| In the human body, the energy flows along channels which intersect at seven major centers or chakras. In Sanskrit, chakra means ‘wheel’ because a healthy chakra spins and rotates like a wheel. The seven major chakras run along the spine, and correspond to the glands of the endocrine system. This chakra system has been around for thousands of years, well before modern scientific knowledge of human anatomy. When all dimensions of our being (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) are running smoothly, our chakras are balanced – they spin openly, allowing our energy field to flow freely. We feel connected with our bodies, with all of life, with our higher selves. We are at peace. However, our chakras can become blocked or stagnant for many reasons – emotional trauma, fear, stress, illness, injury, even past life events. In fact, our chakras are always changing from day to day, moment to moment, depending on our current state of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. They provide an excellent map for our path of spiritual development. The good news is that we can directly access our chakras and maintain balance through a number of methods, including yoga asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), guided relaxation and meditation, Taiji and Qigong, and energy work such as Reiki. Lori has chosen to specialize in the modalities of YOGA, ENERQI YOGA, ACU-YOGA, QIGONG, and REIKI in group and private therapeutic sessions because they approach energy balancing from different directions, yet complement each other, for a more complete healing experience for the entire being. Yoga postures move, stretch, and open the physical body, allowing stored tension and blocked energy to be released. EnerQi Yoga cleanses and circulates energy and, through mindful movement, brings stillness to the body and mind. Acu-Yoga increases the power of yoga postures through acupressure and energy movement. Qigong opens the channels through which our energy flows and strengthens our physical health and spiritual well-being. And Reiki provides a loving, meditative method of clearing energy blockages and infusing the client with life force and clarity. The following is a detailed explanation of the significance of each of the seven major chakras, and how they relate to our daily lives. They are an interesting metaphor for our growth and development as spiritual beings, and provide clues as to what may be holding us back in life. |
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| THE CHAKRA SYSTEM All living beings are composed of energy. Like radio waves, we know the energy is there, though most of us cannot see it with our eyes. This energy surrounds, permeates, and gives life to humans, animals, plants, earth, and the entire universe. In China, the energy is called qi ('chee'), in Japan, ki ('key'), and in India, prana. |
| 1st Chakra: Muladhara (Root) TO HAVE Location: Base of spine, coccyx Color: Red Endocrine: Renal (elimination) Function: Physical survival, instincts Underactive: Fear of death, fear of change, stress, insecurity, lack of groundedness, need to shop or hoard to feel safe Overactive: Feelings of aggression, impulsive and reckless actions Affirmations: I am safe at the center of my being. I trust in the natural flow of life. I take my natural place in the world, content in the knowledge that all I need will come to me in the right time and space. I am secure and grounded and give thanks to Mother Earth for the nourishment, shelter, and stability She gives me. I accept my instinctual nature, the part of me which is purely animal. I am grounded and stable. |
| 2nd Chakra: Swadhistana (Sacral) TO FEEL Location: Pelvic floor, reproductive organs Color: Orange Endocrine: Reproductive glands (reproduction) Function: Genetic survival, relationships, emotional self Underactive: Fear of intimacy, fear of abandonment, disconnected from sexuality, shyness, feeling repressed Overactive: Constant drama, rocky relationships, overly lustful Affirmations: I am a sensuous being that flows with the rhythms of life. I celebrate the creative exchange of sexual energy in the universe. I honor the union and integration of the masculine and feminine principles as I recognize and integrate these principles within myself. I give and receive freely from the wellspring of life. I am creative and have happy relationships. I accept my emotional nature, my need for pleasure and nurturing. |
| 3rd Chakra: Manipura (Solar Plexus) TO ACT Location: Solar plexus, above navel Color: Yellow Endocrine: Adrenal (stress hormones, digestion) Function: Social survival, self-esteem Underactive: Low self-esteem, need to live up to others’ expectations Overactive: Overinflated ego, overly competitive, stored rage Affirmations: I am at peace with myself and my surroundings. I express my identity without imposing my will upon others. I see the differences in others as unique expressions that contribute more color and fragrance to the world. I am energized by the light and heat of the sun. I am powerful and energetic. I am in harmony with all I see. I am unafraid. |
| 4th Chakra: Anahata (Heart) TO LOVE Location: Heart Color: Green Endocrine: Thymus (immune system) Function: Love, compassion Underactive: Resentment, anger, depression, stinginess, suppressed feelings Overactive: Service to others at expense of self, martyr syndrome Affirmations: I am vulnerable and I open myself to the universe. I cultivate the quality of compassion for myself and all sentient beings. I have the courage to love unconditionally. I am compassionate, loving, and balanced. I accept myself totally, exactly as I am now. I am. |
| 5th Chakra: Vishuddha (Throat) TO SPEAK Location: Throat Color: Sky blue Endocrine: Thyroid (metabolism, hormones) Function: Creativity, communication Underactive: Excessive rationality, lack of creativity, inability to find a life vision, lack of communication, unvoiced feelings Overactive: Criticizing of others, negative talk Affirmations: I am free to express my creativity with unrestricted enthusiasm and joy. I give voice to my feelings and communicate with clarity and openness. I am a unique being, my opinions are of great value, and I share them fearlessly. I am imaginative and colorful in all I do. I communicate freely and am truthful with myself. I accept my creative nature. |
| 6th Chakra: Ajna (Third Eye) TO SEE Location: Third eye, between brows Color: Indigo Endocrine: Hypothalamus and pituitary Function: Connection with higher self Underactive: Disconnection from soul, inability to focus and stay centered, lack of intuition, rigid beliefs, overanalyzing Overactive: Oversensitive, feeling spaced out Affirmations: I create my own reality. All experiences that I come into contact with are a reflection of my own projected thoughts and emotions. I develop my inner senses. I am open to new ideas and spiritual concepts. My intellectual mind recognizes my intuitive perception. I am open to my intuition. I accept my wisdom, my understanding of reality. |
| 7th Chakra: Sahasrara (Crown) TO KNOW Location: Crown of head Color: Violet Endocrine: Pineal gland (master gland of endocrine system) Function: Unity consciousness Underactive: Separation from universe, lack of bliss, inability to see larger picture, inability to surrender to flow of life Overactive: Disconnection from earth and reality Affirmations: I contemplate the impermanent nature of reality. I release attachment, recognizing that it is the source of all suffering. I develop emptiness so that I may experience union with the universal consciousness and merge with the oneness of all creation. I live in the present moment. I am Divine. |
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| Chakras |