The best link I've found for understanding chakras and energy patterns in on Carolyn Myss's web-site:

http://www.myss.com/chakras.asp

Just as life is found in layers, (from the most manifest, physical existence of matter, to subtler levels of finer particles and subparticles to the vacuum state, as described in Quantum physics)…so too, man is found in layers.

The various chakras, or spiritual centers, can serve as windows into the subtler levels of a person's life, past and present. From observation of each chakra, much knowledge can be gained. One can understand what is going on within a person…and what experiences have caused certain imbalances. Caroline Myss has a wonderful section in her web-site addressing the various issues associated with each chakra.

From recent experiences, I have begun to appreciate that everything is contained within each chakra, and each chakra has particular unique characteristics as well. As if each are entire, unique universes.

On a simplified level, we know that every chakra has a particular vibratory color associated with it. But perceiving color is merely the ability of one of our senses. We also have sound, taste, smell and touch, and each of these have subtler degrees of refinement and purity. What I've come to realize is that each chakra has certain, specific sensory vibration associated with them--each of these 5 senses are connected with the various chakras.

For example, from my experience, the throat chakra has associated with it the vibrant colour blue, the sound (tone) A, the aroma Frankinsence, and the taste licorice. I have been unable to cognize 'touch' yet!

(Aside: A disclaimer! It may be possible that I am merely picking up on what my individual system is requesting inorder to further balance itself.)

Further, because all 5 senses are involved, it seems probable that this knowledge can be used conjointly in chakra healing! Not only light and colour therapy, but sound, aroma, taste and touch therapy. One can imagine the power using all 5 might have! This is exciting.

I will write more on this as soon as I can complete research, both inner research (direct cognition) and the traditional, outer methods of probing!

Stay tuned!