The chakras are said to be located either along, or just in front of, the backbone, even though they may express themselves externally at points along the front of the body (navel, heart, throat, etc). Associated with the chakras is a latent subtle energy, called kundalini.
There are 7 Chakras in the Hindu system, which are located at the 7 Endocrine glands. Chakra means wheel, and they are also called lotus flowers, as each chakra has a certain number of leaves, petals, or spokes. The lowest chakra has 4, the next has 6, then 10, 12, 16, 20, and 1000. Each has a different colour and is spinning in the clockwise direction.
Each of the petals of the chakras is a Sanscrit letter. They are arranged in a fantastic system that demonstrates that the human form is indeed a microcosm of the universe, and our emotional and spiritual energies have centers of focus that we can use to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.
Muladhara Chakra : The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with red. It is the chakra that governs our physical existence, our bodies and our health.
Svadistana Chakra : The second chakra is located in the area of the womb (or thereabouts for men) and is associated with the color orange. This chakra governs creativity, and some say emotion.
Manipura Chakra : The third chakra is located at the solar plexus and is associated with the color gold (yellow). It is associated with the will or desire.
Anahata Chakra : The fourth chakra (the middle chakra in the chain of seven) is the heart chakra and is associated with the color green, and also the color rose, which is the "color of love." This chakra is connected with emotion and human love.
Vishudda Chakra : The fifth chakra is located at the throat and is a bright blue. It governs communication and personal magnetism. It is the chakra that most influences intercommunication and our "personas." It is also the link between emotion and thought.
