Although yoga classes currently focus primarily on alignment and anatomy, the yogic tradition speaks of four other bodies beyond the physical body. One of these is the Pranamaya Kosha or subtle body. This is where the seven chakras or energy centers of the human body are located. In this entry to our blog we explain its location and general meaning.
The chakras are seven vortices of energy through which the vital energy or prana of our entire being flows. Each of these seven chakras radiates a different color, vibrates at a specific frequency, and is connected to the other chakras through energy channels called nadis. All the chakras together make up a person's aura and connect them with other human beings and with the universe. That is why it is important that they are unlocked and vibrate at the correct frequency, so that there is harmony within us (physical, energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual) and outside of us (in the way we relate to our environment).
In yoga we use specific postures or asanas and breathing exercises or pranayamas to purify the nadis and to balance and unblock the chakras. Each chakra is associated with a physiological system and has a specific meaning encapsulated in a vital principle.
Muladhara or base chakra Location: base of the spine Physiology: Organs of Elimination Life principle: survival and security Svadhisthana or sacral chakra Location: sacral area and lower abdomen Physiology: reproductive organs, kidneys and bladder Life principle: creativity and sexuality Manipura or solar plexus chakra Location: solar plexus Physiology: digestive system and adrenal glands Life principle: identity and personal power Anahata or heart chakra Location: center of chest Physiology: heart and thymus gland life principle: love Vishudda or throat chakra Location: throat Physiology: throat, vocal cords and thyroid gland Life Principle: Communication Ajna or third eye chakra Location: between the eyebrows Physiology: pituitary gland, brain, eyes, and nose Vital principle: intuition and clear vision Sahasrara or crown chakra Location: crown of the head Physiology: pineal gland Vital principle: compression and release
In later posts we will explore in more depth each of the chakras, their location and meaning, and we will also see how these different aspects interact with each other and offer you suggestions for yoga asanas and pranayamas to balance and harmonize them.
Meanwhile, if you're curious, YogaYe.com you can find the following books on the chakra system: THE BIBLE OF THE CHAKRAS y THE COMPLETE BOOK OF THE CHAKRAS.
Remember that you can also take a look at them in our physical store at Organic Market Asturies street, 22 in Barcelona.
