Human Energy Field

The Chakras

Two ancient models used to describe the human energy systems are; the Chakra-nadi system (originated in India) and the acupuncture meridian system (originated in China) (Barnett & Chambers, 1996).  The hand positions for Reiki correlate with the Chakra-nadi system.  The first mention of the human chakra system was in India's sacred texts between 1800 and 800 B.C.  It was first described by the yogic sages as "a set of seven invisible energy centers animates each person's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual body" (Catalfo, 2006, pp. 60-61).  Chakra is a Sanskit word that actually means "wheel of light" (Bruyere, 1994, p. 18).   According to Andrews (2003):

Chakras are the primary mediators of all energy coming into and radiating out from the body.  They mediate the impulses of our energy system.  Although not part of the physical body, they link the subtle energy fields surrounding the body to the activities of the body itself .... modern science has shown that in the areas of the body where chakras are traditionally located, the electromagnetic emanations are higher (p. 39).

The chakras are used to move energy to various parts of the body to help with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual functioning (Andrews, 2003).   Each chakra spins and vibrates to different frequencies (colors).  The spinning of the chakras creates the human auric field.  As each chakra spins, it creates its own electromagnetic field; and together, they create the human auric field.  The auric field is "a person's energy field or the individual aura around the body, which is created and controlled by the chakras, reflects how one's life actually is lived; it mirrors the flow of that life.  In this way, the auric field becomes more than a symbol for life.  The aura is life" (Bruyere, 1994, p. 61).

There are seven major chakras; each has its own purpose or viewpoint (Bruyere, 1994).  Each chakra has a unique set of components consisting of an emotional, physical, creative, and celestial component (Bruyere, 1994).  The chakras are located along the spine and mirror the progression of evolution.  The lower chakras are associated with primal issues, such as procreation, survival, and power.  The upper chakras correspond to issues such as love, creativity, and insight (Catalfo, 2006).  There is a distinct difference between the upper and lower chakras.  The lower chakras stand for the three-dimensional world of mankind.  The lower chakras include the first, second, and the third.  The upper chakras stand for the three-dimensional world of God.  The upper chakras include the fifth, sixth and seventh.  The fourth chakra is representative of the transition between the two.  There is said to be a constant battle between the needs of the lower and upper chakras (Bruyere, 1994).

                                      References

Andrews, T. (2003). How to: heal with color. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications.

Barnett, L., & Chambers, M. (1996). Reiki energy medicine bringing healing touch into home, hospital, and hospice. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

Bruyere, R. L. (1994). Wheels of light chakras, auras, and the healing energy of the body. New York, NY: Fireside.

Catalfo, P. (2006, February). Chakras 101 [Electronic version]. Natural Health, 36(2), 60-67.

Myss, C. (1996). Anatomy of the spirit the seven stages of power and healing. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.