top of your head for optimum health and vitality. You will need Controlled breathing Knowledge

of chakra properties Focused energy Vibrational sound Mantra (optional) Chakra banner (optional)

and chakra crystals (optional). Step 1. Sit with your back straight in a quiet space and

take several deep, slow, controlled breaths. Actively breathe in, and slowly and passively

breathe out. Step 2. Visualize the first, or root chakra, at the base of the spine.

The second is in the reproductive area; the third is in the solar plexus; then the heart;

the throat; between the eyes; and at the crown of the head. The sixth chakra is known as

the "third eye" and is the center of insight. Step 3. Know the function associated with

each chakra. The first is instinct, then creativity, power, love, communication, insight, and,

finally, higher consciousness. Step 4. Focus your energy on the root chakra. Visualize

the color red, which is associated with this chakra, as a swirling ball of energy. With

each breath, imagine the light growing brighter. Repeat a life-affirming mantra while focusing

on each chakra. Step 5. Focus one by one on the remaining chakras, visualizing an orange

ball for the second chakra; then a yellow ball; a green ball; blue; indigo; and violet.

Meditate with a chakra banner -- a wall-hanging showing the succession and color of the chakras

-- or use chakra crystals. Step 6. Repeat the vibrational sound associated with each

chakra to release blocked energy. The first chakra's sound is "lam," then "vam," "ram,"

"yam," "ham," "sham," and, finally, "aum." Did you know "Chakra" is derived from the

Sanskrit word meaning "wheel."