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Chakra
Balancing Definition
Chakra balancing is based on the ancient Indian belief in a
series of seven chakras, or energy centers. Chakra is the
Sanskrit
word for wheel. These energy centers are believed to be located
at specific points between the base of the spine and the
top of the skull. Some esoteric systems include additional
chakras,
said to extend beyond the physical body into the human auric
field. Each chakra is believed to relate to particular organs
of the body, ailments, colors, elements, and emotions. However,
different systems or sources that use the idea of chakras
may disagree about the details. The concept of chakras
plays a
key role in two ancient Indian healing systems (ayurvedic
medicine and yoga) that are popular today. In recent decades,
however,
many modern therapies (like polarity therapy , therapeutic
touch , process acupressure, core energetics, and color therapy
) have also incorporated the idea of chakras into their own
visions of healing. Various approaches may be used to "balance" the
chakras. Chakra balancing is believed to promote health by
maximizing the flow of energy in the body, much as a tune-up
enables a car to operate at peak efficiency.
Origins
Yoga -
Chakras are part of the ancient belief system associated with
yoga. These traditions were handed down orally for thousands
of years before being codified by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras,
several centuries before Christ.
Ayurveda -
The ancient healing science of ayurveda is based on a collection
of scriptures known as vedas (a Sanskrit word meaning knowledge
or wisdom). Ayurveda literally means "life knowledge." It
remained the predominant form of health care in India until
the British colonial government tried to suppress it during
the nineteenth century. Over the last half-century, however,
a modernized form of ayurveda has gained considerable popularity
in India. More recently, traditional ayurveda has been popularized
in the West by such high-profile advocates as Deepak Chopra. Benefits
Balancing the chakras is believed to promote general health
and well-being by ensuring the free flow of life energy
(also known
as prana or qi) throughout the body. It is believed that
blockages in the flow of this vital energy will eventually
result in
mental, emotional, and/or physical illness. By removing such
blockages and maximizing energy flow, practitioners are said
to enable body, mind, and spirit to function optimally. Some
alternative practitioners, such as medical intuitives, say
they can "read" a patient's chakras to detect imbalances
and diagnose problems. This is also sometimes done using
a pendulum. Yoga
Just as the various forms of yoga attempt to mediate between
the physical and spiritual realms, so the chakras are believed
to operate as energy transformers. They are often shown as circles,
spaced at intervals along the spine, or sometimes as funnels
of energy. Specific chants or sounds associated with the different
chakras are used in some yogic meditation practices as tools
for healing and spiritual evolution. Each of the seven chakras is said to have specific physiological
and metaphysical functions that relate to both the nature of
the associated blockages and to the physical problems they produce. Base/root chakra (muladhara). The first chakra, located at the
base of the spine, is linked with basic survival and with the
adrenal glands. It is associated with the color red and the earth
element.
Second chakra (svadisthana). Thought to reside in the genital
region, this chakra is linked with sexuality and with the reproductive
system. It is associated with the color orange and the water
element.
Third chakra (manipura). Situated near the navel, this chakra
is linked with the pancreas and the solar plexus. It is associated
with the color yellow, the fire element, and power in the world.
Heart chakra (cnahata). The fourth chakra, associated with the
heart and the immune system, is believed to be the seat of love
and compassion. It is associated with the color green and the
air element.
Throat chakra (visuddha). The fifth chakra, situated in the throat
area, is associated with the thyroid gland, the color blue, and
communication.
Brow/forehead chakra (ajna). The sixth chakra, also known as
the "Third Eye," is said to reside in the forehead.
It is associated with hormonal production, the color indigo,
and intuition.
Crown chakra (saha srara). The seventh chakra, located at the
top of the skull, is associated with elevated spiritual consciousness,
the pineal gland, and the color violet.
Precautions
In recent decades, yoga has gained widespread acceptance in the
West as a tool for relaxation, stress reduction, increased flexibility
and energy. However, there is no generally recognized scientific
evidence for the existence of either chakras or prana. Side effects
Although the concept of chakra balancing is harmless, any of
the many contemporary therapies that include chakras may also
use specific treatments or practices with potential side effects.
Anyone exploring such therapies should be cautious and keep
his or her healthcare provider informed of these therapies. Research & general
acceptance
Although there is a growing body of research documenting the
positive effects of yoga and meditation, chakras have not been
measured by scientific instruments. Support for the concept
is based on anecdotal rather than scientific evidence.
| Authors
Details: Gale
Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Peter Gregutt.
Gale Group, 2001. |
More
on Chakra Balancing
(Chakra
Balancing Part 1)
(Chakra
Blancing Part 2) |
