What is chakra? The word chakra has been derived from the Sanskrit which means a circle or a wheel. It signifies the circle of energy circulating throughout the body and the mind. This circulation of energy builds a connection between the body and the mind and makes it a single entity. The concept of chakra was developed in ancient India. It is said that the chakras start from the base of the spinal cord and end on the top of the head. In all there are seven chakras in the body which control the major nervous systems and rotate in a clockwise direction to help the energy to flow throughout the body. These chakras have been named according to their location in the body.

Location of the chakras and their function

The chakras are also linked to different colors according to their function. The chakra at the base of the spine is called Muladhara which is red in color. Swadhisthana located in the reproductive organs is orange; Manipura in the navel is yellow, Anahatta in the heart is green, Vishudhhi in the throat is blue, Ajna in the eyebrows or forehead is indigo and Sahasrara on the top of the head is white. These chakras are affected adversely if any obstruction is created in their functioning. Negative energy effect is produced which has its effect on the body and makes it physically or mentally sick.

How to balance and energize Chakras?

Yoga is the best method to energize the chakras and obtain balance amongst the chakras. To start with yoga it is advisable to do it in the supervision of a guru. The process of cleansing should start from the base that is from Muladhara and then proceed slowly upwards cleansing the chakras one by one till the topmost chakra which is the chakra that connects a person to the universe and controls the main organ in the body that is the brain. There are many yogic procedures to obtain the balance but they should be performed flawlessly otherwise adverse effect will take place which will be more harmful.

As the chakras are cleansed the body will regain its energy and vitality. In the Chinese method the point of acupuncture is the point of the chakras and acupuncture is also a method of cleansing and energizing the chakras. Maybe all the chakras of a person is not malfunctioning but when the cleansing procedure is adopted it should start from Muladhara and one by one move up towards the last chakra as the systematic flow of energy has to be maintained. It is not possible to cleanse only the affected chakras and ignore the rest of the chakras. Cleanse the chakras of the dirt that has gathered on it and let the energy flow freely throughout the body.