The Base Centre

The base centre or muladhara chakra is situated at the end of the coccyx. It is symbolized by a deep red lotus flower with four petals. The colour which radiates from it is red, the colour which in the spectrum vibrates at the lowest frequency. This centre is said to contain the primal energy, known as the kundalini shakti. One of the aims of yoga is to raise this energy in order to bring about a state of enlightenment and realization. This must never be undertaken lightly. When a person is mentally, physically and spiritually ready, this energy will rise naturally and safely to his or her benefit.

This chakra is associated with the earth, and is the centre of physical energy and vitality. It regulates the sense of smell, is associated with will and power, and is ascribed to the planet Mars.

The parts of the body affected by this centre are the legs, feet, bones, large intestine, spine, and nervous system. The endocrine glands to which it is related are the gonads. These constitute the testes in the male, and the ovaries in the female.

The hormones secreted froth the testes are called androgens, the most important being testerone which is responsible for the changes which take place in a male during puberty.

Apart from producing ova, the ovaries, secrete oestrogen and progesterone. The secretion of oestrogen is influenced by the follicle-stimulating-hormone (FSH) which is produced by the pituitary gland. Oestrogen helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and develops the sexual characteristics of the female. Progesterone sensitizes the mucous membrane of the uterus in preparation for the fertilized ovum.

When this centre is functioning fully, it gives a person a strong will to live on the physical plane. He/she is filled with vitality and energy, nothing is too much trouble, and the whole of life becomes an adventure. If, however, this centre is blocked, the person's energy levels will be low, they will have no enthusiasm for life, and will feel unable to carry out their daily work.

The Swadisthana or Sacral Centre

Swadisthana is a Sanskrit word meaning 'one's own abode'. It is situated halfway between the pubis and the navel, and it is symbolized by an orange lotus flower with six petals. In yoga these six petals are likened to states of consciousness: credulity, suspicion, disdain, delusion, false knowledge, and pitilessness. Swadisthana is associated with the element water, and affects the flow of fluids in the body, and the dominant colour which it radiates is orange. The orange energy is of a much finer quality than the 'down-to-earth' energy of the base centre. It is associated with sex and does not awaken until puberty. Swadisthana has an affinity with the throat centre, and in certain tantric practices and disciplines, the sexual energy from this centre can be transmuted to the throat centre where it is used for creativity and communication. (Tantra yoga is a spiritual science which involves techniques by which a person can enter the sub-conscious and unconscious mind. These methods are also aimed at awakening the powerful energy in man, known in yoga as the kundalini force, in order that man may realize his true or divine self which is eternal.)

This centre links with the emotions of fear and anxiety. The glands and organs which it influences are the skin, the reproductive organs (especially in the female), the kidneys, bladder, circulatory system, and lymphatic system. The endocrine glands associated with it are the adrenals.

Each human being has two adrenal glands, one on the top of each kidney. They are approximately one inch in length and yellowish in colour. They constitute an outer cortex and an interior or medulla. The hormones secreted by the cortex are influenced by the hormone adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) which is secreted by the pituitary gland.

The cortex is responsible for secreting a number of hormones known as corticosteroids. These are divided into three main groups: The first group are the mineral corticoids. These work on the tubules of the kidneys, helping to retain sodium and chloride in the body, maintaining blood pressure and aiding in the excretion of excess potassium.

The second group are called gluco-corticoids, the most important being hydrocortisone (cortisol). These assist in the conversion of carbohydrates into glycogen. They increase the blood sugar, help in the utilization of fat, decrease the number of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the blood, and reduce the rate at which certain connective tissue cells multiply. In excess this action tends to suppress natural healing and therefore delays it.

The third group are similar to the hormones produced by the gonads. They influence the growth and sex development in both male and female.

The medulla of the adrenal glands secretes adrenalin and noradrenalin. Adrenalin stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and causes the arteries of the body to constrict, resulting in an increase in the heartbeat and a rise in blood pressure. Adrenalin also stimulates the liver into converting glycogen into glucose which it then pours into the bloodstream. Nor-adrenalin is a related substance which increases blood pressure and heart rate.

When this centre is blocked, it can result in a woman being unable to reach orgasm during sexual union. In a male it manifests as premature ejaculation or the inability to achieve an erection. Other disorders which can be caused are abnormalities in the kidney and bladder functions, such as infections and poor urinary control, and problems with the circulatory system, menstruation and the production of seminal fluids.

When this centre is functioning to its full potential, it opens the intuitive and psychic powers. When it first awakens, it can upset the sexual energies and heighten awareness to external stimuli. These will again find their own balance but on a higher level of consciousness.

The Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra

This centre is situated between the twelth thoracic and the first lumbar vertebrae. It is depicted as a bright yellow lotus flower with ten petals. The word manipura, means 'city of jewels' or 'filled with jewels'. This centre is so called because it is the fire centre, the focal point of heat which radiates like a golden sun. It is ruled by the sun and is associated with active intelligence.

In Chinese philosophy, this centre is called the 'triple warmer' because during the process of digestion heat is generated. In the teachings of the Japanese, it is called the Hara, which means belly.

This is the centre of vitality in the psychic and physical bodies because it is the centre where prang (the upward-moving vitality) and apana (the downward-moving vitality) meet, generating the heat that is necessary to support life. When these two energies join, the centre awakens.

On an emotional level, this chakra plays an important role. This is mainly due to the fact that the astral energy enters the etheric field at the solar plexus. In most people, this chakra is the most active of all because it is involved in emotional life. It is most active in a person with strong desires and emotions.

At a physical level, this centre is chiefly concerned with the process of digestion and absorption. The processes and organs influenced by it are the breath, the diaphragm, stomach, duodenum, gall bladder and liver. The endocrine gland with which it is associated is the pancreas.

The pancreas is situated behind the stomach, and lies transversely across the posterior abdominal wall at the level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. This gland is similar in structure to the salivary glands which are found in the mouth.

Only part of the pancreas is endocrine. These are the 'islets of Langerhans' which secrete insulin. which is responsible for the metabolism of sugar. Without insulin, the muscles would be unable to use the sugar which circulates in the blood. Sugar is used by the tissues in the form of glucose, and in order to produce energy, this is broken down into carbon dioxide and water. Any excess sugar in the blood is stored in the liver as glycogen.

If the islets of Langerhans are not functioning properly, there will be a lack of insulin which will result in diabetes, a condition in which the blood sugar is too high. It is normally diagnosed through the presence of sugar in the urine.

When this chakra is unstable, a person can be subjected to rapid mood swings. There will be a tendency towards depression, introversion, lethargy, poor digestion, and abnormal eating habits. Its malfunction can lead to nervous instability and to cancer, if the energies from the heart centre fail to be expressed on the physical plane. This centre interacts between the heart and the sacral centre, and if it is blocked, sexuality cannot be connected to love. When this centre is open, a deep and fulfilling emotional life is experienced.

This centre is also related to inner connectedness. When two people enter into a friendship, cords are formed between the solar plexus of each – the stronger the relationship, the stronger the cords. If the relationship ends, the cords are slowly disconnected. A similar cord is formed between a mother and her newborn child.

The Anahata or Heart Centre

This chakra is situated between the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae, and is symbolized by a green lotus flower with twelve petals. When the colour radiating from this centre is clear with a steady rhythm it is indicative of a healthy heart. It is associated with the element of air and the sense of touch. Its ruling planet is Venus and it is associated with the quality of harmony through conflict.

The word anahata means the 'unstruck'. All the sound in the universe is produced by striking objects together. This sets up vibrations or sound waves. The primordial sound, which comes from beyond this world, is the source of all sound. This is the centre where the sound manifests.

On a physical level, anahata is associated with the heart and circulatory system, the lungs and respiratory system, the immune system, and the arms and hands. The endocrine gland attributed to it is the thymus.

The thymus gland is situated in the thorax, behind the sternum and in front of the heart. It consists mainly of lymphoid tissue and plays a part in the formation of lymphocytes. At birth this gland is quite large and continues to increase in size until puberty, at which point it starts to shrink. The thymus plays an important part in the body's immune system by producing thymus-derived lymphocy. It is claimed that through certain yogic practices this gland can be kept active, thereby keeping a person youthful and the immune system strong.

This is the centre through which we love. Love can be expressed on many levels. It can be purely selfish, demanding and constricting, or it can be compassionate and caring. The more open this centre is, the greater our capacity to extend undemanding spiritual love. When a person has transformed personal desires and passions into a love which encompasses his fellow human beings, animals and nature, the energies from the solar plexus are raised into this centre. It is through this centre that we make cords to connect with those with whom we have a love relationship. When this centre is open, we can perceive the beauty and spiritual love in our fellow human beings. Its awakening brings a greater sensitivity to touch, and a detachment from material objects.

This centre is linked with the crown chakra and the dimensions of higher consciousness. This link can be strengthened through the practice of meditation.

The Vishuddha or Throat Chakra

The word vishuddha means to purify, hence this chakra is the centre of purification. It is symbolized by a smoky violet blue lotus with sixteen petals. It is connected with the planet mercury, and is associated with concrete science and knowledge. The throat centre is purported to be the place where divine nectar (the mystical elixir of immortality) is tasted. This nectar is a kind of sweet secretion produced by the gland known as the lalana chakra which is located near the back of the throat. This nectar gland is stimulated by higher yogic practices, and it is claimed that the nectar can sustain a yogi for any length of time without food or water.

On the physical level, this chakra governs the nervous system, the female reproductory organs, the vocal cords, and the ears. The endocrine glands associated with it are the thyroid and parathyroids.

The thyroid gland is situated in the lower part of the neck. It consists of two lobes, which are positioned on either side of the trachea and joined by an isthmus which passes in front of the trachea. The active hormones of this gland are thyroxine and triodothyronine. Iodine is an important element in these hormones. Their main function is to regulate the rate of metabolic processes in the body, and they are necessary for normal growth and development, particularly in childhood. They keep the skin and hair in good condition and co-operate with other ductless glands to keep the endocrine balance in the body.

The parathyroids are situated behind each of the four poles of the thyroid gland. They are about the size of a pea and secrete the hormone parathormone, which controls the calcium metabolism of the body.

The throat centre is the creative centre, especially of the spoken word. In singers and people who practise public speaking this centre is larger than average, brighter and faster moving. This centre is sensitive to colour, sound and form, and therefore very alive in anyone who is connected with creativity in any of its many manifestations.

The Ajna or Brow Chakra

The word ajna means 'command' and it is at this centre that one receives commands from the higher self. It is situated at the centre of the brow, and is composed of ninety-six petals but depicted by just two petals. This may be because this chakra appears to clairvoyants as being divided into two segments. It is the centre of visualization and perception, and reflects the twofold nature of the mind – the ego self and the spirit self, the reasoning mind and the intuitive mind. The mind can be focused on higher, spiritual ideals or on the mundane world. At this centre the two main nadis, the ida (masculine) and the pingala (feminine) meet. Thus it is at this centre that the feminine and masculine aspects of a person merge into one, bringing about a spiritual awakening. On the physical level it is related to the eyes, nose, ears and brain. The endocrine gland with which it is associated is the pituitary.

The pituitary gland is about one centimetre in diameter and is situated at the base of the brain. It consists of an anterior and posterior lobe, both having different modes of development and entirely different functions.

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is frequently referred to as the master gland of the endocrine system. The reason for this is that its hormonal secretions control the activities of the other endocrine glands. The many hormones which it secretes are under the influence of the hypothalamus.

The posterior lobe secretes two hormones: vasopressin which is an antidiuretic hormone; and oxytocin which stimulates the lactating breast to effect milk, and stimulates the plain muscles of the uterus during and immediately after labour.

Instability in this centre leads to tiredness, irritability, confusion and rigid thoughts. Imbalances can also lead to sinus problems, catarrh, hay fever, sleeplessness, mental stress, neuritis and migraine.

The Sahasrara Chakra

The sahasrara chakra is situated just above the crown of the head. It consists of twelve golden central petals which are surrounded by nine hundred and sixty secondary petals, and is therefore called the 'thousand-petalled lotus'. The predominant colour is violet. A thousand is the number which represents infinity. This chakra leads us into the eternal, infinite, supreme existence. It is the centre of pure consciousness. This centre is ruled by the planet Neptune and is associated with ceremonial white magic. The endocrine gland with which it is associated is the pineal.

The pineal gland is a small reddish-grey structure about the size of a pea. It is situated between the under surface of the cerebrum and the mid-brain, just in front of the cerebellum. Its main secretion is melatonin which affects the body's biological clock. The level of melatonin in the blood is highest at night, gradually decreasing during the daylight hours. This gland regulates the onset of puberty, induces sleep, and influences our moods.

When this centre is open, a person sees his/her spirituality in a very personal way – a spirituality that is not tied up with any dogma.

Minor Chakras

Apart from the seven major chakras, the body contains twenty-one minor and numerous smaller chakras, these being the points used in acupuncture.

From the knowledge and understanding of these centres of energy, the colours which radiate from them, and their association with the physical body, we can begin to understand how important it is that they are kept in a state of harmony and balance. If they are not, then eventually the imbalance will manifest as disease in the physical body. Part of a colour therapy treatment involves working with the etheric or energy body and balancing the chakras, while the rest of the treatment is made up of treating the physical body, and counselling. Carrying out a colour therapy treatment in this way works not only with the physical and etheric aspects, but also with the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the patient.

Matthew Bakewell

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