The Chakras

The word "chakra" is sanskrit in origin and means spinning wheel or vortex.
Knowledge of the chakra system comes from these ancient Indian texts and describe energy centres in the body, consisting of seven major points arranged along the spinal column.
Chakras are spinning vortices that focus certain frequencies of energy.
When a chakra accumulates stress it becomes less able to recieve the life-force energy into the body. Each chakra has a particular focus of action but they are all inter-related, and when one becomes imbalanced, it can have an effect on the functioning of the others.
Holistic therapies such as crystal therapy and Reiki, aim to re-balance the chakras and thus promote good health.
Each of the chakras are linked with physical functions as well as emotional and mental states, and each is associated with a particular colour as follows:

Head or Crown Chakra (violet)
Third Eye or Temple Chakra (indigo)
Throat Chakra (blue)
Heart Chakra (green)
Solar Plexus Chakra (yellow)
Sacral Chakra (orange)
Lumber or Root Chakra (red)