Chakras

Paramhans Swami Maheshwarananda describes chakra as powerhouse in the way it generates and stores energy, with the energy from cosmos pulled in more strongly at these points. The main nadis, Ida, Pingala and Shushumna (sympatic, parasympatic and central nervous system) run along the spinal column in a curved path and cross one another several times. At the points of intersection they form strong energy centers known as chakras. In the human body there are three types of energy centers. The lower or animal chakras are located in the region between the toes and the pelvic region indicating our evolutionary origins in the animal kingdom. The human chakras lie along the spinal column. Finally, the higher or divine Chakras are found between the top of the spine and the crown of the head.

 

The Chakras

1  Muladhara Base or Root Chakra (last bone in spinal cord *coccyx*)
2  Swadhisthana Chakra (ovaries/prostate)
3  Manipura Solar Plexus Chakra (navel area)
4  Anahata Heart Chakra (heart area)
5  Vishuddha Throat Chakra (throat and neck area)
6  Ajna Brow or Third Eye Chakra (pineal gland or third eye)
7  Sahasrara Crown Chakra (Top of the head; 'Soft spot' of a newborn)