Energy Centers

What is a Subtle Energy center?
AKA "Chakra", is a sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "circle". It seems, according to some streams of thought to be an accumulation of subtle energy in a part of the body. Like a node, if you will, of vital subtle energy, undetectable by science, emanating from a region of the organisms body.

The seven main nodes - centers - are described as being aligned in an ascending column from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Each one is associated with a:
 * certain color,
 * multiple specific functions,
 * an aspect of consciousness,
 * a classical element,
 * and other distinguishing characteristics.

The chakras are thought to vitalise the physical body and to be associated with interactions of both a physical and mental nature. The chakras are thought to be loci of life energy, or prana, which is thought to flow among them along pathways called nadis, similiar but not to be confused with TCM's Meridians

Related: Energy | Nadis | Meridians | Accupuncture