According to yoga science, our bodies have seven chakras that function as intake organs, collecting energy from the universe and enhancing different innate abilities and intuitions. These energy fields can either be open or blocked, meaning your psyche can either access the energy within the chakra or is unable to access that energy.
The Sanskrit word "chakra" translates literally to "wheel" or "disk." The chakra or symbol of the wheel is used to signify each one of your energy centers. The science of yoga asserts it is best to keep the chakras open and in balance, as this is considered a significant way to promote spiritual and physical well being. Many yoga postures and breathing and meditation exercises are used to open and balance the chakras.
Having the chakras out of balance or the blocking of a particular chakra is theorized to produce specific physical ailments in the body. For example, if you have low energy and struggle with chronic lethargy, you may want to try to open up your third chakra, the power chakra, located in your solar plexus area in order to tap into more energy.
Interestingly enough, the seven chakras correspond exactly with the seven main nerve centers along the spinal cord.
The Seven Chakras
First Chakra
The first chakra is at the base of your spine and is often represented by the earth symbol and is linked to your physical identity. This chakra acts as a root and keeps you securely grounded on the earth. The energy of this first chakra relates to primal needs such as self-preservation, but is also linked to your sense of being connected with the earth and your physical surroundings. When kept in balance, this chakra promotes health, security and a sense of contentment with your physical body and physical surroundings.
It is believed that the kundalini energy lies within the base chakra, waiting to be uncoiled and released up through the other chakras, bringing with its release enlightenment, well-being and total balance. This experience is sometimes referred to as kundalini rising. Such an experience is brought about by regular practice of yoga, chanting, meditation and the use of pranayama (controlled breathing exercises).
Second Chakra
The second chakra is centered in the vicinity of your reproductive organs. This chakra is represented by water and is linked to your emotional identity and self-gratification. It controls sexual energy and creativity. When in balance, this chakra brings depth of feeling and sexual fulfillment to your life.
Third Chakra
The third chakra is located at your solar plexus. This chakra is represented by fire and is referred to as the power chakra. It is connected to endurance, self-control and well-being. If in balance, this chakra brings us energy and non-violent power.
Fourth Chakra
The fourth chakra is centered in your chest. It is referred to as the heart chakra and is related to feelings and expressions of love, both towards your self and others. This chakra is represented by air. When in balance, you will feel deep love, compassion and peaceful goodwill to others.
Fifth Chakra
The fifth chakra is located in your throat. It controls the ability to speak truthfully and to speak in your own defense. This chakra is represented by sound. When healthy, you will be able to communicate clearly.
Sixth Chakra
The sixth chakra is at the center of your forehead, located between your eyebrows. This chakra is represented by light and is linked to psychic abilities. It is also connected to the ability to listen to intuition and retain visionary inspiration.
Seventh Chakra
The seventh chakra is located at the crown of your head. It is represented by thought and universal identity. This chakra is related to your ability to connect with the rest of the universe in mind, heart and spirit.
 | Based on the belief that its practice allows you to cope better with the daily stresses of life by helping you to tap into a higher consciousness, Kundalini Yoga emphasizes the release of spiritual energy within the body. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word kundal, which translates to lock of hair from the beloved. |
 | There's much more buried within the philosophy of Tantric yoga than tricks for the bedroom. Tantra applies just as well to daily life as it does to nightlife. |
 | Kundalini yoga meditation is practiced to release this energy, unblocking the chakras and enabling the proper flow of Kundalini energy through the body. |
The word mantra translates literally to "instrument of thought." The repetition of the mantra is used to manipulate your thoughts, molding them into an intentional line of thinking and feeling. |
The word "bandha" actually translates to the word "lock" and it refers to both an energetic and muscular body locking, or sealing, that can be done while performing yoga postures. |
