The word chakra means wheel or vortex in the ancient language Sanskrit.
The chakras are pictured as being located at certain points of the body and are viewed as a flat disk spinning from the back of the body to the front and back around again.
They are swirling energy centers in the body that contain certain types of energy.
The three lower chakras are related to our body and our connection with our self and our needs. The 4 higher chakras are the gateway to the mind and spirit.
Eastern forms of medicine such as the Ayurveda (from India), Qigong (from China) and Reiki (from Japan) are all based on the connection between the energy centers of the body being tapped into for both health and vitality, and more mental powers and spiritual understanding.
Chakras that are out of balance can result in a range of health and relationship issues.
Chakras that are in balance can lead to harmony, prosperity, and high mental and spiritual power.