Chakras are the 7 centers in the etheric body, that act as transmitters and receivers of energy.  They affect our
physical activities through the function of our endocrine glands (glands of internal secretions, such as the thyroid).
These glands effect our physical functioning, our mental equilibrium and emotional integrity. When energy enters into
a chakra and is blocked, it will try to express itself through a psychological disassociation. Whereas, if the energy is already in the chakra but expresses itself negatively, it eventually will be manifested through physical problems.   If there is harmony between mind, body, soul and spirit, the chakras run parallel, inducing and reinforcing each other. The various currents of energy must be in harmony both with each other and with the universe. When this is achieved, the person is at peace with the world and he or she will naturally draw towards them those people, situations and karma which are necessary for self-development.

(Base Chakra or First Chakra)
The function of this chakra determines our connection with the earth and material substance. It is situated at the lowest end of the spine, at the coccyx.  The colour red, the entire spine, the kidneys and the adrenals belong to it. The base chakra anchors man in the material world and has to do with survival issues.  This chakra is associated to sex. It is also the point of the human body where we find an intense energy that allows us to generate life. When it is greatly activated, the person will wish to satisfy his desire on that level. Once he achieves it the level of energy will recede.
Positive characteristics: strength, invigorates the spirit, animates the enthusiasm, stimulates the nervous system, grants resistance, effort and constancy. The bad use results into a physical and moral decline.  We must balance this chakra before moving on to the others. Otherwise our growth will be without roots, i.e., ungrounded

Other Names: Root, base, muladhara, Kundalini (Sanskrit)
Situated: base of spine and the pubic bone (but encompasses genitals and reproductive organs)
Colour: red
Element: Earth
Area of consciousness: physical body
This includes all physical sensations, such as pain, sensuality, pleasure and power. Also, our survival (as an individual and as a planet), our need for world peace and environmental balance.
Key Words: stability, solidity, unity and form.
Physical organ association: gonads, also the glomus coccygeum or coccygeal body, adrenal gland, the kindeys and the spinal column
Relationship: to the solid part of the body, especially the bones
Importance: location of the kundalini
Attributes: athletic, cares about survival, sensuality, pleasure and power
Governs: perception of the physical world, willpower, motivation and intent

(Sacral Chakra or Second Chakra)
 The second chakra lies just above the first or second  vertebra. The colour orange, the reproductive organs and the reproductive glands belong to it. The second chakra has to do with the creativity of reproduction.
 Positive characteristics: it influences the nervous system and our temperature. It contributes to the perfect harmony of the body, the mind and the emotions. Bad use produces hysteria, or a search for experiences of intense pleasure or pain.
Here we encounter change, for without change we cannot grow.

Other Names: Sacral, sexual, svadhisthana (Sanskrit)
Situated: behind and just below the navel
Colour: orange
Element: Water
Area of consciousness: emotional
Change in that we now moving beyond our understanding of ourselves and realize the awareness of others - desire arises and with it our emotions and sexuality.
Key Words: difference, separation, change, duality, and movement
Physical organ association: spleen ( Peyer's Patches) as well as the kidneys and bladder
Relationship: corresponds to the liquid part of the body - circulation, urinary elimination, and sexual body fluids.
Governs: feelings of sexuality, and creativity

(Solar Plexus or Third Chakra)
The solar plexus chakra relates physically to the part of the abdomen above the navel. The colour yellow, the digestive system and the pancreas belong to it. The solar plexus has to do with acquired knowledge.  It also controls the unconscious and illuminates the mind. It conveys tenderness, alerts initiatives and talents, and develops greatly the gift of prudence. Bad use results in the necessity to consume sugar, or in feelings of jealousy and the impossibility to say " NO".
Transformation to a new state occurs through this chakra's basic dynamic energy and our ability to find a balance between extremes.

Other Names: Solar Plexus, manipura (Sanskrit)
Situated:solar plexus, in the V formed by the ribcage, above the navel
Colour: yellow
Element: Fire
Area of consciousness: mental or intellectual body
This includes thoughts, opinions and judgements.
Key Words: combustion, fire, energy, action, power, and will
Physical organ association: adrenal glands, pancreas, liver, stomach, as well as the nervous system and the bladder.
Relationship: responsible for the regulation and distribution of metabolic energy throughout the body, as in digestion.
Governs: emotional issues and issues of personal power
 

(Heart Chakra or Fourth Chakra)
The heart chakra relates to the entire chest area. It is situated between the shoulder blades. Its colour is green, the heart, the lungs and the thymus belong to it. This chakra is responsible for compassion and love without egoism, also for consequences and judgements. It stimulates vitality and activity in the brain; it strengthens the glandular system and activates internal secretion. It conveys Divine Wisdom, stability, perseverance, mental patience and equilibrium, or pleasure. Bad use results in lack of equilibrium, sensations of emptiness, and the person can become prejudiced.  This centre also relates to mass media/group communication. The task of this chakra is to integrate and balance the realms of spirit and mind with our physical body (matter).

Other Names: Heart, anahata (Sanskrit)
Situated: midway between shoulder blades (over the sternum)
Colour: Green
Element: Air
Area of Consciousness: astral body
This is the first level beyond 3-dimensional matter. Here we have the bridge between the dimensions of matter and the dimensions of spirit. Although we may refer to the "lower chakras" as being concerned with mankind, and the "upper chakras" as being concerned with spirituality and God, each chakra is no less important than the other. For instance, the first chakra has a number of frequencies (all within the Red vibration), ranging from very low to very high. The goal is to rise above a chakra's lower frequencies into its higher ones.
Key Words: love, compassion, balance
Physical organ association: thymus gland (immune system), and the heart, blood, circulatory system, immune system, and the endocrine system.
Relationship: to the heart - to love as a state of being.
Governs: love, compassion, and unconditional acceptance for others

(Throat Chakra or Fifth Chakra)
The throat chakra relates to the entire throat and neck area. The colour blue, the entire throat and neck area and the thyroid and parathyroid glands belong to it. This chakra has to do with communication (not mass media/group communication). It governs the thyroid, the bronchial and vocal system, the lungs, the nutrition channel and the internal ear (clairvoyance). This is responsible for acquiring youthfulness and long life. Related to physical levels, it might cause vertigo, anaemia, allergies, fatigue and asthma.
Here we have the realm of consciousness where communication occurs, whether that be within ourselves or to and from another

Other Names: Throat, visuddha (Sanskrit)
Situated: throat area
Colour: blue
Element: Sound
Area of consciousness: etheric body
This etheric body is the template for the physical body, and represents our potential for perfection.
Key Words: sound, vibration, communication, and self-expression
Physical organ association: thyroid and parathyroid glands, lungs, vocal cords, and bronchial apparatus.
Relationship: the throat area where sound is created
Governs: communication, expression of thoughts and feelings

(The Third Eye or Sixth Chakra)
The brow chakra (third eye) relates to the middle of the head. It lies between the eyebrows.
The colour royal blue (indigo), the face , the sensory organs and the pituitary gland belong to it.
The third eye has to do with intuition.  This centre belongs to the spiritual world.
In the physical body the third eye governs the "pituitary" gland, the left brain, the left eye, the ears, the nose and,
in general, the nervous system. When all the rays are activated, the person develops ideas of dignity, grandeur,
veneration and delicate feelings awake in him, producing a positive clairvoyance. This awakening causes the evolution
of the spirit.  The lack of equilibrium will cause the person to become illogical, or too much of an intellectual,
or absent-minded or forgetful or with fear for the future. The essence and function of this chakra is to "see" in
the sense that we accept that complete vision will include both darkness and light.

Other Names: Third Eye, Brow, ajna (Sanskrit)
Situated: centre of head, behind forehead
Colour: indigo
Element: Light
Area of consciousness: celestial body
It is here that we have "sixth sight", or the ability to "see" by way of clairvoyance.
We use this chakra for visualization, receiving insight or inspiration.
Key Words: intuition, imagination and clairvoyance
Physical organ association: pineal (although some believe it is the pituitary gland)
Relationship: the storehouse and viewing screen of all visual input from our two physical eyes and our "third eye" (the etheric organ of psychic perception).
Governs: spirituality and the search for meaning in life, intuition, visualization

(Crown Chakra or Seventh Chakra)
The crown chakra is related to the upper part of the head and it is located at the highest point of the head. The colour violet belongs to it, as does the cerebrum and the pineal gland.  It does not enter into function unless the individual has gone through conscientious spiritual work. It is a chakra that works with high velocity and, in some cases, a golden aura may be seen. When  active, the individual for the first time understands that creation has no limits and we are all one.
This chakra represents our belief systems, both conscious and unconscious.

Other Names: Crown, sahasrara (Sanskrit)
Situated:top of head
Colour: white (some believe violet)
Element: Thought
Area of Consciousness: ketheric body
This chakra is associated with the spiritual realm. Here is where we merge with God, the All That Is.
Key Words: enlightenment, knowing and cosmic consciousness
Physical organ association: pituitary gland (although some believe it is the pineal gland)
Relationship: not of the material world but as a gateway to worlds beyond
Governs: our connection to the concept of "God" or a higher intelligence