Ways to Wellbeing: Chakras

January is often an ideal time to review ways some of the things we are doing right in our life and of course, areas that may need improving. Why not learn about a subject that relates to us all, the human body systems from a complementary therapy perspective. Chakras have recently become more well-known, with the growth in popularity of yoga and New Age philosophies in general. They are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. There’s a lot one can study about them. The seven chakras are the main energy centres of the body. You've probably heard people talk about "unblocking" their chakras, which refers to the idea that when all of our chakras are open, energy can

run through them freely, and harmony exists between the physical body, mind, and spirit. Chakra translates to "wheel" in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy. Your tutor will encourage you to bring a pillow, towel, some carrier oils used for massage and essential oils if you own them, a couple of cushions, dim the lights, and maybe even light a candle with some incense sticks. Set up your working area, find your favourite chilled music, turn off that mobile phone and spend some time just doing you. We will learn this subject through both physical and practical work.