Chakras have been an interesting topic of both eye-opening experiences and debate. While some believe they are the sources of energies within our bodies others dismiss them as nothing but pseudo-science. Even though it only recently started appearing in the discussions in the west, however, the concept of chakra isn’t something new and has been around for thousands of years in yogic teachings and practices. It is also said that most people’s chakras are blocked that’s why they experience emotional and physical discomfort. But is that the truth behind these mysterious concepts.
What are Chakras?
The word Chakra is actually a Sanskrit word that literally means a wheel. All the energy nerves meet at various locations as junctions for these nerves which are referred to as Chakras, however, in reality, the way chakras are present in our bodies are in triangular shapes. The only reason we consider them wheel-shaped or circular is that they are radiating at a certain frequency which makes them appear as a circular shape, just like light from a distance appears spherical. According to wise yogis and masters, there are about 114 chakras within a human body, however, the most commonly known are these seven chakras.
Symbols and colors of the seven chakras.
- Root Chakra: Muladhara or Root Chakra is known as the base of life. It is known to be located at the base of one’s spine. As it is grounded and close to the earth it is responsible for stability.
- Sacral Chakra: Also known as Svadhisthana, is the chakra that is located just below the belly button and is linked with sexual energy.
- Solar Plexus Chakra: This chakra is responsible for confidence and a positive self-image. It is located above the belly button and is known as Manipura.
- Heart Chakra: Perhaps one of the most loved chakras ironically, the Anahata. This is responsible for love and compassion and as the name suggests it’s located at the center of the chest.
- Throat Chakra: Vishuddha is located at the throat and naturally its purpose has to do with communication and speech.
- Third Eye Chakra: Even if you’ve never heard of other chakras, there is no way you’ve missed the term the third eye. Ajna is located at the center of your skull and eyes. It is responsible for intuition and visualization.
- Crown Chakra: Sahasrara is considered one of the most powerful chakras as it deals with wisdom and enlightenment. It connects the person to their true self.
The science behind the Chakras
There have been numerous studies done in order to confirm and provide evidence if these chakras actually exist. The only reason these studies were done in the first place was that like many spiritual aspects chakras are non-physical. In one study conducted in 1975, a scientist decided to see if these chakras actually exist and if they have any effect. Various radioactive isotopes were used in the experiment. She then recorded radiation that was being produced by the body. Interestingly, the flow of radiation had a pattern and was sourced from the mentioned chakra points. Not only that she was able to also record the sounds that were produced by different chakras and the colors associated with them.
Glowing plants representing life energy.
Another study, states that the subtle energy is present which is barely registered, it is known as the life energy or Prana exists and is essential for humans to exist as much as air, not only that but each and every living thing has a form of life force. It is also stated that this energy is not something that can be sensed or measured by our five senses it is beyond that. So naturally, scientists are quick to dismiss it. Hindrance or imbalance of these energies may cause both physical and emotional discomfort while fixing these works as a medicine and a person begins to feel healthier and better. But once it was evident that these are not just placebos and alignment of chakras actually does improve one’s health, it changed the minds of many researchers. According to scientists, it is something that breaks western medicine as these work on a completely different level. Modern medicine works only on the physical aspects while chakras provide life energy.
In addition to that, two french scientists wanted to test out how these energies flow within the body. So they injected the subjects with radioactive technetium and observed the flow of this element via nuclear scanning equipment. They found that the technetium followed a specific pattern within the body which when studied turned out to be the same pathways as acupuncture pathways described in Chinese healing.
Even with all the studies and measurements, it is hard to say that we will ever be able to provide a step-by-step process as to how these chakras behave. Also, their properties cannot be known either, after all, how can we establish a physical basis for a non-physical thing?
