Wooden frame with Chakra stones and zodiac signs 15.5 x 21cm. With 7 gemstones.

Chakra (Pali: chakka, Tibetan: khorlo, Malay: cakera) is seen in traditional Indian culture, such as Hinduism, as one of the places in the supposed energy body of the human being that are important for the life force ('prana'). Chakra (Sanskrit: cakram) means 'circle' or 'wheel'. There is no scientific evidence for physiological or other medical effects of chakras on the human body, nor for the existence of chakras themselves. It is a metaphysical/philosophical concept. Historically, the number of chakras varies from five, six, seven, nine, twelve to twenty-seven, with the seven-chakra system being the most well-known in the West. This is because the first and for a long time only English translation of a Sanskrit text on chakras described seven chakras. Early Western tantric researchers, such as Sir John Woodroffe and theosophists, noted that many nerves and glands converge at the locations of the chakras. In the New Age movement, chakras are increasingly associated with health and healing. For example, crystals and gemstones are placed on chakras or reiki energy is used. Although the original texts mention the health benefits of chakra meditations in passing, they consist mainly of visualization exercises to awaken or direct kundalini energy. Ayurvedic texts do not mention chakras, but modern Ayurvedic experts nevertheless use them in combination with herbs and other healing methods.