In Hindu metaphysical and tantric/yogic traditions and other belief systems chakras are points or knots, in the subtle body. They are located at the physical counterparts of the major plexuses of arteries, veins and nerves. Chakras are part of the subtle body, not the physical body, and as such are the meeting points of the subtle (non-physical) energy channels, called nadiis. Nadiis are channels in the subtle body through which the life force (prana), or vital energy moves. Various scriptural texts and teachings present a different number of chakras. There are many chakras in the subtle human body according to the tantric texts, but there are 6 chakras and 7th(sahasrara) is the state which are considered to be the most important ones.
Their name derives from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "turning", but in yogic context a better translation of the word is 'vortex or whirlpool'.
The concept of chakra features in tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism.
