The internal pathway to Self-Healing and Self-Realization

In yoga, chakras are understood to be the internal energy centers; our internal compasses, our internal radar on which we gauge our spiritual health. Yet, what are they? Is there a science behind them? How could a chakra yoga practice benefit you?


Chakra means wheel in sanskrit and indicate that energy moves through us in spiral wheel vortexes and come to life due to junction points called nadis (energy channels) where so called prana, life force, merge.
Chakras were first described in the Indian scriptures called the Vedas thousands of years ago and according to the Tantric tradition, there are 144 Chakras within the body in total, and 7 of them run along the spine from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, and are considered to follow the curvature of the spine. They could be seen as the core in the seven segments of the body where each segment from base of the spine to the top, needs to communicate with the others in order to be in health.
In life, these wheels spin by energy moving through them and when they all spin in synchronicity we reach homeostasis, sattva; balance in the individual. Each chakra governs certain aspects of our health and each of the seven spine oriented chakras, coincide and correspond to our major nerve ˙plexus’ or nerve ‘bundles’.

Everything is Energy
When we think, breathe, function or even resting, electrical energy is flowing through our bodies via our neurons and nerve pathways. The movement of energy is vital to life. We often refer to space as empty and matter as solid. In fact, from a subatomic level, most of what is contained within an atom is 99,9 % space and nothing of matter. Mostly unsubstantial. All matter is held together via energetic bonds and consist of these atoms, of which most, is space.

Everything that exists as far as we know connects via magnetic energy and is electrical energy. This is a widely accepted theory in quantum physics and a scientifically proven fact and in spirituality, the movement of energy is the central, and fundamental core around which energy methods are based. Ancient practices such as Marma therapy, reiki, yoga and tai chi focus on the manipulation of energy to achieve well being. The theory lies within the idea that if we can through muscle, nerv or blood manipulation release tension and energy holdups, then energy is rebalanced and the flow is restored.

By far, the most energetic processes within our bodies are caused by our nerve tissues and specifically our Nervous System. The nervous system is the communication of the body and the part in us that coordinates our involuntary and  voluntary actions, and transmits signals to and from different parts of the body and brain. Our nervous system is like a grand network of liaisons and each part is both its own and in complete correspondence with the other aspects. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is associated within the brain and spinal cord, and The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, via ‘rivers‘ like nerve fibres (Nadis).

This system is what correlates with the chakras. In the PNS lies different categories and relevant in the focus of the chakras is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) since it deals with automatic; involuntary responses within the body. The unconscious and subconscious as well if we look to some studies (and according to yogic philosophy). ANS regulate digestion, heart rate, sneezing, swallowing and breathing. All these processes are regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain.

The Autonomic Nervous System is further divided into the Sympathetic Nervous System (activated in emergencies to move energy, the ‘fight and flight’ responses) and the Parasympathetic Nervous system (activated when ‘resting and digesting’). It is the Parasympathetic Nervous System (part of the automatic nerve response system) which has the greatest relevance to the areas where the Chakras are thought to be located.

Much like other forms of Body/Mind stimulating art forms, Chakra Yoga includes techniques that specifically focus on mind over matter and allows participants to move through and fully connect with different levels of energy within the body. Chakras are seven key points in the subtle body that are thought to be vortexes where energy is running through. The chakras are connected to our physical body through the spine and nervous system, since they stem from the spinal column.





So yes, we can’t “prove” that the chakras operate as inbound centers that govern all energy inside of us. Yet.
But what we do know in science today is that moving our bodies, doing breathing exercises and mediate everyday, makes more people create higher awareness, greater health and happiness so from that perspective, the ancient yogis were on to something.
Even the native populations of the world; Native Americans, Aztec, Inkas, Maya, Maori, Aboriginees, Sami and several African tribes, all work from that centerline-in-our-body- perspective. That when we align our inner and outer energy forces and integrate more creativity and self- realization into our living, we grow not only as an individual, but as a people.
As I see it, yogis and ancient populations just got the human architecture because they bothered and invested in looking both on the inside and outside of themselves. With the benefit of humanity and future generations to come, not of their wallets and self gain. That to me is an inspiring idea.

For me personally, thanks to having studied the chakra theory and integrated a more energetic aspect on my practice and life, my health has improved greatly; physically, mentally, spiritually, creatively and emotionally. Far beyond of what I thought was ever possible. Through investigating the more energetic part of life and living, I got to more get a sense of how everything correlates to everything. I cant just pull in one direction and assume all ends fall into place. Its all integrated and once you see how, you have more choices in how to affect your health.

For me this thought is that of a humanist. And I resonate with that. Greatly.
I will always aim to inquire, investigate and explore aspects I don´t grasp or understand. And share my findings.

One motto that I have come up with and resonate with me is
“Touch it, Feel it, Move it, Taste it, Digest it, Claim it, Sit with it, Share it and you will have come full circle to let it go and begin again”. (feel free to quite me if you like)

With just a little bit of coaching, you can also tap into the chakras as a potent way of harnessing and shifting your energy in the direction you want it to go.

Do you want to learn more about the Chakras?

Then you can join me and my fellow inquirer and friend; the UK based yoga master Katrina Repka this summer  July 4-8  at Yoga Campus for an immersion for teachers and dedicated students or anyone who wants to grow further in to personal growth, physical and spiritual health. 


CHAKRA YOGA immersion
at Yoga Campus, London
July 4-8
with Katrina Repka and Ulrica Norberg