Chakras and Reiki: The Seven Energy Centres

Chakras are energy centres described in Indian yogic tradition, located along the midline of the body from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The Sanskrit word चक्र (chakra) means “wheel”, reflecting the idea of energy turning or flowing at each centre.

Each chakra is traditionally associated with certain qualities, emotions and areas of life. The idea is that when प्राण (prana, life energy) flows freely through these centres, a person feels more balanced; when it feels blocked, a person may feel stuck or out of sorts. These are traditional, experiential ideas rather than medical or anatomical findings.

The seven main chakras run from the root at the base of the spine to the crown at the head. Their Sanskrit names, locations and traditional associations are:

In chakra healing Reiki, the practitioner places hands lightly on or just above each energy centre in turn, allowing Reiki energy to flow with the intention of encouraging balance. Many practitioners move from the head down to the feet, spending a few minutes at each position.

Reiki itself is a Japanese practice, and chakras come from Indian yogic tradition. Many modern Reiki practitioners use the chakra map as a helpful guide to the body's energy, which is why the two are often spoken of together.

In traditional thinking, an imbalanced chakra is associated with feeling off in the area of life that chakra represents — for example, feeling ungrounded (root), finding it hard to speak up (throat) or struggling to trust your instincts (third eye).

It is important not to read too much into this. Physical symptoms, persistent low mood, anxiety or sleep problems need a doctor's attention first. Chakra work and Reiki complement and do not replace medical or psychological care, and they should never be used to self-diagnose a health condition.

A chakra-focused Reiki session begins with a short conversation, then you lie down fully clothed while the practitioner works through the energy centres. There is no massage and no pressure.

Some people feel warmth, tingling or a sense of heaviness at certain positions; others simply feel relaxed or drift into light sleep. Afterwards you are given time to sit up slowly, drink water and share anything you noticed. Dr. Kimaya may also suggest simple practices, such as breathing exercises or a crystal to keep with you, to continue the sense of calm at home.

Yes, gentle daily practices can support a sense of balance between sessions. None of these need special equipment:

Chakras and Vastu share a common idea: energy should flow freely, whether through the body or through a home. Just as the body has energy centres, Vastu describes a home through the वास्तु पुरुष मंडल (Vastu Purusha Mandala) and the पंचतत्व (Pancha Tattva, the five elements).

This is why Dr. Kimaya often combines personal Reiki with Reiki Vastu for the space. A person may feel calmer after a session, and a cleared, balanced home helps that calm last longer in daily life.

Consider booking a Reiki session when you want a relaxing, supportive practice during a stressful phase, or when you are curious to explore chakra work under guidance rather than on your own. Continue any medical or psychological care you are receiving.

Dr. Kimaya Parikh-Ambekar offers in-person Reiki at her office in Andheri East, Mumbai, and distance Reiki. She can also assess your home through a Vastu consultation, on-site across Mumbai or by distant analysis of your floor plan.