an A-Z of alternative therapies

Chakras are energy centres that are the openings for life energy to flow into and out of our aura. Their function is to vitalise the physical body, to bring about the development of our self-consciousness, and are associated with our physical, mental and emotional interactions.

The chakras have been a topic of conversation for literally centuries. Ancient healers knew of them and accessed their marvellous potential to balance the energies of the body in healing, and seers of all cultures have been privy to their spiral coloured designs.

The word "chakra" is Sanskrit for wheel. If we were able to see the chakras, as many psychics, in fact, do we would observe a wheel of energy continuously revolving or rotating.

The chakras begin at the base of the spine and finish at the top of the head. Though fixed in the central spinal column they are located on both the front and back of the body, and work through it.

Each chakra vibrates or rotates at a different speed. The root or first chakra rotates at the slowest speed, the crown or seventh chakra at the highest speed. Each chakra is stimulated by its own and complementary colour, and a range of gemstones for specific uses.

The chakra colours are of the rainbow; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. The size and brightness of the wheels vary with individual development, physical condition, energy levels, disease, or stress.

If the chakras are not balanced, or if the energies are blocked, the basic life force will be slowed down. The individual may feel listless, tired, out of sorts, or depressed. Not only will physical bodily functions be affected so diseases may manifest, but the thought processes and the mind may also be affected. A negative attitude, fear, doubt, etc. may preoccupy the individual.

At the first session, you may be asked informal questions about your complaint, medical history and lifestyle.

You will then be asked to sit or lie down, and the healer will sit or stand beside or behind you.

The healer may spend a few minutes "centring" himself or herself, relaxing and focusing their mind before mentally attuning to you. The healer "passes" his or her hands over the various energy centres of the body, balancing and aligning the energy.

There are many chakras in our bodies. We have them in our hands & feet as well as the bendable (flexion) surfaces of our arms, legs and fingers. The most prominent and best known ones are the seven major chakras in the midline of our bodies, parallel to the spine.

Clairvoyants perceive chakras as colourful wheels or flowers with a hub in the centre.

Each of them is associated with a particular colour, musical note, gemstone, fragrance, organ (s), psychological profile and spiritual lesson.

It seems appropriate to mention here that in order for healing to occur, there needs to be a change in consciousness. That change may certainly be facilitated by an openness to the lessons and challenges that each of the chakras presents and incorporating their subtleties into our conscious awareness.

Patients usually feel very relaxed after a session and may want to sleep.

Initial consultation may take up to 1 hour.

Subsequent appointments take 30-60 minutes.

Variable, some people feel so rejuvenated by the experience, that they continue the therapy even after initial problems have cleared.

• Safe for every age group
• Safe for every level of health
• You should make the therapist aware of any existing medical condition