Chakras are intersections of vital energy flows that are present in the ethereal body and in related locations of the physical body.

Even though there are hundreds of these intersections – which are used by the Eastern medical practice in acupuncture, there are seven major chakras, associated with the physical body: these major charkas are where the major energy flows intersect. The health of an area of the physical body and the condition of its associated chakra are related. Meditating on a specific chakra (pronounced shock-ras) in the location of the diseased area of the body will help heal that area of your body.

Base Chakra- The first chakra is located in the area of the base of the lumbar spine. It is the center of vitality, physical energy, and self-preservation. It activates and strengthens the will to live, to survive, to manifest, etc … it assists one to live on the physical plane, and stimulates life energies. It is the location of the resting Kundalini. It is also the center, which vitalizes the kidneys, the suprarenal glands, and the spinal column in the physical body. The colors associated with the base chakra include red, representing the essential, idealistic, and confident passion for life, and black, representing stability and grounding to the source of security.

Sacral Chakra- The second chakra is located one to two inches below the navel. It is the center of desire, emotion, creativity, sexuality, and intuition. It stimulates the creative life force, forces created for existence on the physical plane, and the bases of life, itself. It is the center that vitalizes the digestive system, reproductive organs, sexual activity, and the gonads, where sex hormones are produced. It has been known as the pathway to health; it is attuned to emotions and thoughts concerning wellness, and is usually the location that allows dis-ease to manifest, in order to cleanse the body, mind, and/or emotions.

The second chakra has also been said to be located under the area under the rib cage, at the location of the spleen. It has been called the splenic chakra, and is considered by some to be a major chakra (as well, which would make eight major chakra locations, instead of seven). It is the center, which allows for vitalization of the entire physical form. It also acts as an open door to both the receipt and assimilation of the life-giving energies of the universe.

The colors associated with the second chakra include orange, representing wisdom, equity, creativity, and benevolence, and blue/green, representing the synthesis of Divine guidance in areas of healing.

Solar Plexus Chakra- The third chakra is located at the area below the breastbone, behind the stomach. Looking at the solar plexus area at the back of the body, the location is just below the shoulder blades. It is the center of personal, power, ambition, intellect, astral force, desire and emotions based on intellect, and touch.

The third chakra contains a protective energy, protecting against any negativity, which is contained within any of the other chakras. It is the center, which vitalizes the stomach, liver, gall bladder, sympathetic nervous system (activating involuntary muscles which enhance the mobilization of the physical body), pancreas, and adrenal glands. The color associated with the third chakra is yellow, representing meditative analytical thought and intellectual activity.

If you are new to studying and opening the chakras, pick the area you are having the most difficulties in, and work on that one location. When you feel comfortable, and feel like you are making progress toward opening that specific chakra, you can move on to another location, concentrating only on that area, or adding it to the other chakra location. Always meditate only on opening and clearing one chakra at a time.

Please read Part Two for the other chakra locations, indications, actions and the color that rules them.