The Chakras and Reiki Healing

The word chakra originated in ancient India.  It comes from a Sanskrit word meaning (roughly) "wheel".  A chakra is described as a wheel-like center of energy -- or vortex -- that occurs where many lines of subtle energy intersect.  Major chakras are said to exist at seven different locations in the body. The seven major chakras are arranged physically along the midline of the body, extending from the base of the spine up through the skull. 

Each chakra is associated with certain physical functions, as well as mental and emotional functions. Proponents of various New Age therapies have popularized the notion that each chakra has a particular color and responds to particular crystals or gemstones.  These same individuals have popularized the idea that each chakra may be influenced by particular aromas.

A brief overview of the major chakras is given below.  You can click on the names of the various chakras to read additional information about them and their relationship to Reiki healing.

Root Chakra - The root chakra is located physically at the base of the spine, extending down  to include the area between the anus and the genitals. The root chakra is connected to all of our instincts and concerns for survival.  It is the chakra most closely linked to our physical body.

Sacral Chakra - The sacral chakra is located just below the navel.  It is involved in energizing and controlling the reproductive system.  In addition, it is involved in non-sexual creativity and our characteristic mode of relating to others.

Solar Plexus Chakra - The solar plexus chakra is located below the rib cage, between the tip of the sternum and the navel. The energy here is associated with logic, reasoning, and the growth and maintenance of self identity.

Heart Chakra - The heart chakra is located in the center of the upper chest, at the level of the heart.  The heart chakra is concerned with compassion, love, relationships, and social identity.

Throat Chakra - The throat chakra is located within the neck. It is involved in the control of speech and self expression.  The energies of the throat chakra also play a role in putting us in touch with our responsibilities in life.

Brow Chakra - The brow chakra is also called the third eye. It is located roughly in the center of the forehead, above and between the eyes. It is involved with higher mental processes, insight, inspiration, and self reflection.

Crown Chakra - The crown chakra is located at the top of the skull.  It is involved in the balance of the entire chakra system and is the seat of your higher self.  Wisdom emerges from the functioning of the crown chakra.

The activity of the chakras is said to contribute to our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.  Disturbances or energy blockages in particular chakras, or imbalances among them, can open the self to various illnesses.  Depending on the chakras involved, illness may affect body, mind, or spirit.   It is the healer's task to normalize the flow of life energy, or prana, through the chakras.

There is no evidence that the concept of chakras was a part of Usui's original formulation of Reiki healing practices.  But, Usui's ideas about subtle energies and a universal life force (Reiki) are similar to ancient writings about prana.  As a result, chakras and their relationship to energy healing have been accepted by many modern Reiki practitioners.  Today, teachings about chakras have become a popular part of many Reiki training programs.

How are chakras involved in a Reiki healing session?  Generally, Reiki masters who adopt the concept of chakras believe that is important to open and clear the chakras during a healing session. Clearing the chakras creates a better connection to the universal life force and encourages a greater flow of healing energies through the person.  Reiki practitioners may focus on clearing and balancing a particular chakra if a set of problems commonly associated with that chakra is detected.

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