Chakras and Energy

In tantric Hinduism's creation myth, chakras, or subtle energy centers, are said to lie between the physical and the subtle body. While the number of chakras is widely argued, most agree that there are seven main chakras. These seven lie along the entire stretch of the spine and together form a long energy channel from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, which as one is called shushumna nadi. This is also where our kundalini, or conscious energy, is awakened and raised. When the dormant kundalini energy is awoken through asana, pranayama, bandha or mudra, it travels up along the shushumna nadi canal, which we know physically to be the spine, and makes its way past each chakra. We are then filled with life and consciousness. We are able to experience these energetic spaces within us, explore where there might be blockages, and realize our potential for our life work. The word chakra can be translated as "wheel" or "ring". This means that energy rises through our energy channels (nadis) in the body and our consciousness unfolds gradually and gently - which is also reflected in a mindful and embodied practice.