The subtle body, that exists within each and every human being, consists essentially of 7 energy centres (chakras), 3 energy channels (nadis) and the Kundalini energy residing at the base of the spine.
The chakras correspond on the physical level to the plexuses of our central nervous system and the energy channels to the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems within the spinal column.
‘Chakra’ means ‘wheel’ in Sanskrit, because the chakras rotate, clockwise, like wheels. Chakras are also likened to lotus flowers, each chakra having a different number of petals, which corresponds to the number of sub-plexuses (and qualities) within the physical plexus.
1. Mooladhara chakra
Physical Manifestation: Pelvic Plexus
Number of petals/sub-plexuses: 4
Element: Earth
Controls: Excretion and Reproductive organs
Quality: Innocence and Wisdom
2. The Swadhisthan chakra:
Physical Manifestation: Aortic Plexus
Number of petals/sub-plexuses: 6
Element: Fire
Controls: Kidneys, liver, spleen, pancreas, uterus, intestines
Qualities: Creativity, pure attention, pure desire, pure knowledge
3. The Nabhi chakra
Physical manifestation: Navel/Solar Plexus
Number of petals/sub-plexuses: 10
Element: Water
Controls: Stomach, intestines, liver, spleen Qualities: Seeking, Peace, generosity, satisfaction, pure attention, looking after others
4.The Heart chakra (Anahat chakra)
Physical Manifestation: Cardiac Plexus
Number of petals/sub-plexuses: 12
Element: Air
Controls: Heart, lungs, sternum bone
Qualities: Joy, compassion, sense of security, love, responsibility
5. The Vishuddhi chakra
Physical Manifestation: Cervical Plexus (thyroid)
Number of petals/sub-plexuses: 16
Element: Sky/Space/Ether
Controls: Neck, arms, face, tongue, mouth, nose, teeth
Qualities: Sweetness of communication, diplomacy, collectivity, detachment, selfrespect and respect for others, brother/sister relationship, responsibility
6. The Agnya chakra
Physical Manifestation: Optic Chiasma
Number of petals/sub-plexuses: 2
Element: Light
Controls: Pineal body/Pituitary gland, eyesight, memory, mind
Quality: Forgiveness
7. The Sahastrara chakra
Physical manifestation: Limbic area of brain
Number of petals: 1000
Quality: deep joy, thoughtless awareness, union with divine
