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Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "disc." As the name implies, chakras are areas in the body where energy is exchanged between the physical and spiritual aspects of being in spinning vortices. If you could see them, they would appear as mini tornadoes flowing into the body at specific points along the spine. Each of the seven major chakras correlate to a nerve plexus, the most commonly known of which is the solar plexus located just below the sternum between the ribs. There are many other chakras throughout the body. The palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the spleen, the area above the left breast and every joint also contain chakra centers. For our purposes, though, we will concentrate on the seven chakras along the spine.

Each chakra represents a different aspect of life and is associated with its own color and elemental quality. A healthy chakra both accepts and emits energy, filtering the negative and allowing the positive to flow freely inward and out. A well-balanced chakra system is reflective of a well-balanced life. When all aspects of life (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) are holistically equal and in sync, the chakras will function optimally and do their part to help maintain this delicate balance.

The first chakra is the Root Chakra, located at the base of the spine. The energy from the root chakra connects us to the earth and keeps us grounded. It represents our physical needs for food, clothing and shelter. The densest of all of the chakras, the Root Chakra is associated with our skeletal structure on the physical level. Its color is red and its element is earth. When balanced, our basic needs are being comfortably met and our bones are strong and healthy. When our basic needs are challenged, the Root Chakra can become blocked or stagnant and fail to properly exchange the energy associated with our physical needs.

The Sacral Chakra is the second chakra and is situated about four inches below the naval. This chakra represents our emotional health and well being. A healthy Sacral Chakra is reflected in healthy relationships and emotional balance. Its color is orange and its element is water. On the physical level, the Sacral Chakra is associated with our reproductive organs. Blocks in the second chakra will connect directly to difficulties in relationships, emotions and diseases or ailments of the sexual organs themselves.

At the solar plexus, we find the third chakra. The Solar Chakra is the center of personal power and

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