Yogis speak of a reservoir of energy known as the kundalini, which resides in the body. The kundalini force is likened to a serpent lying dormant at the base of the spine. Yoga exercises seek to clear the energy path by undoing any energy blockages of the spine and purify the body and mind to clear the way for this cosmic power to rise. Another way to clear the kundalini path is to work with the chakras. The word chakra means 'wheel' in Sanskrit.