The chakra system is a philosophical system of anatomy at the energetic level. This system maps the seven major chakras along the spine from the crown of the head to the base of the coccyx (there are also numerous minor chakras found throughout the body). The word Chakra is Sanskrit for “wheel” and refers to a spinning wheel, or center of energy, at each of seven main locations in the body. Each chakra, or energy center, corresponds to particular aspects of physical and psychological health and functions in accordance with an individual’s wellness and well being. More accurately, an individual’s health and well-being is a reflection of the health, alignment or balance of the energy of that chakra. When the energy of a chakra is “out of alignment” or “out of balance” so to speak, the effects of that misalignment are evident in the individual’s physical and psychological health.

For example, the first Chakra is known as the root chakra. Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is associated with our physical body as our foundation. Psychologically speaking, the health of this chakra affects our ability to feel grounded, safe and secure. When out of alignment, an individual may experience fear, anxiety, rigidity and a lack of feeling grounded. Physically speaking, an individual may experience things like constipation, diarrhea, eating disorders, or problems with the lower limbs when this chakra is out of balance.

As Chakras are not physical in nature, they cannot be brought into balance by direct physical touch. However, they can be addressed through techniques such as yoga, meditation, visualization, energy work (such as Reiki) and psychotherapy that specifically addresses the beliefs or traumas that have caused them to become out of balance.