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| Home > Mudras > Articles > Chakras
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| | Chakras
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The seven chakras are the primary energetic centers. Located along the spinal pathway, each chakra is associated with particular organs, glands and nerve plexuses. Each chakra is also associated with certain states of consciousness. These seven chakras function in concert and can be balanced or imbalanced depending on the state of the body-mind. Peak chakra functioning is essential for a healthy, vital and balanced life. The seven chakras lie along the spinal column and are connected by three major energetic pathways known as ida, pingala and sushumna. The channels run from the base of the spine to the top of the head, conveying energy from one chakra to another.
Root Chakra:
 This is known as the first chakra and it is located at the base of the spine at the perineum, the spot between the anus and the genitals. Here, resides the Kundalini, and its main aspect is the innocence. Innocence is the quality by which we experience pure, childlike joy, without the limitations of prejudice or conditionings. It is the inner wisdom and a quality which exists eternally within us and cannot be destroyed, waiting to be manifest as pure joy when the Kundalini rises. Thus, the first chakra is about survival, power and the promotion of vital life energy. Its Sanskrit name is `Muladhara`.
Sacral Chakra:
 This is the second chakra and is located at the point of the spine close to the reproductive organs. On the physical level it looks after our liver, kidneys, and the lower abdomen. It is the chakra of creativity, pure attention and pure knowledge, which connects us to the inner source of inspiration and enables us to experience the beauty around us. Its primary functions are creativity and procreation since this is the center of pure, steady attention and power of concentration. Its Sanskrit name is `Svadhisthana`.
Solar Plexus Chakra:
 This is the third chakra, which is located at the solar plexus. On the right side, it looks after our liver which is the organ of our attention and power of concentration. The third chakra is the one that gives us the sense of generosity, complete satisfaction and contentment. This chakra can also relieve stress and tensions. When enlightened by the Kundalini, this chakra gives us our spiritual ascent, righteousness and inner sense of morality, and complete balance at all levels in our life. It is all about personal power and is the vortex for the individualization of consciousness. Its Sanskrit name is `Manipura`.
Heart Chakra:
 This is the fourth chakra that lies at the centre of the chest and is considered to be the focal point of love and compassion in the human energy system. On the physical level, this chakra looks after our heart and lungs - if affected it can cause asthma or various heart conditions. It is from our heart that gives us the sense of responsibility and pure behaviour towards others. The heart chakra manifests in the center (at the level of the sternum bone) as complete security and confidence. All our worries, doubts and fears are destroyed when the heart chakra is fully enlightened by the Kundalini. Its Sanskrit name is `Anahata`.
Throat Chakra:
 This is the fifth chakra and is located at the spine directly behind the centre of the throat parallel to the thyroid. This chakra is said to be related to communication and growth. It stands for creativity and personal expression. Its Sanskrit name is `Visuddha`.
Forehead Chakra:
 This sixth chakra sits directly behind the root of the nose, between the eyebrows and inward toward the centre of the head also called the third eye, this chakra is the location of higher intelligence. Its Sanskrit name is `Ajna`. Ajna or the third eye is linked to the pineal gland, which regulates the instincts of going to sleep and awakening. Ajna is the chakra of time and awareness and of light.
Crown Chakra:
 This seventh chakra is located at the crown of the head and is the master chakra of cosmic consiousness that controls all the others. Its role is very similar to that of the pituitary gland and it also connects to the central nervous system . It is an unconditional state of total fulfillment, freedom and joy. Its Sanskrit name is `Sahasrara`.
Chakra influences permeate the entire body and mind and work at every level. Chakra psychology is a tool for greater self-understanding. With chakra energy, the calmness that spreads over the body-mind is exhilarating. In addition, the body is toned, ageing is arrested and the spiritual journey also becomes a source of endless joy. Chakra energy is the cornerstone of spiritual growth.
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