chakra
The chakram is also a disc-like weapon wielded by the Hindu god Vishnu.
In Hinduism and its spiritual systems of yoga and in some related eastern cultures, as well as in some segments of the New Age movement, a chakra (from the Sanskrit word चक्र meaning "wheel, circle") is thought to be an energy node in the human body.
The seven main chakras are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a certain color, multiple specific functions, an aspect of consciousness, a classical element, and other distinguishing characteristics.
The chakras are thought to vitalise the physical body and to be associated with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. They are considered loci of life energy, or prana, which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis.
Acupuncture chart from the Ming Dynasty
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Acupuncture chart from the Ming Dynasty
Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on a similar model of the human body as an energy system.
The New Age movement has led to an increased interest in the West regarding chakras. Many in this movement point to a correspondence between the position and role of the Chakras, and those of the glands in the endocrine system. Some people in New Age also claim that other chakras, besides the above, exist — for instance, ear chakras.
The Danish author and musician Peter Kjaerulff in his book, The Ringbearers Diary, describes the chakras in great detail, including the reasons for their appearance and their exact functions. Shortly put, the seven chakras are said to reflect how the unified conscioussness of man (the immortal human being or the soul), is divided to manage different aspects of earthly life (body/instinct/vital energy/deeper emotions/communication/having an overview of life/contact to God). The chakras are placed on an intermediate layer which lies between the spirit and the earthly body.
Scientific basis
The general consensus of the scientific and medical communities is that chakras do not exist.
Supporters of the notion of chakras explain the lack of confirmation of their existence in Western medical science by noting that current technology is not capable of measuring life energy or chakras. This explanation is of course not satisfactory for those who respect the scientific view, since it could conceivably be used for anything.
There is, however, a marked similarity between the positions and roles of the chakras, and the positions and roles of the glands in the endocrine system. Chakras are thought of as having their physical manifestation in the body as these glands, and their subjective manifestation as the psychological and spiritual experiences as recorded in the traditional literature.
Indeed, the various hormones secreted by these glands do have a dramatic effect on human psychology, and an imbalance in one can cause a psychological or physical imbalance in a person.
Perhaps the most psychologically dramatic and potent secretion of these glands is the psychedelic drug DMT which is synthesized by the pineal gland, corresponding to the brow chakra.
Yoga asanas are thought by practitioners to massage the glands inside the body, and help correct any hormonal imbalances, bringing about psychological equilibrium as well.
