Shat Chakras - An explanation

Shat Chakras – An Introduction
Shat Chakras and their relation with human body: - Chakras refer to the seven power points of life force in the human body that circulates energy. The meaning of the word 'chakra' is 'wheel of light' or ‘spinning wheel of energy’ in Sanskrit language. These seven important centers of energy are vertically aligned in the center of the body close to the spine. These Chakras function like valves that regulate the flow of energy through our energy system. A proper balance in the Chakras is essential for our good health. The details of the seven chakras are given below and each of these Chakras has a location, significance and color and needs to be kept balanced and healthy. Any blockage or imbalance in any of the above chakras can result in diseases and ill health. So it is essential to maintain a proper balance in the Chakras to stay healthy.
Chakra	Description
SAHASRARA - The Crown Chakra:-सहस्रार is generally considered to be the chakra of pure consciousness. Its role may be envisioned somewhat similarly to that of the Pituitary gland, which secretes hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and also connects to the Central Nervous System via the Hypothalamus Symbolized by a lotus with one thousand petals. It is located at the crown of the head. सहस्रार  is represented by the colour White (शुक्ल) and it involves such issues as inner wisdom and the death of the body. Sahasrara's inner aspect deals with the release of karma, physical action with meditation, mental action with universal consciousness and unity, and emotional action with "beingness" and can make one mentally strong, creative, idealistic, kind and self sacrificing whereas an imbalance in this Chakra can make one confused and mentally instable.
AJNA - The Brow Chakra: - आज्ञा (along with बिंदु, is also known as the 3rd Eye chakra) is linked to the pineal gland. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep and waking up. Ajna is symbolized by a lotus (पद्मा) with two petals, and corresponds to the colors violet, indigo or deep blue. Ajna's key issues involve balancing the higher & lower selves and trusting inner guidance. Ajna's inner aspect relates to the access of intuition. Mentally, Ajna deals with visual consciousness. Emotionally, Ajna deals with clarity on an intuitive level.  Its बीज मन्त्र is “ॐ " || Third Eye Chakra are relates with migraine, glaucoma, cataracts and sinus problems. A balanced and healthy Third Eye Chakra can make one orderly, clear sighted, faithful, fearless, practical, idealistic and highly intuitive whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one inconsiderate.
Vishuddha - The Throat Chakra: - विशुद्ध also known as विशुद्धि is the fifth primary चक्र according to Hindu tradition. Vishuddha chakra symbolizes the pure consciousness, and creativity. Aether is the element associated with it. On a psychic level, it governs expression, inspiration in speech, eloquence, and perception of the archetypal models. This chakra is paralleled to the thyroid, a gland that is also in the throat and which produces thyroid hormone, responsible for growth and maturation. Symbolized by a lotus with sixteen petals. Vishudda is characterized by the colour light or pale blue, or turquoise.  Its बीज मन्त्र is “हं” || internal bleeding and nervous disorders. Some diseases and conditions associated with the Throat Chakra are thyroid, anorexia, asthma, bronchitis, hearing problems, tinnitus, mouth ulcers, sore throats and tonsillitis. A balanced and healthy Throat Chakra can make one loyal, trustworthy, affectionate, caring, tactful and calm whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one unfaithful, self righteous, untrustworthy and cold.
ANAHATA – The Heart Chakra: - अनाहत or अनाहत -पूरी, or पद्म -सुंदर is related to the thymus, located in the chest. The thymus is an element of the immune system, as well as being part of the endocrine system. It is the site of maturation of the T cells, responsible for fending off disease and may be adversely affected by stress. Anahata is symbolized by a lotus flower with twelve petals. Anahata is related to the colours green or pink. Functions involving Anahata involve complex emotions, compassion, tenderness, unconditional love, equilibrium, rejection and well-being. Physically Anahata governs circulation, emotionally it governs unconditional love for the self and others, mentally it governs passion, and spiritually it governs devotion. Anahata is the seat of the जीवात्मं and परा शक्ती || It’s बीज मन्त्र is “यं  " ||  the nervous system, heart problems, blood disorders etc. Some diseases and conditions associated with this Chakra are heart diseases, allergies, breast cancer and problems related to the Immune system. A balanced and healthy Heart Chakra can make one compassionate, generous, romantic, self controlled, adaptable, sympathetic and loving whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one jealous, miserly, bitter and indifferent.

Manipura: The Solar Plexus Chakra: -मणिपूर & मणिपूरका is related to the metabolic and digestive systems. मणिपूर is believed to correspond Islets of Langerhans, which are groups of cells in the pancreas, as well as the outer Adrenal glands and the adrenal cortex. These play a valuable role in digestion, the conversion of food matter into energy for the body. Symbolized by a lotus with ten petals. The colour that corresponds to Manipura is yellow. Functions governed by Manipura are issues of personal power, fear, anxiety, opinion-formation, introversion, and transition from simple or base emotions to complex. Physically Manipura governs - digestion, mentally it governs - personal power, emotionally it governs - expansiveness, and spiritually- all matters of growth .The तत्व   for the element of Fire (अग्नि) which is shown in the figure as a red triangle. Its बीज मन्त्र is “रं " || Some diseases and conditions associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra are Diabetes, Liver disease and Gall stones. A balanced and healthy Solar Plexus Chakra can make one Confident, humorous, practical, intellectual, Alert and Optimistic whereas an imbalance in this chakra can make one sarcastic, pessimistic and suffering from inferiority complex.

SVADHISTHANA: the sacral chakra: - स्वाधिष्ठान or adhishthana is located in the sacrum, that is in one's own seat or abode... and is considered to correspond to the testes or the ovaries that produce the various sex hormones involved in the reproductive cycle. Svadisthana is also considered to be related to, more generally, the genitourinary system and the adrenals. The Sacral Chakra is symbolized by a lotus with six petals, and corresponds to the colour orange. The functions involving Svadisthana are relationships, violence, addictions, basic emotional needs, and pleasure. Physically, Svadisthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs enthusiasm. Swadhisthana chakra bears the Sanskrit letters ब, भ, म, य, र, and ल.  The तत्व   for the element of Water (जल) is shown as a silver crescent. It’s बीज मन्त्र is “वं  " || Some diseases and conditions associated with the Sacral Chakra are uterine fibroids, pre-menstrual syndrome, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease, low back pain and prostate disease. A balanced and healthy sacral chakra can make one sociable, independent, constructive, energetic and enthusiastic whereas an imbalance in this Chakra can make one withdrawn, destructive and over dependent.

Muladhara: The Base Chakra: - मूलाधार or root chakra is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. This center is located in the perineum, which is the region between the genital and the anus. Although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to relate to the gonads and the adrenal medulla, responsible for the fight or flight, when survival is under threat. There is a muscle located in this region that controls ejaculation in the sexual act of the human male. A parallel is charted between the sperm cell and the ovum where the genetic code lies coiled and the Kundalini. Muladhara is symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the colour red. Functions involve sexuality, lust and obsession. Physically, Muladhara governs sexuality, mentally it governs stability, emotionally it governs sensuality, and spiritually it governs a sense of security. मूलाधार bears the Sanskrit letters व, स , श , and ष. The तत्वा of Earth (प्रथ्वी) is shown in the diagram as a yellow square. Its बीज मन्त्र is “लं    " || like anemia and depression. Some diseases and conditions associated with the Root or Base Chakra are Constipation, back pain, diarrhea, piles, colitis, frequent urination, high blood pressure, kidney stones and impotence. A balanced and healthy root chakra can make one courageous, strong willed, confident, humanistic, strong willed, spontaneous and honest. On the other hand an imbalance in this Chakra can make one insecure, over aggressive, indulging in self pity and fearful. - Venkateswarlu Kanoori