The 7 Chakras and Qigong

The origin of the 7 energy centers, known as chakrasIn the past, these centers date back to the spiritual and philosophical traditions of ancient India, especially Hinduism and yoga. These centers are mentioned in sacred texts and practices dating back more than two millennia and are represented as spinning wheels or lotus flowers, reflecting the flow of vital energy, or prana (in the qigong tradition: qi).

Connecting the Chakras with Qigong

Although they originated in India, chakras have found a place in Chinese energy practices, such as Qigong, where they coexist with the concepts of the three Dantians and the meridians (nadis, in the yogic tradition). In Qigong, one of the initial objectives is to become sensitive to Qi. The sensation of energy in the hands, associated with the activation of the points Lao Gongis often the first milestone on a practitioner’s path.

To facilitate this process, I introduce the 18 movements of Qigong Shibashi to my students. This sequence promotes relaxation, the opening of energy channels and a deep connection with the energy flow. After mastering this set, we move on to more advanced practices, such as the “energy ball”, which helps to explore and activate the chakras.

The Chakras and the Taiji Axis

The chakras in Qigong are related to the Taiji axisThe chakra is the central energy channel of the body. Each chakra has one or two energy ports, located at the front or back of the body:

  • Front doorsConnect to the emotions and Shen (spirit).
  • Rear DoorsAssociated with willpower and Zhi (intention).
  • Chakra Base e Crown ChakraHave only one gate, responsible for absorbing the energies of Earth and Heaven respectively.

Emotional Impact and Energetic Alignment

  • The opening of a chakra door can cause a spontaneous emotional releaseThis often involves painful memories unearthed from the “energy filter” that surrounds the chakra doors. This filter serves to prevent external emotional traumas from penetrating the central core of the body.
  • A Chakra door can be stuck open, closed or misaligned in relation to the Taiji Axis, resulting in Qi deviations that can obstruct or distort the energy flow. These obstructions can cause physical and psychological stress or trauma.

During the release process, the body may seek to eliminate stored toxic emotions, and reactions can be intense, including memories, mental images or physical sensations accompanied by unusual movements, such as trembling or shaking.

Lower Chakra

The lower portal or first chakra is sometimes called the “Meeting of the Yin” (referring to the energy of the Earth) and is located near the perineum, in front of the anal sphincter, at the Huiyin CV-1 point. This energy center controls the reproductive system and the urogenital organs, intersecting the bladder and kidney channels. It is associated with survival instincts (the “fight or flight” response), security, tribal power (acceptance into the group) and the “rooting” or “roots” of the body.

The first chakra is connected to the Lower Dantian. Its energetic elemental nature relates to the Earth and its color is red. It connects to the Taiji Pole at the base of the perineum and extends to the top, at the Crown Chakra.

The lower chakra is associated with the kinesthetic, tactile and proprioceptive senses. It supplies energy to the spine, adrenal glands (in some systems), testicles/ovaries and kidneys. This chakra is also connected to the Conception and Governor vessels.

The portal of the lower chakra opens automatically in emergency or dangerous situations, releasing stored information to ensure survival. Energetic dysfunctions caused by emotional trauma stored in this chakra can release a massive amount of fear for one’s life. Prolonged retention of extreme fear or the sudden release of panic can cause symptoms such as: lower back pain, sciatica, constipation, hemorrhoids, rectal tumors and cancer, knee problems and varicose veins.

Second Chakra

We can access the core of the second chakra through two energy portals. The front portal is sometimes called the “Portal of the Spirit Palace” and is located in the navel, around the Shenque CV-8 point. The rear portal is called the “Portal of Life” and is located in the lower back, at the Mingmen GV-4 point.

This energetic area is considered the “gateway to the Lower Dantian”. Its elemental energetic nature is related to Water and its color is orange. It is the energy center that allows us to perceive other people’s emotions (kinesthetic perception), enabling sensitivity to others and the detection of dangerous situations.

The second chakra is the energy center for sexuality, sensuality, desire for power and financial matters. It supplies energy to the sexual organs (ovaries and testicles) and the immune system.

When the portal of the second chakra opens, the person feels the release of sexual desires, waves of orgasm and sexual fantasies. As this area is also associated with the desire for power, a desire for destruction can emerge. Energy dysfunctions caused by emotional traumas stored in this chakra can lead to back problems, frigidity or impotence. Dysfunctions in the second chakra can also cause problems with the kidneys, uterus, bladder and urinary tract.

Third Chakra

We can access the core of the third chakra through two energy portals. The front portal is sometimes called the “Solar Plexus Center” and is located between the navel and the xiphoid process (at the level of the pancreas), at the Zhongwan CV-12 point. The back portal is called the “Spine Center” and is located in the middle of the back, at the Jizhong GV-6 point.

The third chakra area is associated with the Middle Dantian. Its elemental energetic nature is related to Fire and its color is yellow. This is the distribution point for psychic energies (instinct and intuition), personal power and self-image. It is also the storage chamber for severe emotional pain and anger.

This area supplies energy to the liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands and nervous system. The third chakra is the center of personal power, storing issues of responsibility, self-esteem, personal honor and fear of rejection.

When the energy portals of the third chakra open, feelings of power, waves of anger, fear, greed, jealousy, judgment and criticism can be released. Energetic dysfunctions caused by emotional traumas stored in this area can cause ulcers, hypoglycemia, diabetes, as well as problems with the liver and adrenal glands.

Fourth Chakra

We can access the core of the fourth chakra through two energy portals. The front portal is called the “Heart Center” and is located in the center of the sternum, at the Shangzhong CV-17 point. The rear portal is called the “Way of the Spirit” and is located at the Shendao GV-11 point on the back, between the shoulder blades.

The fourth chakra area is associated with the Middle Dantian. Its elemental energetic nature is related to Wind and its color is green. This energy center is associated with love, compassion, empathy and intuition. It supplies energy to the heart, lungs, circulatory system, thymus gland, vagus nerve, diaphragm and upper back.

When this energy center opens, it can cause physical pain (a feeling of heaviness in the chest, symptoms of a heart attack or the release of tears) as the person becomes aware of attachment to the personal ego. The sensations associated with the fourth chakra have to do with the internal world, while the sensations associated with the third chakra have to do with the external world. Energy dysfunctions can cause heart and lung disease.

Fifth Chakra

We can access the core of the fifth chakra through two energy portals. The front portal, known as the “Throat Center”, is located just above the neck, at the Tiantu CV-22 point. The rear portal, called the “Great Vertebra”, is located at the base of the neck, at the Dazhui GV-14 point.

This energy center is associated with sound vibration, personal and divine will and communication. The fifth chakra is related to the Middle Dantian. Its elemental energetic nature is linked to sound and its color is light blue. This is the center of auditory clairvoyance and the “inner voice” that guides the Qigong practitioner. It supplies energy to the throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands, neck vertebrae, mouth, lungs and alimentary canal (the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus).

When the fifth chakra opens, a compulsive urge to sing or chant arises. This center is also where the heat of the “Liver Fire” can sometimes tangle with “Phlegm” from the lungs, forming what is known as “Plum pit Qi” (an energetic lump in the throat). Dysfunctions caused by emotional trauma stored in this chakra can lead to stiff neck, sore throat, symptoms of “plum pit Qi”, thyroid problems and swollen glands. In addition, the patient may release unexpressed grief and anger, manifesting physical reactions such as excessive swallowing, coughing or laryngitis.

Sixth Chakra

We can access the core of the sixth chakra through two energy portals. The front portal, called the “Third Eye Center”, is located in the middle of the forehead, at the Yintang point or “Hall of Impression”. The rear portal is at the back of the head, between GV-16 (Palace of the Wind) and GV-17 (Gate of the Brain), in the external occipital protuberance.

The sixth chakra is the center of psychic intuition, clairvoyant vision (inner sight) and energy projection. This chakra is associated with the Upper Dantian. Its elemental energetic nature is related to light, and its color is indigo (deep blue-violet). This center enables the Qigong practitioner to visualize auras, chakras and other energetic images. It is also responsible for mental telepathy, allowing the practitioner to understand the patient’s thoughts and feelings. It supplies energy to the pituitary gland, lower brain, ears, nose, eyes and nervous system.

When the sixth chakra opens, dysfunctions such as headaches, eye strain, pain around the eyes, distorted or blurred vision and, in extreme cases, blindness can occur. In addition, misinterpretations of events, projections of personal fears or other emotions onto others can arise. Recurring nightmares and misguided fantasies can also occur.

Higher Chakra

The upper portal or crown chakra is called the “Crown Center” and is located at the top of the head, at the Baihui GV-20 point. This energy center is associated with higher knowledge, understanding, pure intuition and ecstasy. The upper chakra is related to the Upper Dantian. Its elemental energetic nature is linked to infinite space (Wuji), and its color is violet. This center supplies energy to the pineal gland and the upper brain.

When the upper chakra opens, it’s like a golden flower blooming, accompanied by a brilliant light and a powerful connection with the divine. Energy dysfunctions can lead to confusion, apathy, alienation, boredom, depression and a state of incomprehension.

Precautions

When energetic reactions occur to the opening of the chakra portals, it is important for the student to understand that these are only transitory stages and are normal phenomena of energetic and spiritual transformation.