They are linked together in a central column that begins at the base of the spine and goes up to the crown of the head. When we open these centers and align them, we allow our vital life force energy also referred to as prana or chi to flow freely through these centers. The energy then spirals upwards through each of our centers ascending and spiraling. This is referred to as raising the kundalini energy. Kundalini translates into "serpent rising" in Sanskrit. These centers are instrumental in our prana relating and working with our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies. It is an energy network that affects every aspect of the individual.

The main goal in working with these centers is to foster integration of all aspects of one's life to create a more holistic human being. We can create and live a more balanced and harmonious existence. The elements in our physiological system work with each other -- our spiritual network should complement them also. When we actively start understanding the chakras and really begin working to open them up and align them, we take aspects of our being, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual and put them in a harmonious state.

The chakras are the gateway for our spiritual selves to manifest through our physical reality. Our thought processes unfold into the body, mind and soul connection. When we live in a state that creates disharmony, disappointment and dissatisfaction with ourselves, the potential is for it to then overflow and manifest into disease. It has been an ongoing belief for many centuries that physical illness can be caused through a non-physical reality.

So the opposite would be true also. Keep a healthy mind and spirit and the physical body has more support to stay healthy. It is refreshing to see that the health care industry is now waking up to this. The welfare of the patient doesn't just rely on healing the physical body, but the whole person.