Chakras

Chakra is a Sanskrit (a classical Indian language widely used in religious writings) word meaning wheel or circle. Knowledge of the chakra comes primarily from the teachings of Hinduism, Yoga, and certain branches of Buddhism. They are similar to the energy channels that acupuncture practitioners understand in that they are not physical organs to be found in x-rays but focal points of invisible life energy.

Chakra begin at the base of the spinal column and move upward to the top of the skull. The following primary chakras are commonly described:

Muladhara - lower body
Swadhisthana - reproductive parts
Manipura - navel
Anahata - heart
Vishuddha - throat
Ajna - eyebrow or forehead
Sahasrara - top of head

The characteristics of the chakras are:

Sahasrara
Sahasrara or the crown chakra is generally considered to be the chakra of consciousness. Symbolized by a lotus with one thousand petals, it is located on the crown of the head.

Ajna
Ajna is held as the chakra of time, awareness and of light. Symbolized by a lotus with two petals.

Vishuddha
Vishuddha (also Vishuddhi) or the throat chakra may be envisioned as relating to communication and growth, growth being a form of expression. It is symbolized by a lotus with sixteen petals.

Anahata
Anahata or the heart chakra is related to complex emotion, compassion, love, equilibrium and well-being. It is symbolized by a lotus with twelve petals.

Manipura
Manipura or the solar plexus chakra is related to the transition from simple or base to complex emotion, energy, assimilation and digestion. It is symbolized by a lotus with ten petals.

Svadhistana
Swadhisthana or the sacral chakra is located in the sacrum and is related to base emotion, sexuality and creativity. Symbolized by a lotus with six petals.

Muladhara
Muladhara or the base or root chakra is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. It is symbolized by a lotus with four petals.

Yoga and Tantric practices propose that Kundalini energy may be "awoken" by such means as austerities, breath and other physical exercises, visualization, and chanting. It may then rise up a subtle channel at the spine (called Shushumna) through the chakras to the head and crown chakra, bringing psychological illumination.