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Higher Being The Ancient Practice of Controlling the Chakras, the Body's Energy Points, Can Create Good Health and a State of Bliss

Posted on: Friday, 11 March 2005, 12:00 CST

THE word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centres in the body. According to this Indian mystic belief, and incorporated into the practice of yoga, each of these centres correlates to major nerve ganglia branching from the spinal column. Each one corresponds to, and governs, specific parts of the body as well as a particular level of consciousness. These chakras, or energy centres, function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy through our system, which is reckoned to have 72,000 channels. When these channels are blocked, it is believed, it can lead to disease.

The chakras start at the base of the spine and go up through the body on what meditators call the central channel, located close to the spinal column. Almost all mystical traditions believe in these spiritual and energy power points within the body. Mystic meditators direct energy up this channel from the base of the spine to the top, activating a mystic state of bliss from the pituitary gland in the brain. Research on meditation at Harvard University has shown that humans are the only mammals that can reach a mental state that corresponds with some kind of enlightenment, achieved through the pituitary gland. The Taoists believe this gives humans their quest for spirituality.

Exercises in t'ai chi, belly dancing, yoga and some martial arts harness energies that rejuvenate internal organs, producing hormones and replenishing the chi, or energetic life force, in the body. In Taoism, the glandular or endocrine systems that produce hormones are seen as the base network for overall health. Nobel Prizewinning researcher Dr Alexis Carrel believes the glandular system is the "wheel of life" that sustains cellular function in the body.

Crown chakra

The crown chakra is located at the pituitary gland in the head. Each chakra has its own vibration, and a colour that can be used to enhance its vibrational frequency. The colour used to empower the crown chakra is violet; this can be done by wearing violet, painting a wall in your home violet or bathing in violetcoloured water. However, the crown chakra is also a mass of shimmering lights with colours from the whole visual spectrum. The pituitary gland has influence over all hormone-producing glands in the body.

Third-eye, or brow, chakra

elepathy, clairvoyance and precognition are generated by this centre and it also controls the body's eyes, nerves, head and brain. The associated colour is a deep indigo. The pineal gland is situated here and produces melatonin which regulates our sleep cycle.

Throat chakra

Found at the top of the throat, its colour is blue. Its element is space and its purpose is associated with self-expression through writing and speech. The thyroid gland which controls metabolic rate is located there.

Heart chakra

This is linked to the thymus gland and controls the immune system. It is the seat of the higher, deeper emotions such as love, compassion and honesty. The energies from this centre affect the heart, lungs, back and bronchial tubes. Its element is air and its colour is green. The thymus atrophies after childhood and the same thing happens with the pineal gland. As long as this gland is still working, the child is very connected with his inner world. When the gland begins to atrophy the child becomes more selfconscious. At this point, man loses his ability to enter his inner worlds. At a later age he will be able to gain access again, but this time by using his knowledge of the energetic system.

Navel chakra

Found just below the breastbone, it is linked to the digestive system, the pancreas, liver and stomach. The associated element is fire.

This centre is our psychic battery and the storehouse of our positive energy. Also, it is the link between the mind and the emotions and the area we process negative feelings. An imbalance here can lead to digestive disorders. The colour for this chakra is yellow.

Sexual chakra

Located just below the navel, this is linked with the release of adrenaline into the body.

The element is water and if this centre is out of balance your flight-or-flight response may be over-active. This centre also has a cleansing function by filtering out negative influences. Its colour is orange.

Root chakra

The last of the seven major energy centres is at the coccyx, at the base of the spine. The associated element is earth and it corresponds to the sense of smell, physical energy and vitality. Here also, say the yogis, sleeps the magic serpent, the kundalini which lies coiled at the base of the spine and symbolises the basic evolutionary life force. Once awakened it will rise through the spine to the crown chakra in the head and may trigger enlightenment in the practitioner of these methods. The colour for this centre is red.

Don't miss the Health & Wellbeing supplement in The Herald every Monday

You can help balance your chakra colours with essences from Aura Soma; the colours you select will reveal your needs. www. aura- soma. net

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Source: Sunday Herald

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