As we have organs and senses that allow us to function and maintain our physical organism, there are also structures that perform important functions for the subtle bodies. These mechanisms are known as the chakras. They are energy centers referred to in the ancient Hindu texts and are also of interest in Western esoteric literature.

There are seven major chakras: at the base of the spine, lower abdomen, solar plexus, chest, throat, brow, and crown of the head. The chakras appear as whirling disks of light each with a different hue. They function as channels to absorb and filter energy from the atmosphere. They also connect the vital emotional and mental bodies.