The Chinese define it as lines of energy that flow through the body and pass through different organs. Each of them identifies with a natural element. So that if we stimulate any point of a meridian, we will get the increase or decrease of energy in the organs of the body. This maintains a natural balance. Different from them, the Hindu culture tells us that the chakras are spherical vortices (whirlpools) in the etheric body that act as energy transmitters.
They influence our activity on the physical plane through the functioning of the endocrine glands (glands of internal secretion such as the thyroid). These glands affect our body functions, mental balance, and emotional integrity. Depending on our use of them and our energies, they will be constructive or discordant.