Chakra is essential to even
the most basic jutsu; it is a mixture of the
physical energy
present in every cell of the body and the
spiritual energy
gained from exercise and experience. Once
mixed, it can be channeled through the
chakra circulatory system, which is to chakra
as the regular circulatory system is to blood,
to any of the 361 chakra points in the body. Through various
methods, the most common of which is
hand seals, the chakra can then be
manipulated to create an effect that would
not be possible otherwise, such as walking
on water, exhaling fire or creating illusions.
By mixing different ratios of the two
energies, new types of chakra can be
formed. The most common product is
elemental chakra, which is used to perform
elemental jutsu. Most ninja have a natural
affinity to one type of chakra, but they have
the capacity to create elemental chakra apart
from their own affinity. There are six basic
types, each stronger and weaker to another;
five have been shown so far, but their
relations, weaknesses, and strengths to
each other are all explored, the sixth dealing
with Yin and Yang and the balance of mental
and physical energies. In addition to these
six elements, certain kekkei genkai can mix
elemental chakra to form new elements,
such as ice (wind and water), wood (earth
and water) and lava (earth and fire). While
many ninja can use more than one type of
chakra, very few are able to use them
simultaneously