Yogic Anatomy
Just as traditional Chinese medicine is based on certain central principles and the flow of energies, yoga works with the energies in the body to restore systemic balance and enhance vitality. The main life-force energy in yoga is called prana. The prana flows through seven major energetic centers, known as the charkas (literally translated as wheels), and through many smaller channels, called nadis. The seven chakras have physical, emotional, and spiritual properties. The chakras spin clockwise when flowing properly. The bottom three are yang (or external) and the top three are yin (or internal). The heart chakra combines and integrates these opposite forces. All of the chakras are thought to be externalized as endocrine glands.
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine. It governs understanding of the physical dimension. It represents the human’s most primitive responses. The fight or flight response and, therefore, the adrenal glands, as well as the kidneys and the spinal column, are governed by the root chakra.
The second chakra, located at the center of the pelvis, is associated with the sexual and reproductive functions of the body. It governs the ovaries and testes. The second chakra is associated with creativity, as well as attitudes in relationships.
The third chakra is located in the solar plexus. It is associated with the pancreas, liver spleen, stomach, gall bladder, and nervous system. In the solar plexus chakra is seated a person’s emotional sensitivity and issues of personal power.
The fourth chakra, often called the heart chakra, is located under the center of the sternum. It is externalized as the thymus gland. This chakra governs the heart, blood, and circulatory system, as well as influencing the immune and endocrine systems. This is the chakra that is associated with the experience of love.
The fifth chakra is located in the throat area, externalized by the thyroid gland. It governs the lungs, vocal cords, bronchial apparatus, and metabolism. The throat chakra is the center of expression, communication, and judgment.
The sixth chakra is located in the center of the brow and is often called the third eye. It is externalized by the pituitary gland. This chakra governs the lower brain and nervous system, the ears, the nose, and the left eye. It is the place from which our personality and spiritual nature stems.
The seventh chakra, referred to as the crown chakra, is located at the top of the head. It externalizes as the pineal gland, upper brain, and right eye. This chakra is the place from which a person experiences integration with the divine cosmic forces.
From this brief description of the significance of the chakras, it is clear that the emotions and the physical body are considered to be linked inextricably in the science of yoga.
