Basic meditation actually brings numerous benefits. Reduced tension, improved focus and sensory perception, inner peace, happiness, empowerment, and much more can be achieved with simple meditative practice.

But for purposes of this article, meditation is a great way for increasing your awareness of the chakra points. By engaging in simple breath observation meditation you will begin to sense your body’s subtle energy system.

Over time, simple meditation will still your mind. As this happens you will naturally begin to sense each of your chakra centers.

Some people feel their chakra points as warm areas, while other people simply know they are there. Exactly how you become aware of your subtle energy will depend on your individual personality and the way you normally perceive the world around you.

And once you become more aware of your chakra system you can begin to focus on specific meditations for each chakra, if you desire. It’s not necessary to ever do this, but many people find it a useful practice for remaining in balance or for addressing specific energetic needs.

You can learn to meditate by visiting our basic meditation tutorial here.

The best way to understand the chakra system is to think of it like a network of energy channels and power centers that exist between the physical and spiritual aspects of human health. The actual chakra points are located throughout the body in correspondence with nerve centers and important parts of the endocrine system.

While not yet accepted by Western medicine, the chakra system is an integral part of acupuncture and other proven studies. Chakra knowledge was, according to ancient Vedic texts, discovered thousands of years ago.

Originally, the chakras were thought of as centers of consciousness. Today, most descriptions refer to chakras as points of “power” or “energy”.

Study of this esoteric system continues to this day, and modern theories include discoveries made as recently as the 20th century. There are many schools of thought surrounding the human chakra system, and specific ideals and functionality vary quite a bit from one method of study to another.

However, unlike many other spiritual studies, discrepancies rarely result in bitter disputes. It is commonly accepted that, because human beings continue to evolve, the chakra system can expand and change across the span of generations.

Because the chakra system is very much driven by the powers of thought and consciousness, participants can enjoy tremendous benefit even from minimal exposure. Chakra knowledge can be integrated into any health regimen, any religious practice, and any spiritual study. You don’t need a special ceremony, the permission of any guru, or a college degree to begin reaping the immense rewards this ancient and beautiful knowledge has to offer.

Most Yoga programs will give you a hands-on introduction to the chakras. Additionally, there are a number of breathing and visualization exercises that will help you become acquainted with the chakra system.

Many ancient forms of spirituality embrace the chakra knowledge at some level. You can even experience the flow of chakra energy through the metaphysical study of semi-precious stones and an examination of crystal healing philosophy.

I recommend you explore various informational resources to learn the specifics of the chakra system, and focus on the content that resonates with your intuition. Check out my complete chakra system or chakra points education portal for further research.

The solar plexus chakra is a very powerful center. In fact the region of your abdomen called the solar plexus derives its name from this chakra.

Bright yellow coloration and the element of fire are both associated with this chakra point. Many times  emotional issues are caused by imbalances here.

Too much energy concentrated in the solar plexus chakra can result in anger issues.

Digestive issues are said to be the result of not enough energy flowing through this chakra.

The majority of martial arts involve breathing and movement exercises that empower this chakra. This again goes back to the fact that your solar plexus is a seat of great power; linear movements and direct, assertive attitudes are characteristic energies of this chakra.

Some schools of thinking teach students to visualize a sun within the center of the body in an effort to activate the solar plexus chakra.  The guidance of a professional Reiki master, meditation/Yoga instructor, or martial arts teacher is recommended when going deep into this chakra.