In art, chakras or energy centers are often depicted as flowers, with varying numbers of petals or wheels of energy with spokes. Although in some spiritual traditions the numbers of the chakras and their positions may vary, it is generally accepted that there are basically seven chakras, and each serves as a nexus or point of energy to vitalize the human body. Carrying the energy are nadis, similar to nerves. This vast network of nadis empties into the chakras that sit along a central channel. The central channel, the sushumna, has two smaller channels on either side (the ida and the pingala); all three align along the spinal column. For centuries, Indian yogis have worked with these nadis, channels, and chakras to clear blockages and awaken the latent kundalini, the divine energy that bestows union with God when it rises through the chakras and pierces the sahasrara or crown chakra. As the kundalini rises, each chakra’s special powers are activated. For example, you may become clairsentient or clairvoyant. Sometimes a seeker of truth experiences a spontaneous awakening of that divine energy, but more often awakening is the result of actions taken by the seeker with the help of a yoga master or teacher.
To clear blockages and rebalance the chakra energies, do yoga poses, pranayamas (various breathing techniques, as previously explained), repetitive movements such as circular movements of the head or body (like spinning), visualizations (to release negativity that you might be holding onto), and intoning of certain sounds that correspond with each of the chakras. There are many helpful books available in the market today explaining how to work with the chakras. Other modalities might involve reiki and hands-on healing, chanting of mantras, aromatherapy, and sound, color, or light therapies.