The Chakra system is a seven-leveled philosophical model of the universe. Chakras have come to the West through the tradition and practice of yoga.

A chakra is a centre of activity that receives, assimilates and expresses life force energy. The word chakra literally translates as ‘wheel’ or ‘disc’ and refers to a spinning sphere of bioenergetic activity emanating from the major nerve ganglia branching forward from the spinal column.

There are seven of these wheels stacked in a column of energy that spans from the base of the spine to the top of the head. There are also minor chakras in the hands, feet, fingertips, and shoulders. Literally any vortex of energy could be called a chakra.

The chakra system originated in India more than four thousand years ago.

Chakras are not physical entities in and of themselves. Like feelings or ideas they cannot be held like a physical object, yet they have a strong effect upon the body.

Chakra patterns are programmed deep in the core of the mind-body interface and have a strong relationship with our physical functioning.

While chakras cannot be seen or held as material entities they are evident in the shape of our physical bodies, the patterns manifested in our lives, and the way we think, feel and handle situations.

As there are seven levels to the chakras and seven colours of the rainbow, the slowest vibration of visible light, red, is associated with the base chakra (The 1^st and slowest chakra). The fastest and shortest, violet, is associated with the crown (the 7^th and fastest chakra). Each of the other colours (orange, yellow, green, blue and indigo) represent the chakras between. Please see diagram above.

There are also corresponding elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether) to each of the chakras:

Earth - Base Chakra - Red
Water - Sacral Chakra - Orange
Fire - Solar Plexus Chakra - Yellow
Air - Heart Chakra - Green (& pink)
Ether - Throat Chakra - Turquoise (blue)

Each element has it’s own individual quality and feature and can be seen to represent the functions and qualities of each of it’s chakra counterpart