In Ayurveda, what are the energy centers in the body called?

In Ayurveda, energy centers in the body are referred to as chakras. These chakras are considered to be points of energy that correlate to various physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's being. There are traditionally seven major chakras in the body, each associated with specific functions, organs, and aspects of consciousness. The understanding of chakras is crucial in Ayurvedic practices, as it relates to the balance and flow of energy, which is vital for overall health and well-being.

Meridians are terminology more closely associated with Traditional Chinese Medicine and refer to the pathways through which qi (life force) flows. Nadis are the energy channels in Ayurveda, but they are not the energy centers themselves; instead, they are pathways that connect the chakras. Doshas represent the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that define an individual's constitution and can influence health and wellness. All these concepts are important in holistic health practices, but chakras specifically denote the energy centers of the body within the context of Ayurveda.