Significance of Chakras with Reiki`

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Chakras are a common concept in several disciplines of alternative medicine or traditional Asian medicine. A chakra is a centre of energy, subtle energy in reiki, which has several functions. In addition to being 'representative' of a particular organ or group of organs, a chakra also controls our being on different levels and it links these two representative states.

The chakras

In reiki there is considered to be seven major and a number of minor chakras. The seven major chakras are shown in the figure on page 87. These are from the lowest to the highest: the root chakra, the sexual chakra, the personality chakra, the heart chakra, the expressive chakra, the knowledge chakra, the crown chakra.

The number of major chakras does vary in some instances, e.g. Hindu yoga has six centres, but the greatest variation is in the minor chakras. In some re-gimes of therapy ten minor chakras are identified, and these are interconnected with the major chakras.

A typical system could be:

Brief summaries of the major chakras are given below, followed by an indication of how the chakras interact with reiki.

The root chakra

This is the source of strength and is essential for proper development. The other centres of energy rely upon the root chakra to perform properly. Disorders within the root chakras may result in mental problems (e.g. aggression, confusion) or physical symptoms (e.g. of the intestines, excretory systems, or bones).

The sexualchakra

This is highly influential and governs sensual and sexual factors, the means whereby experiences are felt and registered. Blockages result in a variety of phobias or conditions such as a fear of being touched, a general incomprehension or an obsessive cleanliness. Physical manifestations may include being prone to infections, or problems with the kidneys/bladder or lymphatic system.

The personality chakra

This is also called the solar plexus chakra, this is the power centre and focus of personal freedom or, conversely, feelings of guilt. Mental consequences of a blockage might be anxiety about how others perceive you, envy or selfish greed. Physically there could be digestive disorders, liver and gall bladder problems or disorders of the pancreas.

The heart chakra

This effectively controls self-acceptance and by extension everyone else around us. Blockages may result in attitudes such as selfishness or emotional blackmail. Physical manifestations could be disorders of the lungs and heart, and circulatory problems.

The expressive chakra

The expressive chakra (or throat chakra) controls overall self-expression, whether it is language or gesture. An upset in this centre could well result in an individual who becomes dictatorial while the physical signs could be growth problems, or a muscular tension leading to a lack of vocal control.

The knowledge chakra

Otherwise known as the forehead chakra or Third Eye, this is the focus of intuition, the perception of truth which enables a person to find their own course through life. Accordingly, a blockage of this chakra will culminate in a haphazard approach to life, and probably an inability to settle down to any one task for any length of time.

The crown chakra

It is generally felt that the seventh, crown, chakra is appreciated only by experience and it depends upon the other six for its development.

The practicalities of chakras with reiki

This is quite a complicated aspect of reiki and to develop it as an integral part of a programme of reiki, the reader should seek a more extensive treatment of the subject. Some information is, however, presented here by way of introduction.

Some therapists use the technique of balancing chakras to completely attune the energy on the subtle plane. The chakras are paired, first with sixth, second with fifth and third with fourth by placing the hands on the relevant areas. When it feels through the hands as if the energy is balanced with the first and sixth chakras, then the second and fifth can be balanced in the same way. Other combinations may be used if it is felt that these may be beneficial. The chakras may suffer a number of problems creating an imbalance and although considerable corrective therapy may be required, a balance can be achieved with reiki.

Many practitioners recommend sending reiki energy through a problematic chakra. This involves placing one hand at the front of the body above the chakra, and the other hand at the back of the body. The flow of Universal Life Energy eventually corrects any defects. However, it is important to remember that due to the interconnection of the chakras, defects in one affect the whole system. Therefore the healing cannot be undertaken in isolation. It is always good practice to balance the chakras after a session of specific healing.

Higher levels of reiki

Although it is possible to progress beyond the level of proficiency implied so far, second and third degree reiki are really for the experts. This is particularly so with third degree reiki, the details of which are not written down. Available power is increased with second degree reiki but should only be accessed by someone working with a reiki master. The greater flow of energy means that the effect of reiki therapy is greater and also its effect on a mental and emotional level is enhanced. Further, it is said that reiki at this level can be transmitted over distances, to one or a number of people. This is, of course, highly specialized and advice should be sought from a reiki master by anyone wishing to pursue this goal.

Reiki-do

In Japanese, do means path, hence reiki-do is concerned with a way of life in which reiki figures very prominently. Reiki-do is, of course, founded on the reiki therapy described in the preceding pages and it consists of three aspects which enable personal growth. The three categories of reiki-do are:

Conclusions

Reiki is a technique of healing available to anyone. It can lead to a more relaxed approach to life and greater harmony with the total environment. It can also be applied to plants and animals, for example your household pets, and for this and further information about the therapy, the reader is advised to seek more detailed treatments.