Description
Chakra (Pali: chakka, Tibetan: khorlo, Malay: cakera) is considered in traditional Indian culture, such as Hinduism, to be one of the places in the supposed human energy body that are important for the life force ('prana'). Chakra (Sanskrit: cakram) means 'circle' or 'wheel'. There is no scientific evidence for any physiological or other medical effects of chakras on the human body, nor for the existence of chakras themselves. It is a metaphysical/philosophical concept. Historically, the number of chakras has ranged from five, six, seven, nine, twelve, to twenty-seven, with the seven-chakra system being the most familiar in the West. This is because the first and, for a long time, only English translation of a Sanskrit text on chakras described seven chakras. Early Western tantra researchers, such as Sir John Woodroffe and theosophists, noted that many nerves and glands converge at the locations of the chakras. In the New Age movement, chakras are increasingly associated with health and healing. Crystals and gemstones are placed on chakras, for example, or reiki energy is used. Although the original texts mention the health benefits of chakra meditations in passing, they primarily consist of visualization exercises to awaken or direct kundalini energy. Ayurvedic texts don't mention chakras, but contemporary Ayurvedic experts still use them in combination with herbs and other healing methods.
