My perspective on Chakras and the Panchabootas

 Panchaboothas and Chakras: The Five Elements, Energy, and the Healing Within

For those even remotely interested in Eastern philosophy and spirituality, the idea that the human body is composed of the five elements—Earth, Water, Fire (Sun), Air, and Space—is not new. These foundational elements of the Universe, known as the Panchaboothas, are believed to manifest within us through energy centers called chakras. Though enlightened masters have revealed countless chakras, for practical understanding, these are simplified into seven key chakras. Of these, five align with the earthly elements and two connect directly to the energy of the Universe.

If you've clicked on this article, chances are you're already familiar with these concepts. But for those newer to this realm, let’s briefly revisit the seven chakras and their associations:

Each chakra has a corresponding element, mantra, color, and sense organ. When we perform exercises or meditations to balance these chakras, we engage all these components to harmonize the body’s subtle energies.

Health—physical, mental, and spiritual—is universally acknowledged as a balance of these levels of existence. Ancient healing systems such as Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Japanese healing practices, Unani, Naturopathy, and the more recent system of Homoeopathy all revolve around this principle. In contrast, modern medicine (Allopathy) operates on the principle of contraria contraris curenter—treating illness by applying the opposite of the disease force. For example, a burn is typically treated with cold water, though many traditional systems claim better results from lukewarm water. Likewise, where febrile fits were once managed by ice-cold sponging, now tepid water is preferred.

All traditional medical systems accept the existence of a life force—subtle, invisible energy that animates the body. Without it, the body is merely a cadaver. This life force is not perceptible through gross senses but felt as an energetic vibration, forming the foundation of all natural healing philosophies.

These systems agree that imbalance in this life force is the root cause of all disease. Here’s where chakras become relevant. Each chakra corresponds with physical organs and emotions, and their disturbance manifests as specific ailments.

The Chakras and Their Elements

Muladhara (Root Chakra): Representing the Earth element, this chakra governs all solid structures in the body—bones, muscles, tendons, organs, and skin. Its sound is Lam, and its associated sense organ is the nose.

Swadhisthana (Sacral Chakra): Aligned with the Water element, it governs bodily fluids and creative energy. Located in the lower abdomen, it relates to the tongue and the mantra Vam. Its color is orange.

Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra): Associated with Fire and the Sun, this chakra governs heat and digestive processes. It is located at the navel, is yellow in color, and vibrates with the sound Ram. Without fire, the body cannot regulate temperature and dies.

Anahata (Heart Chakra): Representing Air, it sits at the center of the chest and is green in color. Its sound is Yam. The heart chakra governs all emotions—love, fear, grief, compassion. Air is essential to life; without it, no chakra can function.

Vishuddha (Throat Chakra): This chakra aligns with the Space element. It is blue, associated with the ears, and vibrates with the sound Ham. The throat, essentially hollow, acts as a channel. Space, with its gaps, is where harmony and music are born. The gaps between notes make music—not the continuous shriek of sound.

Ajna (Third Eye Chakra): Indigo in color, associated with Aum, this chakra is the bridge to superconsciousness. It governs intuition, metaphysical understanding, and deep insight. Balancing this chakra leads to spiritual detachment and bliss.

Sahasrara (Crown Chakra): Represented by violet and the sound Aung, this chakra symbolizes pure consciousness. It fuels all the others.

My Healing Journey Through Chakras

My personal tryst with chakras has been profound. Though I’ve practiced holistic healing for years, it took a cancer diagnosis and undergoing chemotherapy to fully integrate the understanding of these energy centers. Creativity became my ally—I began Hindustani music classes right after my third chemo session. Dance rejuvenated me, and painting became a form of meditation.

While meditating, I often visualize chakra colors blending into one another, forming butterflies with human faces—angelic figures orchestrated by Mr. Pink Whistle, my beloved childhood character from Enid Blyton. These visuals now inspire my explorations into color and energy on the physical body.

Chakras and Disease

Disease, at its root, arises from an elemental imbalance. For instance, Fire governs digestion and temperature. When it’s excessive, it causes inflammation, fever, burning sensations. Think of gastric mucosa inflammation: it begins with discomfort, progresses to pain, then ulcers, and potentially cancer.

Earth governs solidity—bones, tissues. If this solid element dominates areas meant for air or space, disease manifests. A solid tumor in the lung (an air-dominated organ) or a brain tumor (a space-dominated region) reflects the Earth element showing up where it shouldn’t.

Air, when excessive in the abdomen, causes bloating or flatulence—symptoms of chakra imbalance. Water, when unbalanced in kidneys, causes swelling (edema). Conventional medicine treats these symptoms with diuretics or dialysis but rarely restores full function or joy. This is where integrative and energy medicine step in—not as replacements, but as complementary systems aiming for quality of life.

Modern medicine sustains life, but it may not restore the fullness of health. An integrative approach—balancing chakras, emotional healing, energy work—offers that possibility.

The Science-Spirituality Connection

Balancing chakras is not esoteric fantasy—it is practical, spiritual, and scientific. All ancient scriptures, rituals, and even seemingly unrelated religious practices are rooted in aligning with the five elements. Whether through prayer, meditation, or daily routines, humans across faiths subconsciously harmonize their inner energies, raising their vibration to match universal consciousness.

Science, especially quantum mechanics, is beginning to align with these truths. The mind-body connection is no longer mere philosophy—it’s now a growing field of study.

My Turning Point

Though I knew these truths, it took a life-threatening diagnosis to truly embody them. I had to undergo chemotherapy to realize that true healing lies in integrating systems—not opposing them. Every challenge hides a lesson. Initially painful and confusing, these cracks eventually fill with gold, like in the Japanese art of kintsugi. As Dr. Wayne Dyer beautifully said, we often find life’s hidden gifts through introspection.

And so, here I am—sharing this story. Not as an expert, but as a seeker still on the path. A healer now also being healed.