The chakras are the energy centers of the body. The first written mention of chakras comes from the Vedas, ancient Indian texts from 1500 and 500 BC. The chakras are located along the spine, starting at the base and moving up to the crown of the head. According to ancient scriptures, chakras are shaped like a small sphere or ball and are located in the energetic spinal cord, within the physical spinal cord.

 

There are an infinite number of chakras in the human body, but there are 7 main chakras that are recognized for their specific vibration, color, symbol and sound. These 7 main chakras as they appear in the body are:

 

Symbol: a lotus flower with 4 flowers, a square and a downward-facing triangle. These elements represent the 4 aspects of the human mind, which unite to form the birth of human consciousness.

Color red

Element: Earth

Mantra: “Lamb”

 

Symbol: a crescent moon and six lotus petals. The circles and crescent moon represent the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth, while the 6 petals represent the 6 negative aspects of our nature that we must overcome to open this chakra.

Color: Orange

Element: Water

Mantra: “Vam”

 

Symbol: A downward-facing triangle in a ten-petaled lotus flower. The ten petals symbolize ten negative character traits that we must overcome, while the triangle is the fire of kundalini energy that indicates our inner strength.

Color yellow

Element: Fire

Mantra: “Aries”

 

Symbol: Two triangles intersecting to form a yantra symbolizing the balance of yin and yang. On the outside is a lotus flower with 12 petals symbolizing the twelve divine qualities associated with the heart.

Color: Green

Element: Air

Mantra: “Yam”

 

Symbol: a 16-petalled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle containing a circle. This represents spiritual growth and the purification of body, mind and soul.

Color blue

Element: Space

Mantra: “Ham”

 

Symbol: an inverted triangle in a circle between two lotus petals. The two petals and the downward-facing pyramid both represent wisdom and emphasize the role of the heavenly eye chakra in our journey to spiritual consciousness.

Color: Indigo

Element: no element

Mantra: “Om”

 

Symbol: a ring of a thousand lotus petals surrounding an inverted triangle. This symbolizes the ascending of divine energy into the Crown Chakra, bringing spiritual liberation and enlightenment.

Color: Violet

Element: no element

Mantra: “Aum”

 

Each chakra radiates a different color and energy and is connected to a particular gland of the particular region where it is located in the body. Each chakra also relates to specific spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical aspects of our being. They can also be seen as energy vortexes that symbolize our seven levels of consciousness. We move from the lower self, or an unconscious state, to the higher self, or a conscious state, by moving from the Root to the Crown Chakra.

 

The chakras serve as distribution centers that transport the five pranas (prana means energy or life force) to the corresponding body areas. Ideally, energy flows freely in and out of the chakras and they are in constant motion.

 

If a chakra is out of balance, it may not have enough energy flowing into it, it may become completely blocked, or it may have too much energy flowing into that specific area. There are many factors that can influence it, such as our lifestyle, environment, people we spend time with, past experiences or trauma. Although Reiki and the chakras come from two different ancient traditions, they have many similarities as it all comes back to the concept of life force (Prana or Ki) and the recognition that energy must flow freely through these centers to maintain optimal health and well-being .