware of the world and yourself. If it is under active, you are not very aware spiritually.
The pineal gland lies deep within the brain and produces melatonin. This hormone affects the other glands in the endocrine system and mirrors the Crown Chakra’s relationship with the other chakra’s. this gland and chakra hold sway over the entire system.
The seventh major chakra is called Sahasrara Chakra, which means ‘Thousand Fold’ and is represented by a thousand petaled lotus. It is located just about the head and is also known as ‘Crown Chakra’. The seventh chakra is your connection to your divinity. It is the state of unity and divine consciousness. Its developmental stage is throughout life.
With a clear crown chakra, you have the ability to rise a wider perspectives of your higher self yet stay aware of the wisdom of the other six. You encompass more than thinker, pleaser or other sub-selves. You expand your awareness to more than your body. You expand your perspective to everyone and everything, everywhere at all times. Be fully human and fully divine at the same time.