How Many Chakras Are There And Why They Should Matter To You

When people wonder how many chakras are there, they usually refer to the 7 main chakras. In this article we’re going to cover not only these primary energy centers but also the 5 that sit outside the physical body spectrum.

Did you know that the human body actually has 114 chakras and 72,000 “nadis”?

But for now, we’re only going to address the 7 main chakras in our body and the 5 that sit outside.

Therefore we count a total of 12 chakras.

There Are 7 Primary Chakras In The Human Body

1. Root Chakra
2. Sacral Chakra
3. Solar Plexus Chakra
4. Heart Chakra
5. Throat Chakra
6. Third Eye Chakra
7. Crown Chakra

There Are 5 Chakras Outside The Human Body

1. Earth Star Chakra
2. Soul Star Chakra
3. Universal Chakra
4. Galactic Chakra
5. Divine Gateway Chakra

Don’t worry if this sounds a bit confusing, I’ll cover everything in just a bit.

At this stage, if you know nothing or very little about chakras, it’s important to understand that we have a very complex energy system.

You don’t have to memorize everything or even focus on each tiny aspect. Simply having the bigger picture in mind, usually leads to clarity and increased attention for your well-being.

Jump directly to “The 12 Main Chakras And Their Role“

Brief History Of The Chakras

It’s really hard to determine how and when the chakra system came to existence. In my opinion, one should always be skeptical about any historic events and only use that piece of information as a reference and nothing more.

The history mentions chakras for the first time in Hindu Vedas (religious texts from ancient India) somewhere between 1500 and 500 BC.

Another mention of the chakras in “recent” history is from John Woodroffe who translated a text in 1918. This was based on the writings of Purnananda Yati from his work “Explanation of the Six Chakras”, written back in 1577.

Truth to be told, if you’re reading this you probably are aware that chakras have been present all along since the first humans populated the planet.

What Is A Chakra And Why Is It Important

Chakras are energy centers that govern certain parts of the body through which a certain type and quantity of energy that is specific to that area flows.

The term “chakra,” as well as the name of each of the 7 chakras in the human body, are of Sanskrit origin. Chakra means wheel and represents an uninterrupted movement that is responsible for “circulating”, if you will, energy throughout your body.

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Balancing your chakras through Reiki healing leads to a general state of well-being and spiritual evolution.

Nadis

The 72,000 Nadis represent a distribution network of divine energy and therefore they are channels through which this energy flows.

At a physical level, most nadis can be identified with the nervous system and blood vessels but they go beyond this plane to the subtle body.

When all the nadis and chakras are in balance we manifest our true divine self.

Obviously, in our world, that’s pretty rare and we always have to work to maintain their proper function. Otherwise, we’ll be experiencing more negativity, fears, anxiety and anything in between.

It’s hard to comprehend at first, but there are even more than 72,000 nadis and 114 chakras. Obviously, we direct our attention to the most notable ones, and out of those we can distinguish 3 main nadis: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.

They are the main energy channels and focusing on them will positively influence the other nadis as well.

The 12 Main Chakras And Their Role

In this article, I’m going to mention each chakra along with a brief description. They all detailed in individual articles so if you’re interested in reading more, simply follow the corresponding link.

There are 7 chakras in the human body and 5 chakras outside the human body.

Before we go into each of them, let’s get one thing straight.

All chakras are important.

The 7 chakras are located in specific anatomical areas. Everyone knows how their body looks like and I choose to do this segmentation so it’s easier to understand and visualize them.

That being said, let’s get to it.

The 7 Chakras In The Human Body

Root Chakra

The first of the 7 chakras, the Root Chakra or Muladhara is located at the base of the spine, in the inguinal area. Its role is to ground us and when in balance it provides a feeling of security and energy while helping us move closer to our life goals.

Sacral Chakra

This chakra helps you transform sexual energy into creative potential. The sacral chakra or Svadhishthana is located 1 inch under the naval and governs the flow of fluids, sexual energy as well as your freedom of expression.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The third chakra is Solar Plexus or Manipura. Located half-way between your Heart and Sacral chakras, it helps you control emotions and offers you the wisdom to find harmony and confidence on the path to a thriving true-self.

Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra, also called Anahata, is located in the center of our chest and as the name states its role is to guide your heart at an emotional level. Anahata is there to better your relationships and self-trust by helping you experience true love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Throat Chakra

That’s right! The Throat Chakra or Vishuddha is located at the throat area. It’s the fifth chakra of the human body and it’s often called the “communication chakra” because it helps with self-expression and eases the connection between people.

Third Eye Chakra

The Third Eye Chakra or Ajna goes beyond your physical abilities and focuses on wisdom, intuition and psychic powers. Located between the eyebrows, this energy center helps you access your clairvoyant ability.

Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra or Sahasrara is the seventh and last of the primary energy centers in your body. Located at the top of your head it represents the center of wisdom, enlightenment and facilitates your connection to the Divine consciousness.

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The 5 Chakras Outside The Human Body

At this point, we go beyond our physical body and talk about the energy centers that live outside this space.

Earth Star Chakra

Approximately a foot and half below your feet you can find the Earth Star Chakra. It’s similar and often confused with the Root Chakra in the sense that both of them facilitate your connection to Earth and help you become grounded.

If the Root Chakra grounds your physical and mental body, The Earth Star Chakra is responsible for grounding all of your casual, subtle bodies in order to reach your spiritual goals here on earth.

Soul Star Chakra

The Soul Star Chakra is located above your head, over the Crown Chakra. You can refresh your soul and spirit by meditating on this chakra. It also acts as a link between you and the Divine energy. Now it can descend into your body and travel through the other energy centers.

Universal Chakra

Above the Soul Star Chakra, you can find the next energy center called Universal Chakra. We are still at a mystical level where psychic abilities can become present. This is where you’ll be able to further connect to the Divine energy at an even higher stage.

Galactic Chakra

These energy centers that are present outside the human body are usually addressed after we have focused enough and even balanced the 7 main chakras.

It’s not an exact order or rule but it makes sense to consider to develop only after you are somehow at peace with yourself. That’s exactly what Galactic Chakra is all about. It focuses on this personal evolution to higher spiritual planes.

Divine Gateway Chakra

The last of the 12 chakras, that lives above all others. Once again, none of them is less important than the rest but they do have specific roles and it’s best to activate them once you make progress.

The Divine Gateway Chakra opens you up to new worlds. This facilitates the contact, that has started at the Galactic Chakra level, with higher beings.

My Take On This

As mentioned earlier, I believe history should be taken with a grain of salt.

It’s also important to know that there isn’t a single chakra system. There are multiple systems that are made of secondary and tertiary chakras. Some contain micro-chakras and all of our organs and body elements have individual chakras themselves.

That being said, while being aware of the complexities, focusing on the 7 and 12 chakra system is what matters for now.

Learning to visualize your chakras, exploring them through meditation and trying to heal them with time, will do so much for your well-being long term.

Simple things can become very powerful if you give them enough time to correctly understand and use them.

In Reiki, for example, you have various meditations and symbols but simply using the hands-on technique can cover most of your needs.

If you haven’t practiced in a while but want to bring Reiki back into your life, our Reiki Refresher Course is specifically designed to help you do that in a guided manner.

Chakras From A Reiki Perspective

First, let’s clear things even more.

Originally the concept of chakras did not exist in Reiki.

Mikao Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki Royo and his followers, Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata did not know the chakras as we know them today. They did however known of the spiritual planes and certain energy channels.

But all things in the world grow and evolve. Therefore, the presence of the chakra concept into the world of Reiki is only beneficial.

The two ideas can work together just fine.

How so?

Allow me to explain.

When practicing Reiki you are accessing the universal source of life force energy.

This energy flows through your body, nourishing it, just as water nourishes the earth.

Generally speaking, a deep emotional, mental and physical healing occurs in time.

In order to have a complete evolution, don’t we need to understand the levels at which this universal energy works?

What It Heals And The Energetic Structures It Activates

There isn’t one culture or philosophy that contains all knowledge and wisdom. Considering this, it only makes sense to integrate those concepts within our practice for a comprehensive understanding and awareness.

Thus, by getting to know the chakra system we can understand where the universal energy flows within our body. We can learn more about what it cleanses and heals at each specific level: physical, mental, emotional, energetical and spiritual.

Not only that but this energy will slowly open your chakras. This will lead to a significant increase in awareness and consciousness on multiple levels.

By becoming aware you’ll be able to change. This means that you’re making the first small steps towards spiritual evolution.

Books on Chakras

Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System – by Anodea Judith Alcantara

If you’re interested in going more in-depth and haven’t done so already, you can always consider reading Anodea Judith.

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Chakra Healing: A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Healing Techniques that Balance the Chakras – by Margarita Alcantara

If you’re just starting out in the world of chakra I would suggest browsing through our chakra articles.

Still, if you feel that a book is more suitable for your needs, “Chakra Healing” is another great way to begin this journey.

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