Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheel” or “vortex.” Chakras are not physical, but rather a solid ball of energy that interpenetrates the physical body. Chakras are facets of consciousness, similar to auras. Chakras however are denser than auras and interact with the physical body through the endocrine and nervous systems.
Ayurvedic literature indicates there is a discrepancy in the number of chakras within the human body. Some theorists refer to one chakra; others refer to five, seven, ten, or fifteen chakras. The lack of an exact number is not indicative of an incongruent system, but rather a representation of different interpretations and possibly different esoteric anatomical structures across the human race. Furthermore, the majority of Ayurvedic literature describes seven chakras, for this reason I will focus on seven chakras. Each of the seven chakras is associated with one endocrine gland and a group of nerves called a “plexus.” Thus, each chakra is associated with certain areas of the body and functions controlled by its plexus and endocrine gland.
Our energy field is a very sensitive, perceptual system that emits and receives messages. Through our intuition we recognize this energetic language and decode it into conscious awareness by transmitting these energetic messages through the seven chakras. The chakras symbolize stages of spiritual growth; moving upward from the base of the spine toward the crown of the head, forming the anatomy of the spirit. All of the senses, perceptions, and possible states of awareness can be divided into seven chakras. Each chakra represents aspects of the physical body, as well as facets of consciousness. When reading the body as a map of the conscious, tensions in the body represent rigidities in mindfulness. In order to understand the semantics of physical and psychological symptoms we can explore the insights that the chakras provide to consciousness.
Each chakra is comprised of energy vibrating at a defined frequency. Chakras are arranged in a logical, systematic sequence of seven vibrations. As we move up the spine, the corresponding charka elements become increasingly ethereal, moving through the five physical elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether, to the spiritual components of inner sound and inner light. The heaviest element, earth is found at the base of the spine and the lightest element, inner light is found at the crown of the head.
The colors and musical notes in the chakra spectrum also represent a series of seven vibrations in a pragmatic progression. The longest wavelength and the heaviest note coincide with the lowest chakra, the root chakra and the shortest wavelength and lightest vibration correspond with the highest chakra, the crown chakra. Colors and musical notes are used to represent the clear state of each chakra. The feelings we have towards colors within the charka system can indicate issues within our consciousness. For example, a strong aversion to the color red may be a sign that there is an imbalance within the root charka. Music played in a particular key resonates and tunes the corresponding chakra. We also respond with the emotional feelings associated with that chakra when we hear that particular tone.
