A chakra, Sanskrit for "wheel," is an energy center in the body. Although we primarily focus on the seven major chakras, there are also minor chakras located throughout the body. Those who practice Reiki and other hands-on healing techniques transmit energy through chakras located in the palms of the hands. In order to ground one's self during energy work, hypnotherapy, or psychic development, earth energy is brought into the body through chakras loacted in the feet.

Chakra (or energy) healing is based on attaining equilibrium in all aspects of our being. Keeping our chakras in balance helps us achieve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is when our chakras become unbalanced or blocked that we can experience problems. Unbalanced chakras can manifest in physical illness, emotional upheaval, unclear or unfocused mental states, and a feeling of being disconnected from our spiritual selves and source.