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The following is a translation of "Practical Course of Advanced Yoga and elements of medical diagnostics and healing" published in 1991 in Russian in Vestnik magazine (www.vestnik.com). This course is based on methods and lectures of V.I.Orlov. In addition, this course draws on the experience and the publications of V.Antonov, G.Statsenko, Ya.Koltunov, S.Mitrofanov, B.Sakharov, V.R.B. and author's own experience.
According to Yoga tradition a human body has 7 chakras. We wouldn't speculate about their nature or esoteric function, we will only note that if these areas of human body are used as a subject for meditation or for healing a sick person - remarkable effects are achieved.
The main chakra is Sahasrara, or sinciput [crown or top] chakra. It is likened to a disk, situated under the sinciput bone. Its projection for meditation lies 2-3 fingers above the head, over the sinciput.
The second chakra is Ajna. Ajna is closely linked with Sahasrara, it is said that they have a common root. The position of its projection is attributed to a point situated between the eyes about two fingers above the eyebrows and two fingers deep - so that the eyes and Ajna create an isosceles right triangle.
In European tradition Ajna is also called the "third eye". This name carries a very deep meaning.
The third chakra is Vishuddha or the throat chakra. Its root is situated in the upper part of the spine and its projection practically coincides with the thyroid gland.
The forth chakra is Anahata or the chest chakra. Its root is in the chest part of the spine and its projection - in front of the center of the chest, on the level of the heart. Anahata is also called the heart chakra, though without any sufficient reason.
The fifth chakra is Manipura or the umbilical chakra. It has two projections. The root is, as always, in the spine, the first projection is 2-3 fingers below the navel, the second - 4 fingers above the navel.
The sixth chakra is Swadhisthana. It also has two projections. One is 4-5 fingers below the navel, another - deep inside under the penis (clitoris).
The seventh chakra is Muladhara or root chakra. Its projection lies between the sexual organ and the anus, 2-3 fingers deep into the body.
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The degree of development of particular chakras reflects psychological features of the individual.
So, a man with a well developed Sahasrara is endowed with intuition, giving him the ability, even when the information is in short supply, to confidently navigate in any situation.
A developed Ajna allows for deep concentration on a single problem, an important trait for scientific work for instance. Scientists, especially mathematicians, often have hypertrophied Ajna.
A developed Vishuddha enables aesthetic perception. This is the chakra of painters and artists.
Anahata gives the ability of deep love.
Manipura provides living energy, sometimes with tendencies for anger.
Swadhisthana also gives living energy; in addition it is responsible for reproductive function.
Muladhara provides for mental [psychic] stability, strength of mind, feeling of inner strength. Muladhara is associated with a special force - Kundalini, visualized by Hindus in the image of a coiled snake. Releasing this force, which from Muladhara reaches Sahasrara, leads to Samadhi (Maha-Samadhi) - the goal of most branches of Yoga.
According to Yoga, correct meditation on a chakra - on chakra's projection to be precise - develops this chakra, enriching the disciple with the above-mentioned abilities.
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Human body also has 3 principal channels - Nadi: the channel in the center of the spine - Sushumna, slightly to the left of the spine - Ida, and slightly to the right - Pingala. Along these channels circulates "subtle energy", they connect Chakras with each other. Up Sushumna, normally, raises "the snake-Kundalini", reaching Sahasrara.
There are also numerous secondary channels, many of which likewise originate in Muladhara and end in Sahasrara. They pass through the forepart of the body. Raising of Kundalini via these channels is considered improper and leads to diseases.
An important element of Yoga has to do with cleaning of numerous channels and "opening" of Chakras for circulation of "subtle energy" streams. "Contamination" of the channels may also be the cause of various diseases.
In addition, there is a large group of semi-atrophied channels converging around navel area. Perhaps this is a remnant of an energy system that was connecting the fetus with the mother. Some branches of Yoga engage in reviving this energy system for harmonization of the individual and for development of abilities.
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