As well as being physical in nature, our body is understood (in many traditions) to include subtle energy fields that occupy the same space and extend beyond it—often referred to as the aura. These energy bodies are said to vibrate at different frequencies and interweave with one another.

This brief introduction will give you a simple grounding in the chakras and may open the door to exploring them more deeply. There are many resources available, including books—one of which is listed at the end of this post.

So, what are chakras in simple terms? They are energy centres that influence how energy flows through the body.

They are commonly described as seven energy bodies, moving outward from the physical: Physical, Etheric, Astral (Emotional), Mental, Causal (Spiritual), Monadic, and Divine.

Supporting every activity of the physical body—such as the muscular, skeletal, immune, organ, and nervous systems—this energy system is often described as a kind of blueprint that helps the body maintain and restore balance. Across cultures, this energy has been given many names, including Prana, Chi, Life Force, and Vital Force.

This energy is believed to flow through channels called nadis, which connect to seven main energy centres known as chakras. These are commonly referred to as the Base, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown chakras.

What Are Chakras and How Do They Work?

These chakras are linked along the spine by three major energy pathways: ida, pingala, and sushumna. In addition, there are  thousands of smaller energy channels and minor chakras throughout the body.

Chakras are not limited to the physical body—they exist in all energy bodies. They act as focal points for receiving, processing, and distributing subtle energy within and around us.

The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel.” These centres are often described as being in constant motion, helping to regulate the flow of energy to the areas of the body they are associated with.

When a chakra is not functioning optimally, the flow of energy may become disrupted. This may be reflected in physical, emotional, or mental symptoms in the areas connected to that chakra.

Our overall well-being is influenced by how harmoniously energy flows through this system. Factors such as nutrition, movement, sunlight, rest, and environment all play a role, and very importantly, our thoughts, attitudes, and emotional patterns.

Holding on to resentment, anger, guilt, or ongoing worry can place strain on the system, while more balanced and positive perspectives encourages a healthier flow of energy.

The chakra system can also serve as a useful framework for self-reflection. When experiencing symptoms, it may be helpful to ask:

“What might my body be drawing my attention to right now?”

This isn’t about blame or guilt, but about developing awareness and taking responsibility for our current state—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

There are times when medical treatment is necessary, and it’s important to recognise and respect that. At the same time, listening to your body and maintaining a balanced lifestyle may support recovery and overall well-being.

Some symptoms may arise from genetic, environmental, or traumatic factors. In these cases, self-awareness and supportive practices can still play a valuable role in helping you achieve the best possible health within your circumstances.

How to Support Healthy Chakra Energy Flow

A wide range of therapies and activities may help support balance in the body and mind, including:

Massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, reflexology, yoga, counselling, meditation, mindfulness, exercise, music, time in nature, aromatherapy, and positive affirmations.

These approaches often aim not only to relieve symptoms but also to encourage deeper self-awareness and lasting positive change.

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For more information, check out my book on Amazon:
‘The Language of the Chakras’ – learn what your body is telling you
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVWDSPSM

Book cover titled “The Language of the Chakras” by Stephen Canning, focusing on body awareness and energy healing through chakras.

Understanding what chakras are can offer a useful way to explore the connection between body, mind, and energy. By becoming more aware of how energy flows through your system, you can take simple steps toward greater balance and well-being.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chakrawisdom

If you are interested in various aspects of ringing in the ears, click this link to one of my other articles: Ringing in the Ears – A Spiritual Perspective

Have you ever wondered what your body is trying to tell you?

Most people only begin to pay attention to their body when something feels wrong — when there is discomfort, fatigue, or illness. Yet long before symptoms become strong enough to demand attention, the body is already communicating. This all happens naturally, without any conscious effort on our part. The question is not whether the body speaks… but whether we are listening.

The Body as a Messenger

In my experience, the body is not working against us — it is working for us.
It is our best friend, especially if we listen to the whispers before they become screams.

Symptoms are often seen as something to suppress or get rid of as quickly as possible. While relief is important, and in many cases necessary, it is also worth considering that the symptom itself may be carrying a message.

The body reflects what has built up over time — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Tension, stress, unresolved emotions, and ongoing patterns of thinking can all influence how the body responds.

When we begin to see symptoms in this way, they can be understood as signals rather than problems.

Why Do Signals Get Stronger?

The body tends to communicate in stages — little hints here and there. If it doesn’t get our attention, those hints can become stronger.

At first, the signals may be subtle — a feeling of unease, tiredness, or mild discomfort. These are easy to overlook or dismiss.

If these early signals are not acknowledged, they often become more persistent and sometimes more intense. What began as a quiet message becomes clearer.

It is not that the body is failing — it is simply becoming more direct.

The Connection Between Thoughts and the Body

Our thoughts and responses to life play a significant role in how the body behaves.

Patterns such as worry, frustration, or holding onto past experiences can influence the way the body feels and functions. Over time, these patterns may be reflected physically.

This does not mean that everything is “in the mind,” but rather that the body, mind, and emotions are closely connected and constantly interacting.

Understanding this connection allows us to approach our health in a more balanced and aware way.

This is not about blame or guilt — we are all learning as we go.

For more information, check out my other article:
Dynamic Health and Wellbeing – How our thoughts affect us!

Learning to Listen

Listening to the body is not complicated, but it does require awareness — and often a slowing down.

Rather than focusing only on what is happening outside of us, or wishing things were different, we can begin by turning our attention inward.

It starts with asking simple questions:

1. What am I feeling right now?
2. When did this begin?
3. Is there something in my life that may be contributing to this?

The third question is often the most important, as it encourages us to take greater responsibility for our situation.

Often, just pausing and observing — without immediately reacting — can bring a deeper understanding.

Moving Towards Awareness

When we begin to listen to the body rather than ignore it, something shifts.

We move from reacting to symptoms… to responding with awareness.

This shift allows for greater clarity, better choices, and a deeper connection with ourselves.

Over time, this awareness can lead to a more balanced and integrated way of living.

Ponder On This – What Your Body is Trying to Tell You? 

The body is always communicating.

The more we learn to listen, the less it needs to raise its voice.

I explore this idea more deeply in my book The Language of the Chakras – Learn What Your Body Is Telling You, where I look at how the body, mind, and energy system work together to guide us towards greater awareness.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVWDSPSM