Yoga recognizes and advocates the existence of prana (energy) channels within the human body.

This network of prana flows through and influences everything in the manifest universe. In the human body, prana flows through defined channels called nadis. At major intersecting junctions of nadis exists vortexes of energy called chakras. Located along the spinal axis of the human body these chakras are directly linked to the energetic and consciousness evolution of the human species. Out of hundreds within the body there are seven major chakras spaced along the spinal passage which influence the energy vibrations of prana throughout the rest of the human structure. Each chakra acts like an energy distribution influencer for different areas of the mind; they also directly correlate to the endocrine system.

Each chakra will be looked at separately, outlining the chief characteristics, the relationship to some specific yoga practices and to personality traits and behavior.

Mooladhara is the first chakra of the human existence. It is said that it is 'where we commence our evolution'. The chakra is located in males' midway between the anus and the penis and in females at the cervix. Within the endocrine system, mooladhara relates to the ovaries of the female body and the testis of the male. Mooladhara chakra is primarily to do with the stability of being human. The name 'mooladhara' is translated as 'mool' being root and 'adhara' being support. The root chakra relates to the experience of the world and the environment in which we live. When mooladhara is imbalanced the experience is affected and one may become physically, emotionally and or mentally unstable. For instance, if one whose root chakra is not functioning optimally they may feel wild emotions surge when their safety or sense of security are threatened. Mooladhara fundamentally operates above the peak of the animal/primal evolution of instinct and survival and is the beginnings of the spiritual journey of human evolution.

In yoga, mooladhara to sahasrara is likened to; material to transcendental. So, evolving beyond mooladhara is no longer spontaneous but occurs through self developing consciousness and inner freedom. The kundalini sleeps dormant in mooladhara chakra so most yoga practices relating to mooladhara are based on stimulating the primal energy of kundalini.

Swadhisthana chakra is the second major chakra, one above mooladhara. It is defined as "ones own abode". Located at the base of the spine at the coccyx it corresponds to the reproductive and urinary systems. Within the endocrine system, just as with mooladhara, swadhisthana relates to the ovaries of the female body and the testis of the male. The swadhisthana chakra is represented by the satisfaction gained by the experiences of being alive, particularly memorable pleasures and sensations. Affecting the unconscious, all impressions and experiences driven by the swadhisthana evolution ultimately become stored pranically and mentally in the chakra. This is why the swadhisthana chakra is said to be the storehouse of samskaras. When swadhisthana is balanced in its functioning; one is patient, enduring and healthy. In an imbalanced functioning; attachment, fear and anxieties may inhibit the human evolution.

Yoga practices that affect swadhisthana are related to those that have benefits of the reproductive and urinary systems. Each chakra (other than mooladhara) has a trigger point along the front centre line of the body parallel to the spine, called kshetrams these points relate to yoga as they encourage psychic points of concentration to be along the front of the body as well as along the spine. Swadhisthana is the first chakra to have a kshetram and it is located at the pubic bone.

Manipura chakra is the third chakra located in the spine at the naval centre. It is the centre of prana representing; dynamism, strong will power and motivation. Being located at the solar plexus within the body, manipura relates directly to the sun and our own internal fire and heat. It mostly enforces self-esteem, self power, dynamism and healthy digestion in the individual whose manipura is balanced and functioning. Within the endocrine system, manipura chakra relates to the adrenal glands. The kshetram for manipura is at the naval centre.

Anahata chakra is the fourth major chakra and is located behind the sternum in the spine. It governs the energy of love, compassion, nurturing and selflessness.

It is fundamentally a wheel of love which at its optimal functioning is the essence of unconditional, selfless love of everything. Within the endocrine system it is related to the thymus gland. The anahata chakra is often connected with practices and the way of bhakti yoga. This is because one whose anahata is activated they emotionalise their expression of life and so when that is coupled with love and compassion, a great force is present within the individual and bhakti yoga tends to be a path which gives the tools and practices for this force of the heart to be utilized and expressed.

Vishuddhi chakra is located in the spine behind the throat pit and in the endocrine system is related to the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Vishuddhi is the centre of purification and communication. An imbalanced functioning is introversion and withdrawal and one whose Vishuddhi chakra is balanced would exhibit signs of excellent communication and expression and perhaps be a highly skilled vocalist and possess an excellent sense of hearing.

Ajna chakra is located at the top of the spine in the mid-brain and is related to the pineal gland. It is the centre of command and intuition, also known as the third eye. Ajna chakra regulates all other chakras so is an important chakra to have functioning at its prime. A balanced ajna chakra enables psychic and other higher mental faculties such as visualization, imagination and perception. Imbalanced function shows signs of depression, lack of focus and stagnation in life.

Ajna chakra being a junction of the two main nadis; ida and pingala (as with mooladhara), the lunar and solar opposites of our entire being is in union at ajna chakra but not necessarily at balance unless the chakra is functioning and the two nadis are balanced in their energy flow. This is one of the main goals of yoga.

Sahasrara chakra is located just above the head and is considered to be the connection of individual consciousness to the cosmic consciousness. Sahasrara is the highest point of humans' individual evolution.