What Is the Yogic Subtle Body?

By Faye Martins

In most cultures, people believe in a subtle life force that lies beneath the mind, body, and spirit connection. In Yoga, this energy is called “prana,” and it is centered in seven major chakras – or centers of spinning energy – that start at the bottom of the spine and extend beyond the crown of the head. These chakras, and the energetic pathways - or nadis - between them, make up the subtle body.

Defining the Yogic Subtle Body

According to “Mosby’s Dictionary of Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” Tibetan medicine defines the subtle body as “a network of energy channels that transport energy derived from oxygen, sensory, and food derived nutrients. This network lies parallel to the blood vessels and nerves in the body; it facilitates and coordinates the movement of the flow of blood and neural impulses. It is not an anatomical system, such as the cardiovascular or nervous system and cannot be view conventionally. Instead, it is accessed through practice of imagination and visualization that can be accomplished through meditation.”

The Chakra System and Physical Anatomy

The chakra system overlaps the spine and roughly corresponds to the endocrine system. Although it is not necessary to understand the chakras in order to practice Yogic exercises, the knowledge can be helpful. Each chakra symbolizes a specific part of the body; an energy blockage in any chakra can affect physical, mental, and spiritual well-being related to that anatomical area of the body.

The Seven Main Chakras

·       The first, or root chakra, is found at the base of the spine. It relates to survival, trust, and stability.  Its Sanskrit name is Muladhara.

·       The second, or sacral chakra, is related to pleasure, creativity, and joy. Imbalances may lead to problems with emotions, boundaries, hormones, or addictions. Its Sanskrit name is Svadhistana.

·       The third chakra, or solar plexus, is the seat of personal power and core vitality. When balanced, it represents spontaneity, purpose, and vitality. Its Sanskrit name is Manipura.

·       The fourth, or heart chakra, connects us to the universe and symbolizes love and compassion, for self and for others. The Sanskrit name is Anahata.

·       The fifth, or throat chakra, represents communication, creativity, and self-expression. Singing, chanting, writing, deep breathing, or expressing feelings help keep this center flowing freely. In Sanskrit, it is called Vissudhi.

·       The sixth chakra, or the third eye, is linked to intuition, perception, imagination, and clear sight. Poses, meditations and visualizations help to balance the third eye, also called the Ajana in Sanskrit.

·       The seventh chakra, or the crown chakra, is represented by a lotus and correlates with connection to the higher self, universe, and God. It is the center for awareness, bliss, and connection. In Sanskirt, the crown chakra is called the Sahasrara.

The greater our awareness of the subtle body, the greater is our ability to recognize and deal with energy blockages before they affect our general well-being and happiness. Music, colors, poses, breathing exercises, and meditation are just a few of the many ways to keep prana flowing freely through our chakras.

© Copyright 2013 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

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