Chakra
Chakra is Sanskrit for “wheel.” In Hindu and Buddhist medicine, chakra is the term used to refer to an energy center in the body. In both systems, major chakras are aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head, with numerous lesser energy centers located in other parts of the body and extremities. Each chakra is associated with specific physiological, mental or spiritual functions. The Hindu scheme has seven major chakras. The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is responsible for storing basic biological energy. The second chakra is located near the genitals and fuels procreative functions. The third is near the sternum, supports organ health and serves as a location for storage of strong emotion. The fourth chakra surrounds the heart, powers the heart and lungs and serves as a storehouse of emotions relating to love, relationships and human virtue. The fifth charka is in the throat, powers the thyroid and is associated with personal expression. The sixth center is in the forehead, at the point between the eyebrows, supports neurological health, and stores understanding of deep meaning and purpose in life. The seventh chakra is at the crown of the head, supports sophisticated brain functions and is associated with a person’s overall spiritual evolution.
