The Chakra/Subtle Body System

Esoteric teachings contend that men and women have an “auric” or Subtle Body as well as a physical body. This energy field, which extends beyond that of the physical body, generates a kind of subtle “field” or aura, which can be seen by sensitives. The aura changes colour and shape in resonance to our emotions and general physical condition; and it also contracts or expands. In recent years scientific research tends to support the traditional view of the aura and Subtle Body system. Colour photographs taken using a technique known as Kirlian photography illustrate changes in the aura. Various theories explain telepathy and other ESP phenomena by the existence of an auric or “psi plasma” field. These findings support and throw light upon the teachings of the Subtle Body related in Eastern cultures.

The earliest known mention of chakras is found in the later Upanishads, including specifically the Brahma Upanishad and the Yogatattva Upanishad. These vedic models were adapted in Tibetan Buddhism as Vajrayana theory, and in the Tantric Shakta theory of chakras. It is the ‘Shakta Theory of 7 Main Chakras’ that most people in the West adhere to, either knowingly or unknowingly, largely thanks to a translation of two Indian texts, the Sat-Cakra-Nirupana, and the Padaka-Pancaka, by Sir John Woodroffe, alias Arthur Avalon, in a book entitled The Serpent Power. In Hinduism and its spiritual systems of yoga and in some related eastern cultures, as well as in some segments of the New Age movement — and to some degree the distinctly different New Thought movement – a chakra is thought to be an energy node in the human body. The word comes from the Sanskrit “cakra” meaning “wheel, circle”, and sometimes also refers to the “wheel of life”. The pronunciation of this word can be approximated in English by ‘chuhkruh’, with ch as in chart, the commonly found pronunciation ‘shockrah’ is incorrect. While the seven major chakras are located at major nerve connection points within the body, the chakras do not actually exist within the physical system, but are a subtle “plasma field”, or Subtle Body, which vibrates at specific frequencies, taking on subtle shapes, sounds and colours.

As with all things in our reality, they are linked to sound, light and color.

The seven main chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head and are each associated with a certain colour, multiple specific functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics. Life force energy, known as prana in Sanskrit, or qi in Chinese-based systems, flows up through the chakra “wheels” and vitalizes our physical body, serving as a source of strength, intelligence, and transcendence while nourishing and harmonizing our whole being: body, mind and spirit.

The first chakra is the base or root chakra, Muludhara, and is related to security, survival and also to basic human potentiality and although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to relate to the inner adrenal glands, the adrenal medulla, responsible for the fight and flight response when survival is under threat. This center is located in the region between the genitals and the anus, its colour is red, its element is Earth and its function is self-preservation. It is linked to our physical survival, vitality, stability, patience, courage, and material success. It is our life force energy which connects us to Earth and this physical plane.

The second chakra is the sacral or sex chakra, Svadhisthanna, and is related to emotion, sexuality and creativity and is said to correspond to the testes or the ovaries. This center is located about two to three inches below the navel and is connected to our groin, its colour is orange, its element is Water and its function is self-gratification. It is linked to our sexuality, passion, physical force, vitality and strength. It is also where we hold onto our guilt/shame about our sexuality.

The third chakra is the solar plexus or power chakra, Manipura, and is related to energy, assimilation and digestion, and is said to correspond to the roles played by the pancreas and the outer adrenal glands, the adrenal cortex. This center is located just below the rib cage, its colour is yellow, its element is Fire and its function is self-definition. It is linked to our identity, personality, and brings us confidence, personal power, and spontaneous reaction. When functioning properly it is the place from which we radiate our warmth and inner glow. Blockages here manifests as anger or a sense of victimization.

The fourth chakra is the heart chakra, Anahata, and is related to love, equilibrium, and well-being and relates to the thymus, which is part of the immune system as well as being part of the endocrine system. This center is located in located in the chest at the sternum, its colour is green, its element is Air and its function is self-acceptance. It is our emotional center, and promotes love, compassion, understanding and forgiveness. It is the center of the chakra system, and as loving ourselves is the foundation of good health, so to is the heart chakra a powerful healer. Blockage can manifest as immune system or heart problems, or a lack of compassion.

The fifth chakra is the throat chakra, Vishuddha, is said to be related to communication and growth, growth being a form of expression. This chakra is paralleled to the thyroid, a gland that is also in the throat, and which produces thyroid hormone, responsible for growth and maturation. This chakra is located at the center of our throat, its colour is blue, its element is Ether/Sound and its function is self-expression. It is linked with communication, self-expression, sounds, and is the bridge between ourselves and the outside World. Not only does it feel pressure when you are not communicating your emotions properly, but many throat problems are said to be caused by communicating too much or too little.

The sixth chakra is the brow chakra or third eye, Ajna Chakra, and is linked to the pineal gland. Ajna is the chakra of time and awareness and of light. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland, that produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates the instincts of going to sleep and awakening. It also produces trace amounts of the psychedelic chemical dimethyltryptamine. It is located between the eyebrows, its colour is indigo, its element is Thought and its function is self-reflection. It is linked with vision, intuition, concentration, and insight.

The seventh chakra is the crown chakra, Sahasrara, and is said to be the chakra of consciousness, the master chakra which alligns and balances all the other chakras. Its role would be very similar to that of the pituitary gland, which secretes hormones to control the rest of the endocrine system, and also connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The thalamus is thought to have a key role in the physical basis of consciousness. It is located just above the head, its colour is violet, its element is Light and its function is self-knowledge. It is said to vitalize our upper brain, promote positive thought patterns, inspiration, imagination, and spiritual well being. It is also our connection with the Divine/Source and constantly channels energy into our “being”.