can someone give me the cliff notes on this? I've done a google search and wow there is sooo much information and varing opinions even.
A very dear friend of mine has been using this and is loving it, she recommened that I find an energy worker to help with my back problems... anyway I don't know where to start, so I'm hoping you wise women can give me some information and guidance.
Thanks!

In short the entire concept/belief about chakras is a very old and complex one. It stems from the Vedas, which is one of the foundations of the Hindu religion. Chakra comes from the Sanskrit word cakra चक्र meaning "wheel, circle". Chakras are believed to be energy spots, nodes, pools, within the human body -- of which there are seven basic ones.

Now the more new-agey, foo-foo, folks have run rampant with what a chakra is, or isn't, etc, etc., etc. I'm telling you the historical basis of that!

Here is a pretty good page on this topic:
http://mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?kundalinipub

Hope this helps you out.

We use Chakra meditations in the women's spirituality group that I am a member of. The work I did on my stomach really did help me quite a bit.

Rebecca is correct about the new-agers.....what I learned was probably more new-ageish but it worked well and I enjoyed it.

Reiki is another area you may be interested in. I know someone who was teaching it online...if you ever want to look into that, I can ask her if she is still doing it. I did the first level of training but had too much going on in my life to continue. She uses her own materials but also supplements with a book by Diane Stein. (I know Reiki is not Chakra, but I thought I'd mention it anyway since it is energy/healing work)


Michelle

I'm a Reiki Master - and this energywork can affect the chakras...which are energy centers throughout the body. All brain activity, muscle contractions, cell divisions etc are driven by energy and sometimes (often times) there are blockages in certain areas for numerous reasons.

While Reiki as I practice it is not directed by me, I approach clients with the intention for them to use the healing to their highest good. It definitely helps overall feelings of tension and stress...which contribute greatly to our pain sensations.

Reiki combined with a skilled massage therapist is likely to give you great relief.

My site: www.body-wise.net