Swasti Sansthan

The Seven Occult Nerve (Nadi Chakras and their significance)

In yoga, the seven occult centers of life and consciousness are propounded in the hindbrain and the spinal chord, which enliven the physical and astral bodies of man. These occult centres are referred to as chakras because the energy concentrated in each one of them is like a hub from which radiate rays of life giving light and energy. In the ascending order there chakras are the Muladhar Chakra (Coccygeal plexus at the base of the spine); Swadishtan (Sacral plexus which is two inches above the Muladhar); Manipurak (The lumbar or Solar plexus which is situated opposite to the naval); Anahat (the Dorsal plexus situated opposite to the heart); Vishudhi (the Cervical plexus situated at the base of the neck); Aagya (the Eye brow plexus or the third eye located between the two eye brows which is connected in a multi polarity with the Medulla oblongata or hind the Sahstrasar (uppermost part the cerebrum).

These seven centers are divinely planned exit or trap doors through which the soul has descended into the body and through it must reascend by the practice of meditation.

By seven successive steps the soul (inner consciousness) merges and escapes into the cosmic consciousness.

Yoga treatises generally consider only six lower nerve centers as chakras, with Sahastrasar separately as the seventh chakra. These seven centers are depicted as lotuses whose petal opens, or turns upwards, in spiritual awakening as the life and consciousness travel up the spine.

The principal point of entry of life force (Prana) into the body is the; the sixth cerebrospinal centre i.e. the Agya Chakra, whose function is to receive and direct the incoming flow of cosmic energy. The life force or Prana is stored in the seventh cerebrospinal centre i.e. the Sahastrasar Chakra in the top most part of brain (kapala). From that reservoir it is distributed throughout the body. The Agya Chakra is connected to the hind part of brain, the Medulla Oblongata. Thus this subtle centre (Agya Chakra) at the Medulla is the main switch that controls the entrance, storage and distribution of the life force.

What is this life force or Prana? Sparks of intelligence finer even than the energy of an atom constitutes the live force which our scriptures call Prana. These sparks can be scientifically called as life trones. In the material world, there are two kinds of Prana

(1) The cosmic vibratory energy that is omnipresent in the universe, which structures and sustains all the things, ‘Cosmic Prana’.

(2) The ‘Specific Prana’ or energy that pervades and sustains each human body through five wind currents or functions i.e.

Prana Vayu - The current which functions as crystallizer of cosmic energy.

Vyana Vayu - The current causing circulation of the cosmic energy.

Samana Vayu- The current causing assimilation of the cosmic energy.

Udana Vayu- The current causing all the metabolic activities in the human body.

Apana Vayu- The current which finally causes elimination of the cosmic energy from the body.

These five currents can be controlled by what is called as Pranayama; Conscious control of the creative vibrations i.e. the energy that activates and sustains the life in the body can be done by Pranayama. It can also disconnect the mind from life functions and sensory perceptions that tie the Prana on Atman or Consciousness to the physical body. Thus though Pranayama means Consciousness can communicate with Supreme Consciousness or the God (Paramatman). All the techniques that bring about the union of the Atman with Paramatman may be called as Yoga. And Pranayama is the best yogic method for attaining this divine union.

A) The Crown Chakra/Sahastrasar Chakra:- is in the top of the head, and is related to Beauty, Creativity, Inspiration.

· Related organ:-Brain

· Endocrine gland:- Pituitory Gland, and Amygdla.

· Associated problems:- Depression, Parkinson’s Disease, Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Seniledementia, Alzhemimer’s Disease and many Mental Disorders, Confusion and Dizziness.

· Personality Traits:- Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-scarifying, visionary, creative, and strong mentally.

· The colour:- Violet related to self knowledge/spiritual awareness. It is the union with your higher self, with spirituality, and your higher consciousness. Disease can result with an imbalance of energy in this chakra, either too much or too little. The violet energy connects us to our spiritual self bringing, guidance, wisdom and inner strength and purifies our thoughts and feelings giving us inspiration in all undertakings. Enhances artistic talent and creativity.

· Positive aspects of violet:-

a) A reverence for all life.

b) Self sacrificing in the service of others.

c) Idealism

d) An ability to see the appropriate route for the benefit of the higher self.

· Negative aspects of violet:-

a) No concern for others

b) Feelings of superiority

c) Lack of contact with reality.

The ‘Sahartrasar Chakra’ is the store house of the life force. The Kapal is the place where the Prana resides. From this reservoir the life force is distributed throughout the body. Medulla oblongata which is linked to Agaya Chakra has a subtle centre which is main switch that controls the entrance, storage, and distribution of this divine/cosmic energy.

B) The Brow/Aagya Chakra/Third Eye: - Is in the center of the forehead and is related to Intuition, Mysticism, Understanding.

· Related organs:- Eyes, Lower Head and Sinuses.

· Endocrine gland:-Pineal Gland.

· Associated problems:-Tension, Headache, Migraine, Visual Defects, Short-Sightedness, Long-Sightedness, Glucoma, Cataracts, Sinus Problems, Ear Problems.

· Personality Traits:- Intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise and truth seeker.

· The colour :- Indigo relates to self responsibility being responsible for one’s own life, responsible to oneself to follow the soul’s path and needs and trusting one’s own intuition. (the ability to see things from a ‘higher’ viewpoint rather than purely for satisfaction of the ego or one’s material comfort.). The indigo energy connects us to our sub conscious self, and gives us the experience of being part of the whole universe. Strengthens intuition, imagination, psychic powers, and increases dream activity.

· Positive aspects of Indigo :-

a) Highly Intuitive

b) Faithful

c) Clear Sighted

d) Integrity

e) Orderly Mind

· Negative aspects of indigo

a) Inability to trust Intuition.

b) Scattered Mind.

c) Inconsiderate.

d) Blinkered Vision.

The Agya chakra is the Third/Spiritual Eye. This is the eye of intuition and omnipresent perception of the God. A deeply mediating devotee can visualize this third eye as a ring of golden light encircling a sphere of opalescent blue, and at the centre, a pentagonal white star, Micro cosmically, there forms and colours epitomize, respectively the vibratory realm of creation, the intelligence of the God in creation and the vibration less spirit beyond all the creations. The spiritual eye is the entry way into the ultimate states of the divine consciousness. Paramhans Yoganand Ji has described it as the centre through which the Yogi sales his consciousness into the omnipresent there by hearing the sound of on which is the divine sound of many waters; the vibrations of light that constitute sole reality of creation.

C) The Throat Chakra/Vishudhi Chakra:– is in the throat and is related to Knowledge, Health, Decisiveness.

· Related organs:- Throat and Lungs

· Endocrine Gland:- Thyroid Gland. The upper digestive tract can be affected by imbalance in this area. Turquoise can also be helpful for both the Throat and the Heart chakra.

· Associated problems:- Thyroid Problems-over active/under active; Anorexial Nervosa (this is a multi-chakra problem but has a strong connection to the Throat Chakra); Asthma; Bronchitis; Hearing Problems; Tinnitus- may also be connected to problems with the Brow Chakra; problems of the Upper Digestive Tract; Mouth Ulcers, Sore Throats, Tonsillitis.

· Personality Traits:- Loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring and cautious.

· The colour:- Blue is of the spirit and relates to self expression, speech, communication, the ability to communicate our needs and requirements; spirit of truth and purpose. This is a mentally-relaxing colour. Blue has a pacifying effect on the nervous system and brings great relaxation ideal for sleep problems) and hyper-active children. Connects us to holistic thought, and gives us wisdom and clarity enhancing communication and speech.

· Positive aspects of blue:-

a) Loyal.

b) Trustworthy.

c) Tactful.

d) Calm.

· Negative aspects of blue:-

a) Unfaithful.

b) Untrustworthy

c) Self-righteous

d) Cold

D) The Heart Chakara/Anahat Chakra:- is located below the heart and is related to Balance, Love, Self Control.

· Related organs:- Heart and Breasts.

· Endocrine Gland :- Thymus Gland.

· Associated problems:- Heart Diseases, Diseases of the Immune System eg. AIDS and ME (Myalia Encephalomyelitis, sometimes referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome); other problems related to the Immune System, Allergies, Cancer of the Breast. Turquoise also has a helpful effect on the Immune System and also helpful in relation to the Throat Chakra. Pink also relates to the Heart Chakra being the colour of love.

· Personality Traits: - Understanding, self-controlled, adaptable, sympathetic, compassionate, generous, humble, nature loving and romantic.

· This Chakra relates to love/self love-the ability to give and take unconditionally. When balanced we are able to give love and also to love and nurture ourselves. Helps relax muscles, nerves and thoughts. Cleanses and balances our energy, to give a feeling of renewal, peace and harmony. Green connects us to unconditional love and is used for balancing our whole being.

· Positive aspects of green.

a) Compassion

b) Generosity

c) Harmony/Balance

d) Loving

· Negative aspects of green.

a) Indifference

b) Jealousy

c) Miserly

d) Bitterness

E) The Solar Chakra/Manipurak Chakra :- is situated below the ribs and is related to Wisdom, Clarity, Self-Esteem.

· Related organs:- Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Big and Small Intestine.

· Endocrine Gland:-Pancreas.

· Associated Problems:- Diabetes, Pancreatitis, Liver Disease, Peptic Ulcer, Coeliac’s Disease, and Gall Stones.

· Personality Traits:- Good humored, optimistic, confident, practical and intellectual.

· The colour:- Yellow is a creative colour and related to self worth. How we feel about ourselves and how we feel others perceive us. This is the area of the personality, the ego and the intellect. Gives us clarity of thought, increases awareness, and stimulates interest and curiosity. Yellow energy is related to the ability to perceive and understand. The yellow energy connects us to our mental self.

· Positive aspects of yellow.

a) Confident

b) Alert

c) Optimistic

d) Good humored

· Negative aspects of yellow.

a) Feelings of ineriority

b) Over analytical

c) Sarcastic

d) Pessimistic

F) The Sacral Chakra/ Swadhisthan Chakra:- is situated in the lower abdomen. And is related to Happiness, Confidence, Resourcefulness.

· Related organs:- Uterus, Large bowel, Prostate, Ovaries and Testes. (in the foetus the testes develop in the lower abdomen, thus linking with the Sacral Chakra energy, then descending to the scrotum by birth.)

· Endocrine Glands:- Ovaries/Testes Prostate and Adrenalin Gland.

· Associated problems: Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Problems with Menstrual Flow, Uterine Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Endometriosis, Testicular Disease, Prostate Disease.

· Personality Traits :- Enthusiastic, happy, sociable, energetic, sporty, self-assured, and constructive.

· The colour:- Orange is of the success and relates to self respect; having the ability to give ourselves the freedom to be ourselves and helps you expand your interests and activities. Brings joy to our workday and strengthens our appetite for life! Orange is the best emotional stimulant. It connects us to our senses and helps to remove inhibitions and makes us independent and social.

· Positive aspects of orange

a) Sociable

b) Creative

c) Joyous

d) Independent

· Negative aspects of orange

a) Withdrawn

b) Destructive

c) Despondent

d) Over-dependent

G) Base Chakra/Muladhar Chakra:- is situated at the base of the spine and is related to Vitality, Courage, Self Confidence.

· Related organs:-Kidneys and Bladder, the Vertebral Column, Hips and Legs are also areas related to this chakra.

· Endocrine Gland: Adrenal Gland.

· Associated problems: Constipation, Diarrhea, Piles, Colitis, Crohn’s disease, Cold Fingers and Toes, Frequency of Urination, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Kidney Stones, Impotence, Hip Problems, Legs and Feet Problems. Pink can also be used here when a more gentle energy is required.

· Personality traits: Courageous, confident, humanistic, strong-willed, spontaneous, honest, and extroverted.

· The colour:- Red relates to self awareness. It is the area of survival and stability and your place on this earth. The Colour red provides the power from the earth and gives energy on all levels. It connects us to our physical body. Everything that is to be commenced needs the life vitality of red.

· Positive aspects of red:

a) Security

b) Courage

c) Strength of Will

d) Pioneering

· Negative aspects of red:

a) Insecurity

b) Self pitying

c) Fearfulness

d) Aggressiveness