The spinal reflex is the reflection of the chakra system as well. Chakras are the energy centers of transformation and transmutation. The nervous system communicates with the various systems of the body and the systems respond by furthering the communication with one another. The nerves stimulate all areas of the body. The endocrine system is stimulated by the nervous system to produce and release the hormones essential to homeostasis. The chakra centers are reflected on the spine and the spine is reflected on the feet.

The interconnection between the chakras, the endocrine system, and the nervous system is not a new concept. All areas of energy work understand and embrace this connection. As you work on the physical level, you affect the mind and spirit simultaneously. Rotating on the spinal reflex allows the energetic link to continue. Releasing energy blockage is as important as releasing physical congestion.

Chakras

It is believed that chakras absorb the energy of the environment and bring this energy into the body through the endocrine glands. The endocrine system controls the hormone balance in the body, so if chakra energy is out of kilter, perhaps hormone production is as well. Chakras may affect the endocrine glands, as well as some organs and the nervous system. Every chakra is important, relating to certain functions, emotions, and elements.

Functions Ruled by Each Chakra

Root deals with survival issues, center of abundance, vitality, and the life force.

Sacral deals with sexual and sensual energy, and is our emotional center.

Solar plexus is the center for wisdom and personal power.

Heart is the center of love and compassion.

Throat deals with communication and self-expression.

Third eye is the center of intuition and clairvoyance.

Crown is the connection with our higher self and the divine.

Imagine the base of the spine where the root chakra is reflected. The energy from this wheel spreads out, connecting us with the physical earth. The element earth represents stability, strength, and being grounded.

The sacral chakra is connected with the element of water. Your emotional center flows with the rhythm of water, easy like a bubbling brook or roaring like an angry ocean. Think about how your feelings can sit in the pit of your stomach. That is the sacral chakra center.

The solar plexus chakra is associated with the element of fire. This is your place of power, where you hold firm in the face of adversity. A storm can blow all around you, and you can remain calm, the coals of your fire burning strong and true. With wisdom you have protected the energy source. This represents the essence of the solar plexus.

The element of air governs the heart chakra. As you gain control over your pattern of breath, you are able to regulate a balanced heartbeat. The throat chakra relates to the element of sound, the communication center. To speak your truth is a goal of this chakra.

The third eye is the area that allows you to trust your intuition. We all have experienced times when we felt a situation, an action, or a conversation was a repeated memory, that we have been there before. The chakra that governs our intuitive self assists in these areas.

Working the Chakra Reflex

The spine holds the reflections of the chakras. The foot holds the reflection of the spine. If you look at your feet, you can actually imagine the shape of the spine on the inner edges of your feet. The great toe is the brain, the brain stem would be the neck of the toe, and the spinal column runs clear down to past the sciatic line.

Holding the right foot with the left hand, cupping at the heel and outside edge, use the right hand as the working hand. With the right thumb begin to rotate lightly on the spinal reflex, starting at the bottom and slowly working to the top of the great toe. The tip and outside edge of the thumb do most of the work; your fingers are tucked into a loose fist, coming along as the thumb works up the foot. As the first rotation along the edge is complete, come back and repeat.

The three stacked lines of the spine are included in each circle as the thumb rotates up along the reflex. Work up along the edge of the toe neck, continuing up to the very top of the toe, where you rotate on the brain reflex. Of course, repeat this process three times. The response is often heard as sighs of satisfaction.