Meditation: Energy Centre breathing exercise and visualisation 

by Dr Elena Bacash, Chiropractor and yoga/ meditation teacher

In yogic anatomy there are said to be 7 energy centres which underly the major nerve plexuses in the body. These are much like the meridians of the Chinese Medicine System that flow throughout the body via channels or nadis so-called in yoga. These major centres also inform the major endocrine or hormone producing glands so we have two lines of energy in the body - one is the nervous system which houses the consciousness and the other is the blood stream through which the life energy flows.

 The ancient yogis and even the mystics from the early Judeo-Christian era like St John in the book Revelation, were aware of these centres. In St John’s letters to the Churches he offered advice as to the regulation of these centres but they were veiled in symbols for those who had ‘eyes that see’ and ‘ears that hear’ as the saying goes.

On a physical level for example there can be generalised tension in the upper body and head around the cranials, jaw and cervical spine – there are many reasons that this tension builds up. Chiropractically it can be the result of biomechanical joint dysfunction in any of the joints in the neck, jaw and cranials as well as muscle spasm caused by poor posture, repetitive movement, direct injury or stress.

Underlying that may be constant overthinking and the inability to turn of the mind from mulling over and over problems. This is where meditation, breathing and visualisation have a part to play in addition to bodywork like chiropractic, exercise and stretching. In this example of upper body tension, the underlying tension can be shifted by shifting the mind’s focus to bringing energy into the lower energy centres, and by controlling the mind’s incessant chatter thereby releasing tension from the upper body. 

The energy centres can be visualised in the diagram to the left. 

Instructions for the Energy Centre Breathing Exercise and Meditation

In the exercise we imagine the breath as light coming into each centre. Light is the symbol of truth so as we do this exercise our intent is that we are clearing out the dross, patterns and blockages that no longer work for us and we’re bringing in the insight, clarity and energy we need to live fulfilled lives.

1. Take a comfortable seat on the floor or in a chair

2. The spine is straight and relaxed with palms facing up in the lap

3. Take a breath and as you exhale imagine drawing light down to the base of the spine, pause

4.  Inhale and as you exhale draw the breath as light to the region under the navel, pause

5. Inhale and has you exhale draw the breath as light into the region above the navel, pause

6. Inhale and as you exhale draw the breath as light into the region around the heart, pause

7. Inhale and as you exhale draw the breath as light to the region around the throat centre, pause

8. Inhale and as you exhale draw the breath as light to the region between the eyes, pause

9. Inhale and as you exhale draw the breath as light to the crown of the head.

10. Now rest in the quietness and if the mind starts to wander repeat the exercise or follow the breath