fig. 02a: the human chakras are graphed onto physical locations of the body.

the system of the chakras was discovered and mastered by ancient hindu yogis. it revolves around subtle parts of the body that are spiritual in nature, but are also related to physical organs, glands, and functions of the body. they realized energy flows along certain thin paths called nadis, and this energy culminates at certain points. these are the chakras, centerpoints where life force energy is stored, distributed, and managed (automatically/subconsciously for the most part).

yoga, and many other spiritual practices enable the student to become aware of these subtle energies that flow through the human body. all though various interpretations of the exact number and nature of the chakras exist, there is a consensus regarding the seven(7) major chakras depicted. the nadi channels, within which are even finer channels where the chakras are said to be attached, are visualized as two strings that coil around the spine in a spiral, much like the appropriate symbols of the DNA double-helix and the caduceus. they begin at the base of the spine, coil upwards around each chakra until reaching the eye brow center (also known as the third eye) - and then reach out to the nostrils. this can illustrate quite a reasonable picture of the importance of inhalation and oxygen entering the human during spiritual practice.

deeper study of esoteric anatomy and the hindu yoga system provides immeasurable help and support for the individual human to be aware of their own body on a cellular, organ, or metaphysical level. not only can we maintain better health by managing our energy and clearing out stagnant or blocked channel flow- physio-spiritual awareness helps us diagnose illness when it does strike, see true underlying causes for our disease, and most importantly work towards correcting imbalances.

yogi masters have created specialized moves or postures (called asanas) relating to each chakra and various influences, purposes. kundalini yoga is a very procedural meditative system for consciously raising one's primal energy up and through each of the chakras progressively, in an attempt to cause enlightenment. such rituals must be carried with the upmost respect, responsibility, and care- prematurely raising unready energy (or more correctly put: when you are not ready) can cause more harm than good. many people erroneously pursue spiritual knowledge with the hopes of attaining special gifts or powers. a golden spiritual rule: for every one step forward in esoteric development, let us take three steps forward in moral development.

many elaborate methods for getting in touch with the chakras exist. a simple and safe exercise is to simply spend time getting to know the energy centers: study some charts and learn where the chakras are in your body. what do the different chakras stand for and symbolize? why do you think these certain attributes are related to a certain chakra and not others? how about their colors- it is very interesting to note the close similarity to the universal color spectrum found in rainbows: roy g biv. take a few minutes to sit/lay down in a relaxed state (spine straight) and do a quick chakra meditation: breathe calmly, deeply, and slowly during the exercise (for begginers recommend: inhale thru nostrils, out thru nostrils and/or mouth) and attempt to clear your mind (focusing on breath helps). start at the root chakra (or crown for a more western approach) and envision its symbol, color, and attributes. welcome any subtle impressions that may arise and take note of your observations. move along the energy centers to get to know them. imagine the energy flowing much smoother and the life-force current become stronger inside of your spiritual organism. any discomforts or pain indicates blocked and/or stagnant energy, usually in that area. directing energy (think oxygen if it helps) towards that area can help heal dis-ease. it is always good practice to end your energy working sessions with some sort of 'grounding' exercise to smooth your energy out and balance it with the natural environment, especially with more intense practices.

sources:
chakra article on wikipedia

"the magician's companion" by bill whitcomb

heal-thyself.us chakra diagram