Chakras        Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. These energy centers are believed to be located at specific points between the base of the spine and the top of the skull. Some esoteric systems include additional chakras, said to extend beyond the physical body into the human auric field. Each chakra is believed to relate to particular organs of the body, ailments, colors, elements, and emotions. Eastern teachings have described Chakras as seven energy centers which are located parallel to the spine. Each of the seven charkas or energy centers have certain qualities and associations. Through the various yoga postures and meditation, it is possible to help us "balance" the chakra.     Balancing the chakras is believed to promote general health and well-being by ensuring the free flow of life energy (also known as prana or qi) throughout the body. It is believed that blockages in the flow of this vital energy will eventually result in mental, emotional, and/or physical illness. By removing such blockages and maximizing energy flow, practitioners are said to enable body, mind, and spirit to function optimally. Some alternative practitioners, such as medical intuitives, say they can "read" a patient's chakras to detect imbalances and diagnose problems.     1st - Root Chakra (located at the base of the spine) Color:  True red - warming, strengthening, energizing. Based in our tribal identity (or lack thereof) and group belief patterns. Connects us with the energies of the Earth Mother. Supports the physical plane and safety, security, & survival issues. Associated with the spinal column, bones, teeth, nails, anus, rectum, colon, prostate, blood and the building of cells.     2nd - Sacral or Spleen Chakra (located below the navel) Color:  Orange - sociability, joyfulness, assimilation. Based in our relationships and our need to control our physical environment. Supports procreation, sensuality, creativity, trust & intimacy. Associated with the pelvis, reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, all body fluids.      3rd - Solar Plexus Chakra (located below the breast bone) Color:  Yellow - optimism, stimulation, re-awakening. Based in our sense of personal power and the development of self. Connects us with the energies from the Sun. Supports the personality, self-expansion, and personal power in relation to the external world. Associated with the lower back, abdomen, digestive system, liver, spleen, autonomic nervous system.     4th - Heart Chakra (located in the center of the chest at heart level) Color:  Green - growth, healing, revitalizing. Based in our emotional development and sense of compassion and Divine love. Connects all the other chakras and mediates between the body and the spirit. Supports the fulfillment of devotion, harmony, and selfless love. Associated with the heart, upper back, lower lungs, blood and circulation, skin.     5th - Throat Chakra (located at the neck above the collar bone)  Color:  Blue - antiseptic, calming, relaxing. Based in maturity of will, of surrendering personal power to Divine power. Supports communication and self-expression, inspiration & Divine guidance. Associated with the neck, throat, jaw, voice, trachea, upper lungs, esophagus, and both arms.     6th - Third Eye or Inner Eye Chakra (located centrally behind the eyebrows) Color:  Indigo - dynamic, detoxifying, sedating. Based in spiritual insight, vision, and intuition; seeking truth by opening the mind. Supports wisdom, knowledge, imagination; psychic ability and spiritual awareness. Associated with the face, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, cerebellum, and the central nervous system.     7th - Crown Chakra (located at the top of the head) Color:  Violet/Purple - purifying, balancing, cooling. Based in our intimate connection with the Divine source and living our spiritual nature. Connects us to all universal energies. Supports spirituality, human perfection, cosmic consciousness, and oneness within the universe.