Yoga’s Energy Centres: What Science Says About the Chakras
Yoga’s Energy Centres: What Science Says About the Chakras If you practice a yogic lifestyle in the West, you most likely have been exposed to a myriad of products advertised to “balance your chakras.” From essential oil blends to fist-sized crystals to polished rocks, many of these products are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and affordable. But do they work? More importantly, what do we know about the chakras in the West? This article explores the chakra system and investigates its meaning from a scientific perspective. What Are the Chakras? At their heart, the chakras are what Hindu spiritual traditions describe as seven centres of concentrated metaphysical energy positioned from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The word “chakra” translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit. Each chakra is thought to vibrate at its own frequency in a circular pattern, funneling energy from the universe into the body’s energetic system. Although the chakra system may be dis...