All around the world, and for many centuries, the power of energy and its effect on the human body have been recognized and recorded. Some call it Prana, Shekinah, Chi, Orenda, Waken, Tsa, Ha, or Mana. Some may even call it ‘the spirit’ but by whatever name and however they are known, These energies affect our lives every day. People have developed many different ways to help balance and maintain these energies. One of the ways is known as the Chakra energy system.
The chakras are an ancient energy system that originated in India. The chakras were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts that dated from 1500 to 1000 BC. The word Chakra means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. These spinning wheels correspond to certain points in our bodies. These are specific points that affect our emotional and physical well-being, and these points correspond to certain colors. In the eleventh century Dr. Avicenna observed that certain colors were connected to illnesses and healing. Blue was discovered to have a cooling affect while red was associated with the movement of a disease through the body. In the chakra system blue is healing, red means vitality. Although there have been many interpretations of these systems. They all seem to agree that each color corresponds to a meaning. In the chakra system the higher the color frequency-the closer it is to the higher chakras (the seat of consciousness). These colors help us reach the vibrations needed to heal or balance our being. There are also exercises, scents and foods that can help us keep these chakras in balance.
Every beginner should start by understanding each of the chakras and putting together their own ‘kit’ for each of their chakras. It is also important to understand your ‘chi’ (your energy or better stated the energy that effects your living) which is the Chinese word for air. In Chinese medicine the chi is the life force that sustains our vitality. The chi is associated with pathways in our bodies known as meridians. Subtle energies use these pathways to move about our bodies. Emotions can affect the chi. Movement allows the chi to flow but too little movement can lead to lower chi. When our energies are imbalanced it can affect our health. Exercise, meditation, and crystal therapy can help align the meridians and revitalize the chi. Know your limitations and use boundaries. This is especially important when seeking to balance your life. In my next few posts I will be sharing information about each chakra that will hopefully help you put together your own kit for each chakra and then I will tie them back to my own traditions (Karibe).