How many chakras are acknowledged in traditional yoga practice?

In traditional yoga practice, there are seven chakras that are widely recognized. Chakras are considered energy centers within the body that correlate with various physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being. The concept of these seven primary chakras originates from ancient Indian spiritual philosophies, where each chakra is associated with specific qualities, colors, elements, and locations along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head.

The seven recognized chakras include:

1. Muladhara (Root Chakra) - Located at the base of the spine, it represents stability and grounding.

2. Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra) - Located in the lower abdomen, it relates to pleasure, creativity, and emotions.

3. Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra) - Found in the upper abdomen, it governs personal power and self-esteem.

4. Anahata (Heart Chakra) - Situated in the center of the chest, it is the source of love and compassion.

5. Vishuddha (Throat Chakra) - Located at the throat, it is associated with communication and expression.

6. Ajna (Third Eye Chakra) - Found between the eyebrows, it is linked to intuition and perception.