The Energy Centres

Ancient Oriental texts on this subject from India, China, Korea, and Japan speak of many energy centres, but all agree that there are six major centres in the human body that control all major functions.

Base Centre (Muladhara): The first center aligns itself with coccyx between the anus and the genitals. This Center affects the physiological aspects of the individual- the overall energy levels, feeling of safety, and overall health.

Example: Have you noticed that people in difficult situations squirm in their seats? At an official review, where something has gone wrong and the criticism is very personal, one will feel acutely uncomfortable at the anus and feel an urge to go to the toilet. There will be an urge to shift in the seat. This is the action of rocking the coccyx with the intention of energizing the muladhara chakra.

Sex Centre (Svadhishtana): This centre corresponds to the sacral region around the genital area. This center affects the sexuality and communications skills of the individual. Control of this centre results in strong nerves and emotional stability.

Example: When we are in a heated argument, do we notice that sometimes there is an ache in the lower back when the discussion is over? This occurs because, often, we are trying to convince the other person to accept our point of view and there is great tension in the need to effectively communicate. This strains the lumbar arch and results in the stress.

Stomach Centre (Manipura): This centre is placed around the navel and corresponds to the lumbar area of the spine. This is a center that controls our social skills.

Example: Often, we hear about taking a decision from the gut, the gut feel! How is that possible? After all it is the brain that decides. Or is it? The stomach does have a role, for the Manipura with its acids & bile does signal comfort in a social environment to the person.

Heart Centre (Anahata): Placed at the centre of the chest, this centre responds to the thoracic region on the spine. This is the centre of emotional energy. A clean centre is essential for emotional stability.

Example: Blood pressure is directly related to anger and speech. Generally, doctors advise a person to reduce speaking after a heart attack. Why? Because the heart does get excited and the impact of adrenaline has a direct impact on the heart & lungs.

Throat Centre (Visuddhi): This centre is placed just above the Adam’s apple and corresponds to the cervical region in the spine. This centre is the point where the thyroid, parathyroid and lymphatic system reside. It controls metabolic activity. Since metabolism is the ability of the body to convert food into usable energy and rebuilding of cell tissue, this is a critical area.

Example: When we are afraid, we often feel choked! Why? Because the Visuddhi gets depleted of energy and the chocking action impacts the thyroid & parathyroid. Over time, depletion of this centre can lead to cervical spondylosis.

Forehead Centre (Ajna): This center is placed between the eyebrows in the front of the cranium. This is the centre that controls centers. It energises the pituitary and endocrine glands. This centre is the primary input point for “Fight or flight” stimulus.

Example: Indians apply a dot over this centre called a Tilak. The objective is to screen the centre with neutral agents such as ash, antiseptic such as turmeric or a cooling agent such as sandalwood.