The science of subtle energy: Can chakras transform health?

"The chakra system is a scientific framework that allows us to understand the subtle and invisible energy that permeates the human body and influences our health, emotions, and consciousness." Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama

"The body is a vast field of energy, and each chakra is a gateway to a different level of consciousness." Dr Valerie Hunt

"The molecules of emotion exist in the body, and they are the physical manifestation of how we feel. Our emotions influence our health, which is why the idea of energy centers in the body makes sense." Dr. Candace Pert

Greetings readers, we are continuing our analysis on the mystical theory of chakras in this edition of my human intelligence newsletter. In this edition, we will discuss scientific approaches and possibilities for chakras to be integrated into holistic healing disciplines.

Scientists define chakras as subtle energy centres, but the clincher is this. Science can only work on direct, observable phenomena. When you assess energy in physics, you work on measurable quantities like kinetic energy, potential energy, or electromagnetic energy. Chakras, on the other hand, are linked to "prana" or "life force," which has no direct scientific equivalent or framework.

They are often described as experiential—manifesting through sensations like warmth, vibration, or emotional release, which are subjective and difficult to quantify in a laboratory setting. There is no tool to measure experience. And finally, science does not have a unified interpretation of consciousness, which makes it impossible to mapping its connections to the chakras.

Technologies like EEGs (electroencephalograms) or fMRIs (functional magnetic resonance imaging) measure brain activity, and other tools measure energy fields like electromagnetic radiation, but none can detect or map phenomena like prana or chakra energy.

But then you can correlate with physical phenomena. An experiment by neuroscientist Richard Davidson focused on eight long-term Buddhist practitioners (with an average of 34,000 hours in mental training) compared their minds in a meditative state and a neutral state. They found the generation of high amplitude gamma rays in their brains, showing higher capability of neuroplasticity, attention, memory, learning and happiness. That kind of study does offer exciting prospects into how activation of higher energy centres can literally be transformative for life.

Dr Hiroshi Motoyama, a Japanese scientist, philosopher, and yogi, is one of the few researchers who attempted to scientifically investigate chakras. His studies combined his expertise in physiology, psychology, and yoga with advanced instrumentation he developed to measure subtle energies. He hypothesised that chakras emit specific kinds of electromagnetic radiation, and claimed that his devices could measure weak energy fields at chakra points, when participants focused on them. In fact he also claimed that individuals trained in meditation or yoga showed stronger and more measurable energy emissions at chakra points than non-practitioners.

He also proposed that energy flow in the chakras influenced physiological functions governed by their corresponding glands and plexuses. Participants often described sensations like warmth, tingling, or vibrations when focusing on specific chakras. Finally, he proposed that as individuals progress through practices like meditation and yoga, the energy centers activate sequentially from lower to higher chakras, culminating in experiences of unity or cosmic consciousness.

Dr. Valerie Hunt, a prominent scientist and professor of physiological science at UCLA, conducted groundbreaking research that provided experimental evidence supporting the existence of subtle energy fields, which align with the concept of chakras.

Hunt used specialized electronic devices to measure extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by the human body. She connected participants to devices like electromyographs (EMG), typically used to record muscle activity, but with an intent to measure subtle energy beyond conventional parameters.

Hunt collaborated with energy healers who reported sensing chakras and energy flows in the body. She discovered that specific frequencies of electromagnetic energy were consistently recorded at locations corresponding to the traditional positions of the seven chakras, as described in yogic and meditative traditions.

Furthermore, she used tools like high-speed photography and other biofeedback techniques to explore the visual manifestations of the energy field or what we call an "aura." Eventually, she found that each chakra emitted unique electromagnetic frequencies, suggesting that these energy centers have distinct functions and roles in regulating physical, emotional, and psychological states. Also, she showed how stress, anxiety, or fear caused disturbances in the energy field, often seen as irregularities or disruptions in the chakras' electromagnetic patterns. During energy healing sessions, Hunt observed measurable changes in the electromagnetic fields, particularly around the chakras. These findings aligned with the healers' subjective reports of shifts in energy flow.

In participants who practiced meditation or experienced heightened states of consciousness, Hunt detected expanded and intensified electromagnetic fields, particularly around the crown chakra, associated with spiritual awakening.

Hunt's research provided empirical evidence that human beings emit electromagnetic energy, and this energy is concentrated at points aligning with the traditional chakra system. The experiments reinforced the idea that emotional and psychological states directly impact the body's energy field. Hunt suggested that balancing and harmonizing these energy fields could have therapeutic benefits, contributing to physical health, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth. However, her work faced criticism from the mainstream scientific community for a lack of replicability and methodological rigor. The same goes for Dr Motoyama's research and multiple other studies in the field.

Chakras and holistic healing

The lack of scientific evidence has not deterred chakra practitioners or those seeking holistic healing from actively exploring this technique. Energy medicine, which is an emerging and promising field, considers chakras as vital energy centers that are closely connected to biophysical systems (biological and physical processes), especially to the endocrine system (glands). This system regulates hormone production in the body. It believes that disease occurs when the energy flow of one or more chakras is compromised.

Quantum physics shows us that energy and matter are deeply connected—they're essentially the same at a fundamental level. Inside the human body, everything from atoms to molecules is constantly moving, creating patterns of energy or resonance.

Energy medicine (EM) uses these subtle energy fields, whether through human touch or devices, to identify and correct energy imbalances in the body. The goal is to restore balance (homeostasis) to the body’s systems.

For EM to advance, modern medicine needs to combine physics with biochemistry. Today, science recognizes concepts like biophoton emissions (light signals from cells) and cell signaling (how cells communicate). However, medicine also needs to explore the human biofield (the body’s energy field) to better understand how disruptions in energy patterns may cause disease or aging.

Chakra healing is increasingly being integrated into holistic medicine as an approach to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. While chakras are traditionally understood as centers of energy within the body, modern holistic practices blend these ancient concepts with complementary therapies to address health comprehensively.

Techniques such as Reiki, sound therapy, crystal healing, and guided meditations, are commonly used to balance energy centers and alleviate stress, anxiety, or fatigue. Practitioners often use visualization and mindfulness techniques to help clients connect with their energy flow. It is often paired with yoga, acupuncture, or massage therapy to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Breathwork practices, like Pranayama, focus on aligning breath with chakra centers to boost vitality and emotional clarity.

Holistic medicine leverages chakra healing to address emotional imbalances by connecting specific chakras to emotional states (e.g., the heart chakra for love and forgiveness, the solar plexus for confidence). These practices are entering corporate wellness programs, with guided workshops focusing on mindfulness and resilience through energy balancing.

As research into biofields advances, future studies may help validate how chakra-focused practices influence biological processes, such as heart rate variability or hormonal balance. Chakra healing might be incorporated into preventive care or rehabilitation programs, especially in mental health and chronic pain management.

Increased demand for holistic care is leading to professional certification programs for chakra healing, ensuring consistent and evidence-based practices. With globalization, traditional chakra healing concepts are merging with Western wellness philosophies, creating hybrid practices that appeal to diverse populations.

However, a lack of robust scientific evidence can limit acceptance in conventional medicine. Misinterpretation of ancient practices might lead to oversimplified or commercialized versions, which would unfairly hamper credibility. But growing interest in personalized medicine and preventive care aligns with chakra healing’s focus on individual energy and balance. Collaboration between holistic practitioners and medical researchers could ultimately help bridge gaps between tradition and science.

Article authored with inputs from ChatGPT