What are chakras?

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘wheel of life’. Chakras are data banks of psychic energy present throughout and around your body, generating and reflecting the health of your mind, body and spirit. Our thoughts and experiences create energetic responses in our bodies (supportive and destructive), and our chakras each resonate with aspects of living like survival, sexuality, fortitude, empathy, eloquence, perception and faith. Anatomically, each chakra corresponds to an endocrine gland, body area and specific nerve ganglia. Chakra vibrations also correspond to an earth element, color and musical vibrations, emotional qualities and thought patterns. Multiple cultures, alternative medicines and philosophies use models of chakras. There are many pragmatic ways of balancing chakras – I recommend bodywork, meditation and aromatherapy, together and as separate practices to enhance chakra awareness and general wellbeing.