The Body’s Primary Electrical Systems
In the physical body there are two primary electrical systems: the nervous system and the electromagnetic system. The nervous system is responsible for alternating, on-off signals. For example, these signals create muscle contraction then muscle relaxation or a heartbeat then a rest. This on-off current of energy or nervous system includes the brain, neurons, and the nerves, which cause muscle contraction, nerve transmission, glandular secretion and sensation. The on-off sensation of energy flow can be physically sensed and tracked.
The electromagnetic system is a system that emanates energy from the atoms and cells. All cells, even subatomic particles, contain tiny electrical elements and rather than on-off, this current is continuous. Examples of electromagnetic energy in the body are brain waves of energy (EEG) that are slow energy waves moving from 0-20 cycles per second and heart waves of energy (EKG) which are larger and faster and move up to 225 cycles per second. Based on their location, structure, movement, and function, some muscles move energy faster or slower.
The Energy Centers: Chakras
Beyond the electrical frequencies of muscle, brain, and heart, there is yet another field of energy that is smaller in amplitude and higher in frequency: the human energy field. Patterns of thoughts trigger specific responses in the body such as illness. Certain thoughts and emotions can also foster a healing response. Anything that helps us to keep energy flowing is inherently good for us. When energy systems become closed or stagnant, we get sick, tired, and everything feels difficult. In this regard, the wellness of our energy fields is important for our fitness and well-being.
Along the spine and inside the three body weights are seven major energy centers, called chakras (which means wheel, circle or center in Sanskrit) in the front and back of the body. They are designed to move energy in and out, spinning energy from both the front and back of the body. Moving energy through these points increases and balances your body. Energy from physical movement, sound, color, focus and intent as well as from certain techniques, improve the functioning of these energy centers. When your chakras are strong, balanced, and flowing energy, your body’s immune system is strong and the emotional, physical and mental parts of you can actively participate in life.
The Seven Chakras
The reason we want to open the chakras and increase the energy flow is that the more energy we let flow, the healthier we are. Simply stated, illness and disease are caused by an imbalance of energy or a block in the flow of energy. When working with energy centers, be gentle – less is more. Both before and after working with the chakras, ground the body by firmly planting the feet, touching the belly and with a clear beginning and end to the exercise. Always breathe and pay close attention to the sensations and after-effects. The focus of these classes is for you to identify the personal sensations you feel in your body’s energy centers. This is subtle, powerful, and personal – there are no right or wrong answers, only sensations to be felt.
First Chakra – Root or Base
The first chakra, the base or root chakra, is physically stimulated by moving the coccyx at the base of the tailbone. Movement of the pelvis directly affects this chakra and when moved, it stimulates an energy exchange between the legs, coccyx, rectum, and sex organs. Move this center to develop a strong connection between body and Earth and a sense of security and trust in life.
Feel the sensation of letting the body relax and root into the ground. Feel the relaxed power in the legs and feet. What does it feel like for you to have a place, to feel secure?
Second Chakra – The Sexual Center
The second chakra, the sexual center chakra, is housed in the pelvis and is affected by pelvic and low back movement. Located at the first lumbar area, this chakra stimulates the large intestine, spleen, bladder, lower back, prostate and sex organs. Move this center to develop a strong connection to male and female sexual energy and to the powers of creation that birth new ideas and new forms.
Feel the sensation of tapping into the life-generating power of the second chakra. When opening the sexual chakra, what do you feel? Is there a shift in temperature? A tingling? A tightening or relaxing? What does it feel like in your body?
Third Chakra – Solar Plexus
The third chakra, located at the mid-thoracic area near the solar plexus, is affected by movement of the pelvis, chest and head. When moved, this chakra stimulates the heart, lungs, stomach, liver adrenals, pancreas, kidneys, diaphragm, breasts, gall bladder, small intestines and duodenum. Move this center to connect with your desires of will, self-confidence and personal power.
Feel the sensation of the “chew” of energy at the solar plexus: the movement from desire to manifestation. What does it feel like in your body when you get a “gut” feeling about what you want or what you don’t want? What do you feel when you have the confidence to follow your desires?
Fourth Chakra – The Heart
The fourth chakra, the heart, is located at the first, second, and third thoracic vertebrae of the spine. It is affected predominantly by motions of the rib cage and chest. When moved, this chakra stimulates the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, adrenals, pancreas, kidneys, diaphragm, breasts, gall bladder, small intestines and duodenum. Move this center and connect with love, grief, compassion, joy and sorrow.
Feel the sensation of the fourth chakra when you connect to the emotions of the heart. Is there a different sensation in the body when connected to love than when connected to sorrow? Do you feel the sensation only in the front of your body or in the back as well?
Fifth Chakra – The Throat
The fifth chakra, the throat chakra, is affected by head and neck movement. Located in the third cervical vertebrae area of the spine, when moved, this chakra stimulates the head, eyes, ears, face, and throat. Move this center and develop a connection between you and what you want and desire to say to the world. Give yourself a voice.
What does it feel like in your body when you want to say something and you don’t? What does it feel like when your words flow eloquently? Notice the sensation in your body when you say something that is deeply important to you.
Sixth Chakra – Brow or 3rd Eye
The sixth chakra, the brow chakra, is located at the first cervical vertebrae of the spine. When moved, this chakra stimulates the head, face, eyes, ears, and throat. Move this center and connect to intuition: seeing what is unseen.
There are things we can see that we know to be true and there are things we cannot see that we know to be true. What do you feel in your body when you tap into the power of knowing but not seeing? Close your eyes and what do you feel? What do you know? What is the sensation?
Seventh Chakra – Crown
The seventh chakra, the crown chakra, has no spinal contact at all. Located at the crown of your head, it is affected by intention and conscious connection to what is beyond the physical. Energetically charged and physically centered at your pineal gland, the seventh chakra stimulates spiritual energy and creates a connection between your physical and energy bodies. Move this center to develop a connection between self and divine.
What does it feel like when you connect to something larger than yourself, when you feel yourself part of a greater whole? Whether you call it “God,” “Spirit,” “The Universe,” or “All that is,”– what is the sensation in your body when you tap into that which is greater?
Sources: Debbie and Carlos Rosas, Nia White Belt Manual and Nia Brown Belt Manual