Chakras

The word chakra is a Sanskrit word, which means "wheel" or "disc". In the ancient yoga systems of India, the word chakra is used to describe a spinning vortex of energy in the subtle body. According to this system there are a total of seven chakras arranged vertically along the spine and numerous energy pathways or channels, called nadis (from nad which means a hollow stalk), which intersect at these chakras. There are a total of 72000 nadis or subtle channels of energy extending out from the spinal cord, the principal among them are the ida, pingala and the susushmna. The ida nadi runs adjacent to the left side of the spinal cord and the pingala nadi runs adjacent to the right side of it. The third major nadi, the sushumna flows inside the central canal of the spinal cord. The chakras are sometimes referred to as lotuses, for they open and close like a flower, and in the yogic system they are represented with varying number of petals, ranging from four at the base chakra to 1000 at the crown. They can be charged and awakened by yogic practices involving breathing, asanas (yoga postures), and meditation. When stimulated, they generate latent forces, which awaken the power to conquer disease, decay and ultimately, according to the ancient yogis, death itself.