The Energy System: Reiki, Chakras and Nadis
During a Reiki session the focus is most often on the 7 main Chakras. By channel Reiki to these areas, the energy system fills with fresh, positive Reiki energy and moves towards a more balanced and stable place which in turn brings more balance, peace and stability to various aspects of life.
Chakras form a part of the Vedic energy system, which is an intricate framework that outlines the flow of universal life energy (Reiki) through the human body, influencing physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Central to this system are Chakras and Nadis, which work together to manage and direct Reiki throughout the body.
This article provides an overview of the energy system, we will be posting more detailed articles about each Chakra which will include methods of how to bring and maintain balance to each Chakra.
Overview of the Vedic Energy System
The 3 main parts of the Vedic Energy System are:
Reiki:
The universal life energy or life force that permeates the universe and sustains all living beings is called Reiki. In other traditions this is called Prana, Chi or Qi. In the human body, Reiki flows through an intricate network of channels and energy centres. Reiki is all around us and in all living things, we recieve is naturally, however at times of challenge, stree or difficulty we can benefit from an increased flow of fresh, positive life energy.
Chakras:
These are energy centres that act as focal points for the intersection of energy flows within the body. The word “chakra” means “wheel” in Sanskrit, these centres are often depicted as spinning wheels of energy. The seven major chakras in the body are associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. Some Vedic texts speak of 88,000 chakras in the human body. While during most Reiki sessions the focus is on the 7 major chakras, Reiki energy can be focused on any part of the body.
Nadis:
Energy channels through which Reiki flows are called Nadis. The term nadi comes from the Sanskrit word for “river” or “stream.” There are said to be 350,000 Nadis in the human body, with three primary Nadis playing a crucial role in the Vedic energy system and the movement of Reiki through the body.
The Chakras
The seven major chakras are aligned along the spine, from the crown of the head to the base of the spine. Each chakra is associated with a set of life attributes, a colour and an element:
-
Crown Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Sahasrara
Location: Top of the head
Colour: Violet or white
Element: Spirit
Attributes: Connection to the natural flow of Reiki, Spiritual connection, enlightenment
Crown Chakra imbalance: lack of purpose, spiritual disconnection
-
Third Eye Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Ajna
Location: Centre of forehead
Colour: Indigo
Element: Light
Attributes: Open-mindedness, intuition, thought, insight
Third Eye Chakra imbalance: lack of clarity, difficulty making decisions, disconnected from intuition
-
Throat Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Vishuddha
Location: Throat
Color: Blue
Element: Ether (Space)
Attributes: Communication, self-expression, truth, clarity
Throat Chakra imbalance: challenges with self-expression, fear of speaking up, being overly critical
-
Heart Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Anahata
Location: Centre of chest
Color: Green
Element: Air
Attributes: Love, compassion, forgiveness, emotional healing
Heart Chakra imbalance: difficulties forming meaningful connections, emotional hurt, lack of compassion, or emotional detachment
-
Solar Plexus Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Manipura
Location: Upper abdomen
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Attributes: Confidence, self-esteem, willpower
Solar Plexus Chakra imbalance: lack of confidence, low self-esteem, difficulty asserting oneself
-
Sacral Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana
Location: Lower abdomen
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Attributes: Creativity, sensuality, pleasure
Sacral Chakra imbalance: issues with creativity, intimacy, passion for life
-
Root Chakra:
Sanskrit name: Muladhara
Location: Base of spine
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Attributes: Survival, security, grounding
Root Chakra imbalance: feelings of insecurity, instability, fear
The Nadis
Nadis are the channels through which Reiki flows and connecting Chakras. There are many nadis in the body, three are considered the most important:
-
Sushumna Nadi:
Location: Central channel, running along the spine from the crown to the base
Function: Main channel through which Reiki flows to all the chakras it is also said to allow Kundalini energy (a dormant spiritual energy) rises when awakened. It connects all the chakras and is associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment.
-
Ida Nadi:
Location: Starts at the base of the spine and ascends to the left side, weaving around the chakras and ending at the left nostril
Function: Represents the lunar, feminine, cooling energy. Associated with the left side of the body, the parasympathetic nervous system, and is linked to the mind, emotions, and intuition.
-
Pingala Nadi:
Location: Starts at the base of the spine and ascends to the right side, weaving around the chakras and ending at the right nostril
Function: Represents the solar, masculine, warming energy. Associated with the right side of the body, the sympathetic nervous system, and is linked to physical activity, logic, and action.
The Flow of Reiki
Reiki energising the Chakras and flows through the Nadis maintaining balance in the body and mind. The interplay between Ida and Pingala creates the dynamic balance of energies within the body, while Sushumna provides the central pathway for spiritual ascent. The balance and free flow of Reiki through these centre and channels are essential for physical health, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual development.
The Role of the Chakras and Nadis in Health
In Vedic tradition, the balance and health of the Chakras and Nadis are crucial for overall wellbeing. Imbalances or blockages in the chakras can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual issues.
When a chakra is underactive, overactive, or blocked, it can manifest as various issues related to the functions of that chakra. For instance, an imbalanced root chakra might cause anxiety and insecurity, while an imbalanced heart chakra could lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships or be a sign of emotional hurt being held. Similarly, if Reiki is obstructed in any of the nadis, it can lead to physical ailments, mental distress, or a lack of spiritual connection.
Practices for Balancing Chakras and Nadis
Reiki treatments: Channelling universal life energy into each Chakra helps to bring about balance in the energy system, clearing blockages and providing an abundance of positive, fresh life energy to the overall energy system. Over time, the resilience of the energy system builds to help overcome challenges more quickly.
Meditation: Practices that focus on specific Chakras or the flow of Reiki through the Nadis fostering balance and growth.
Mantras and Chanting: Vibrational sounds associated with each chakra can be chanted to activate and harmonize the energy centres.
Visualisation: Techniques that involve visualising the chakras and Reiki flow to enhance awareness and balance of the energy system.
Yoga Asanas: Physical postures that stimulate and align the chakras, promoting the free flow of Reiki through the nadis.
Over the coming months we will be taking a deep dive into each chakra and providing practices to help support balance in each chakra.
To read research results looking at the benefits of Reiki and a more balanced energy system please click here
To book a Reiki session in either the Marylebone or Harrow clinic simply contact us
Dear Ameet,
Thank you for simplifying and explaining these wonderful Sanskrit words and ancient Vedic traditions.