What is a Chakra?
Chakra (derived from the Sanskrit cakraṃ चक्रं ([ˈtʃəkrə̃]), is a Sanskrit word that translates as "wheel" or "turning". Each chakra is an interdependent focus of spiritualized human radiation caused by localized accumulations of pranic energy emitting various sub-atomic 'elementary' particles. These energy centers are anchored in segments of your body and rooted along the vertebral column. Rotating vortices of subtle matter, they are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of physical, mental, and spiritual energies.
We are as spiritually realized animals, lifted from the Earth to the Sky. That said, our consiousness is oriented from the top of the head down to the feet along the vertical principle. This vertical principle naturally provides a physical polarity. The slow, dense, and stable matter is oriented at the root chakra on the bottom. The accelerated material expands and opens at the crown chakra. Likewise, our vertical principle fits our bodies with an archetypically spiritual connection the Earth below us, and the Sky above us.
As the chakras are experiential energy processing centers, ChakraBody Fusion™ methodology utilizes the human disposition to ground consciousness while liberating the body with innate natural technology. Part of how we do it is approaching not only the individual chakras, but dividing the chakras into the personal, interpersonal, and transpersonal bodies...
The Seven Chakras
Sahasrara: The Crown Chakra ~
The 7th chakra of consciousness is the gateway to the guiding light of the higher, permanent self. ChakraBody Fusion sessions utilize the conductive physical body, with its material weight and pulsating desire, to draw down the pure spiritual self into the present temporary bodily vessel.
Sahasrara is generally considered to be the chakra of pure consciousness. Its role may be envisioned somewhat similarly to that of the pituitary gland, which secretes emanuel hormones to communicate to the rest of the endocrine system and also connects to the central nervous system via the hypothalamus. The thalamus is thought to have a key role in the physical basis of consciousness. Symbolized by a lotus with one thousand petals, it is located at the crown of the head. Sahasrara is represented by the colour violet and it involves such issues as inner wisdom and the death of the body. Sahasrara's inner aspect deals with the release of karma, physical action with meditation, mental action with universal consciousness and unity, and emotional action with "beingness".
Ajna: The Brow Chakra {~*~}
The 6th Chakra work in ChakraBody Fusion involves the power of focus and appreciation, observation of belief filters, movement pattern recognition and guided visualization. The goals are to use the power of FOCUS as a means to pay attention to shadow and persona within the psyche. The act of focusing our attention guides the power of self into the dark, bringing it light and dissipating blockages. Ajna chakra also utilizes the naturally occuring pranic pathways to dispatch primary chakra energies. The power of witnessing the self with appreciation is potent and effective.
Ajna (along with Bindu, is also known as the third eye chakra) is linked to the pineal gland which may inform a model of its envisioning. The pineal gland is a light sensitive gland that produces the hormone melatonin which regulates sleep and waking up. Ajna is symbolised by a lotus with two petals, and corresponds to the colour white, indigo or deep blue. Ajna's key issues involve balancing the higher & lower selves and trusting inner guidance. Ajna's inner aspect relates to the access of intuition. Mentally, Ajna deals with visual consciousness. Emotionally, Ajna deals with clarity on an intuitive level
Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra ~
The 5th chakra speaks! As we ascend the vertebral column, our tissues become lighter, more refined. The throat chakra vibrates into the thyroid cartilage. Every word affects our metabolism and our mood. ChakraBody Fusion observes the throat as a content manager. As we chew our food, it is under our voluntary control until we swallow it down into the involuntary zone. Volition is associated with discretion, whereas involuntary reflexes lend to compulsory habit. Moving in the opposite direction, as raw feelings form in the lower emotional centers, liberating up through the intellectual centers, they move involuntarily through our heart and into our throat, where the charge is transformed into voluntary vibration.
The ChakraBody Fusion techniques observe a simple natural formula for purposeful transformation: Visualization + Vibration + Movement = Transformation. Sound vibrations convey purpose, as well as loosen and liberate stagnant energies. I encourage clients to tone with me, either in harmony or in dissonance, depending on the agenda. The voice streamlines our thoughts and delivers vibratory intent. Vocal toning vibrates the primal animal we are with the spiritual being that we are.
Vishuddha (also Vishuddhi) may be understood as relating to communication and growth through expression. This chakra is paralleled to the thyroid, a gland that is also in the throat and which produces thyroid hormone, responsible for growth and maturation. Symbolised by a lotus with sixteen petals. Vishudda is characterized by the colour light or pale blue, or turquoise. It governs such issues as self-expression and communication, as discussed above. Physically, Vishuddha governs communication, emotionally it governs independence, mentally it governs fluent thought, and spiritually, it governs a sense of security.
Anahata: The Heart Chakra ~ ♥
The 4th chakra drives us. Thoracic tissues hold postures of joy and grief. Anahata chakra embodies the heart, pericardium, lungs, ribcage, chest, upper back and shoulders. And with the heartbeat and respiration there is also pushing, pulling, giving and taking. The heart chakra integrates opposites in the psyche: mind/body, persona/shadow, ego/unity, etc.
Emotionally speaking, it is this segment that expresses our passion, our withdrawal. ChakraBody Fusion utilizes the dynamic relationship of breath, charge and discharge to safely and effectively manage the lifeforce energy. Opening this space through controlled assisted stretch and pranayama, sound vibration and visulization allows for room to breathe. Compassion, love, and a deep sense of peace and centeredness are the result of giving space to the Anahata Chakra.
Anahata, or Anahata-puri, or padma-sundara is related to the thymus, located in the chest. The thymus is an element of the immune system as well as being part of the endocrine system. It is the site of maturation of the T cells responsible for fending off disease and may be adversely affected by stress. Anahata is symbolised by a lotus flower with twelve petals. Anahata is related to the color green, in association with the plant world, which supplies our vital oxygen.
Manipura: The Solar Plexus Chakra
The 3rd chakra shapes our movement. This segment houses the umbrella shaped diaphragm and the super strong-yet-sensitive psoas muscles. In a breath you may feel empowerment, with the next breath you might have a fear response. This physical and emotional charge is honed into Power, Presence and Purpose. ChakraBody Fusion aims to encourage the client to move with intent, stating WHO they are. This is where we mold and shape the "I AM!" with definitive declarations. As the charge presents with critical voices, techniques are used to acknowledge and dissipate the energy behind those voices. Assisted stretch and asana follow close behind, strengthening the embodiment of the client's primary purpose.
Manipura is related to the metabolic and digestive systems. Manipura is believed to correspond to Islets of Langerhans, which are groups of cells in the pancreas, as well as the outer adrenal glands and the adrenal cortex. These play a valuable role in digestion, the conversion of food matter into energy for the body. Symbolised by a lotus with ten petals. The colour that corresponds to Manipura is yellow. Key issues governed by Manipura are issues of personal power, fear, anxiety, opinion-formation, introversion, and transition from simple or base emotions to complex. Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs satisfaction, and spiritually, all matters of growth.
Svadhisthana: The Sacral Chakra ~
The 2nd chakra moves. Located in the lower abdomen, sexual organs, and the lower back. Once safety is established, movement becomes fluid with feelings, desires and sensations. As we are attracted and repelled by our environment, boundaries form. After establishing safety with massage, grounding techniques and asana, ChakraBody Fusion explores sensation and feeling. Continuing to work with charge, sensation and feeling are brought to the surface through somatic expression and movement. The goal is to discharge enough stagnant energies to allow for fluidity and graceful movement as well as a sense of deep satisfaction.
Svadhisthana is located in the sacrum and is considered to correspond to the testes or the ovaries that produce the various sex hormones involved in the reproductive cycle. Svadisthana is also considered to be related to, more generally, the genitourinary system and the adrenals. The Sacral Chakra is symbolized by a lotus with six petals, and corresponds to the color orange. The key issues involving Svadisthana are relationships, violence, addictions, basic emotional needs, and pleasure. Physically, Svadisthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs enthusiasm.
Muladhara: The Base Chakra
The 1st chakra secures. From the tailbone down through the feet and into the Earth. The density of bone, muscle, and connective tissues in the lower body naturally grounds the charge . A place to contemplate safety, structure and basic needs, this chakra calls out the Right To Be Here! And seeing that our flesh incorporates our thoughts and spirit, the body provides the matter (Shakti) which houses the psychospiritual force. Within these concepts, ChakraBody Fusion uses the legs as a pump to physically and figuratively pump "safety" and "well-being" and "structure" up into the other chakras and rest of the body. By dropping down into the legs, we build trust for ourselves and for our instinctual nature.
Muladhara or root chakra is related to instinct, security, survival and also to basic human potentiality. This centre is located in the region between the genitals and the anus. Although no endocrine organ is placed here, it is said to relate to the gonads and the adrenal medulla, responsible for the fight-or-flight response when survival is under threat. There is a muscle located in this region that controls ejaculation in the sexual act of the human male. A parallel is charted between the sperm cell and the ovum where the genetic code lies coiled and the kundalini. Muladhara is symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the color red.
