Definition: The chakras, as described by ancient yoga texts, are seven energy centers aligned from the base of the spine to the top of the head. The chakras are part of the subtle body, meaning that they are not anatomical in nature. The Sanskrit word chakra comes from the word for wheel and the chakras are often thought of as spinning wheels of energy. It is believed that when all the chakras are in alignment, your life force (kundalini) can travel up the spine to the crown of the head. But the chakras often get blocked and yoga is a way to clear them. The seven chakras are described as follows:
1. Root Chakra - Muladhara Chakra is located around the perenium and base of the spine.
2. Sacral Chakra - Svadisthana Chakra is located in the lower abdomen below the navel.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Manipura Chakra is located at the mid abdomen.
4. Heart Chakra - Anahata Chakra is located in the middle of the chest.
5. Throat Chakra - Visuddha Chakra is located at the throat.
6. Third Eye Chakra - Ajna Chakra is located in the middle of the forehead.
7. Crown Chakra - Sahasrara is located on the top of the head.
Pronunciation: Chock-ra is the most prevalent Western pronunciation, though in Sanskrit the pronunciation is more like chuck-ra.
