Energy and chakras
Since ancient times, people have believed that the body has an invisible flow of energy. In China, this energy is called chi (or qi), and in India, it is called prana. Vital energy in the Eskimo language is known as anerca, which is also their word for poem, and for spirit. The energy that surrounds the body is known as the aura, the human energy field, or the biofield.
Besides a general flow of energy, many cultures believe the body has centers of energy. The ancient Hindus called these centers chakras—a Sanskrit word meaning "wheels of light"—because if we could see them, they might look like colored, spinning circles.
Many cultures believe there are seven energy centers within the body. Each center, or chakra, is linked to a physical, emotional, and spiritual aspect of life. If the chakras are in balance, we feel a strong life force. If one or more chakras are out of balance (likely for all of us), it affects our well-being and can lead to physical symptoms.
The energy and chakra treatments we cover in this module aim to rebalance energy in the body. They are:
- Medical intuition – Tapping into inner knowledge to improve health
- Reiki ("ray-kee") – Laying on hands to balance the body's energy field
- Prayer – A religious address or request made to a deity or God
Balancing Our Energy
Carolyn Myss, a popular medical intuitive, writer, and teacher, calls chakras "our energy anatomy". She believes we can learn to keep our energy centers in balance by managing our energy and making choices in our lives that allow us to feel more vibrant.
According to Myss, energy centers get bogged down by unresolved emotional issues, dishonest relationships, and a lack of understanding of the meaning of our lives. Physical exercise, flower essences, essential oils, homeopathy, meditation, music, yoga, Tai chi, polarity and body therapies, etc., can help strengthen our energy centers.
