Spirituality

A Beginners Guide to the Seven Chakras

The seven chakras are energy centers running along the spine, each linked to its own color and function, and together they are traditionally read as keys to balance.

chakras ultimate guide
mindfulness, spirituality and healthy lifestyle concept – woman meditating in lotus pose at yoga studio with seven chakra symbols

By A Little Spark of Joy Editorial Team

For years, I searched for balance. When it came to my work life/home, emotions, relationships, and other areas, things always seemed to be a bit off-kilter.

The usual advice of ‘get more sleep’ or ‘just eat right and exercise’ wasn’t enough. Frustrated, I dove into yoga, meditation, and other practices.

It was through meditation that I discovered an ancient concept that helped me understand my body and my higher self much better than I ever had before.

Once I fully grasped the meaning of the term ‘Chakra’ and could answer the question, ‘how do chakras work?’ finding life balance was no longer a quest.

Like when a plumber unstops a clogged drain, there is no need to ask the water to flow. It does so naturally.

What is the meaning of Chakra and how do chakras work?#

The chakra system has always been a part of human existence as it is part of how we are made, just like having a heart or earlobes.

The first written account of it was found in the Vedas, an ancient compilation of texts written in India between 1500 and 500 B.C.

Like all words found in the Vedas,‘chakra’ is a Sanskrit term that means ‘disk,’ ‘wheel,’ or ‘vortex.’

chakras

The seven chakras are spinning wheels of energy that run up and down the spine. The first one is situated at the base of the tailbone, while the last is located just above the top of the head.

Each chakra has a separate position and serves a different purpose. By learning as much as possible about each chakra center, I became aware of a couple of things:

  • Chakras are ‘regulators’ that influence every part of our body and have even been linked to disease;
  • Each chakra has a five-part influence: emotional, energetic, physical, psychological, and spiritual;
  • When our chakras are out of balance, both physical and mental issues can manifest;
  • Although there are 7 universally accepted ‘main’ chakras, as many as 110 energetic centers are recognized by various sects;
  • Each chakra is connected to a particular color (i.e., green, yellow, purple).

Chakra Chart#

There are ways to rebalance your chakras through the personal practice of various techniques. Before I offer suggestions for how to do this, I want to provide you with a handy chakra chart and information on each individual energy point.

seven chakras

What are the 7 Chakras?#

Because each chakra is so unique, there is no way to cover them all in one short paragraph.

If you want a complete energetic healing, you’ll have to learn how to balance all seven chakras. This starts with understanding their positioning and purpose.

So before diving deeper into balancing and healing chakra’s, first you’ll find more information about the position and purpose of each chakra.

Root Chakra#

root chakra

Also known as Muladhara, the Root Chakra is found at the base at the tailbone and is the home of our instinctive intuition. It is the first of four physical chakras. It is our survival center and considered the first chakra since it is the first part of the spine that develops while we are embryos.

Safety, security, and basic needs are all connected to this energy center. Just like the roots of a plant, it is this chakra that grounds us.

Although I’m a very spiritual person, one thing I love about studying chakras is the scientific link. I often think of the Root Chakra as the connection to one’s childhood.

Psychologists theorize that when we are young, we rely on our parents to meet our most basic needs. When they don’t meet our expectations (physical or emotional), a deep sense of distrust can develop. This tends to follow us into adulthood and cause an imbalance in our Root Chakra.

In the healing section, I’ll discuss ways that this commonly manifests and what you can do to unblock your Root Chakra and start feeling ‘at home’ again.

Sacral Chakra#

sacral chakra

If you have a problem pronouncing ‘S’ words, get ready to be tongue-tied! Just below your navel, you will find the Svadhishthana, the Sanskrit word for your Sacral Chakra. This energy center is all about self-expression. It is literally translated as ‘dwelling place of the self.’ I call it the ‘seat of the self as it deals with one’s sexuality, creativity, or emotional declarations.

Sticking with the child concept described above, imagine yourself around five or six years old. It is likely that during this time, you felt free to be you: the real you, your authentic self. This is why young children are naturally free and joyous.

For the most part, their chakras are flowing freely, and they are aligned with who they are. This sense of wholeness is something that many of us spend our whole lives striving to return to. It is possible.

If you have issues with boundaries, relationships, or deep connections, it’s likely that there is an issue with your Sacral Chakra. Balancing the second energy center can return joy and fulfillment to your life and increase the connection you have with others and yourself.

Solar Plexus Chakra#

solar plexus chakra

The third chakra, also known as the Manipura or the navel chakra, is your center of personal power. It is connected to your self-esteem, goals, desires, and truest intentions. It also is a storage place for your intellect and ego.

In my experience, the Solar Plexus Chakra is one of the most likely to fall out of alignment. This usually happens during the teenage years, but can occur at other times when we start to feel less than or not enough.

Do you remember Eeyore from the Disney classic Winnie the Pooh? Pessimistic at heart, he always walks with his head down in a depressive state and can’t seem to keep up with anything, especially his tail. It’s too bad they don’t know much about chakras in the Hundred Acre Woods as he could most certainly benefit from a Solar Plexus alignment.

If you deal with any of the following issues, it’s likely that you could too:

  • Exposure to criticism and rejection
  • Low self-esteem
  • Co-dependency or addiction
  • Lack of control over one’s self

Although the color of the Solar Chakra is a bright yellow, it is a fire element and is directly linked to the digestive system. This might seem like no big deal, but one thing I’ve found to be life-changing is new info surrounding the gut and your mental health.

For many years, scientists assumed that the powerful neurotransmitters that control our mood and overall wellness are only produced in the brain. It turns out that our gastro-area is like a second brain.

This is all the more reason to keep your Solar Chakra in check and functioning at an optimal level. It will empower you to follow your true path.

Heart Chakra#

heart chakra

If you’ve never heard of any of the other energy vortexes, you certainly know about your Heart Chakra and the wonderful things contained there. Its Sanskrit name Anahata translates to ‘unhurt,’ and that is the thing that all of us strive for, especially after times in life that are difficult. To do this, we have to make sure that our heart is open.

Although that might sound like a no-brainer, we usually do the opposite. One example that we can all relate to is heartbreak. Whether it is rejection, abandonment, or losing someone that we love that causes intense pain, the outcome is the same.

This type of deep pain can cause us to shut down, sit in unforgiveness, and block everyone out in an attempt to prevent a repeat situation. Although this makes sense at the time, it rarely works and can cause a blockage of the Heart Chakra. What often occurs next is the opposite of what should be: jealousy, anger, resentment, and overall unhappiness.

There are so many simple ways to unblock this fourth chakra energy center, and most start with giving love. I know this sounds a bit cliche, but it is actually very powerful and can be accomplished through a few simple practices that I’ll share in the healing section.

Throat Chakra#

throat chakra

Moving up from the center of your chest to your throat, you’ll find your Vishuddha or Throat Chakra. This is the first of three spiritual chakras and is the powerhouse of communication.

Other chakra centers deal with determining your truth but this vortex allows you to express it. When the energy is flowing, you’ll be able to tell others how you feel, listen effectively, and communicate feelings through art forms such as singing or painting.

One other important thing to know about the fifth chakra wheel is that it close to the area where karma is created.

For this reason, it is so important to make sure that our thoughts, words, and actions, are entirely aligned with what we believe to be true and right. Otherwise, a chakra blockage can occur.

So many people in relationships that aren’t going well think that they simply aren’t compatible with their partners but move on to find they have the same issues in the next partnership.

This is an issue with the Throat Chakra that, if corrected, can take your romantic relationships and partnerships to a new level.

Third Eye Chakra#

third eye chakra

Surely you’ve heard someone say they had ‘a sixth sense’ about something. What they usually mean is that they had a feeling about something that couldn’t be proven by the other senses, but turned out to be correct.

This phrase is connected to the sixth chakra, better known as the Third Eye Chakra. The Ajna, when opened, helps you make all the right decisions and know exactly what to do, no matter the circumstance.

I’ll never forget the story a friend told me of her experience with her Third Eye Chakra long before she ever knew what it was. This was in the early days of social media and long before dating apps were a common way to meet someone.

This friend met a guy on Facebook, and they messaged back and forth for several months. He lived in Florida and invited her to visit, even offering to buy a plane ticket.

Although she agreed, my friend felt that something wasn’t quite right. So, she declined the invitation and ignored his insistent and persuasive messages. Months later she was flipping through TV channels and saw a breaking news announcement.

She was shocked to see her former beau’s mugshot on the screen. He had been arrested as a part of a federal human trafficking ring. Trusting her intuition quite possibly saved her life.

You don’t need to have a dramatic experience like my friends to experience the wonders of your Third Eye Chakra. It is naturally open! All you have to do is keep it that way.

This intuition center is the key to your soul connection and also helps you take the inner knowledge and use it to your benefit. Trusting the ‘seat of your soul’ will allow you to tap into psychic abilities.

So, clearing this Chakra regularly is especially crucial for the clairvoyant or those with special gifts.

Crown Chakra#

crown chakra

Do you want to know more about your spirit guides? Do you desire guidance from a higher power? You’ll want to make sure that your Crown Chakra is in tip-top shape!

The seventh and final chakra rests just above the head like a queen’s crown. The Sahasrara is our link to the entire universe and all around us, including our pure awareness.

I mentioned at the beginning of the article that the Root Chakra grounds us. The Crown Chakra connects us to the heavens.

If you are to grow spiritually, your 7th chakra has to be functioning normally. When this is the case, you’ll be able to transcend your ego and focus on the bigger picture. No longer will you be bogged down by negative emotions or egotistical desires.

It is important to remember that chakra work has to begin at the bottom and move upward. So if you’re having problems with your Crown Chakra, it is likely that lower-level energy centers are blocked or overactive.

By healing those first, your Crown Chakra will be easier to move into alignment with.

What are the chakra colors?#

Each of the seven chakras has a color that represents it in the chakra system. As you meditate on each of these centers, you’ll want to envision the rotating discs as colorful vortexes of light.

In the beginning, this was difficult for me to do because I quickly forgot when color-matched to each chakra.

chakras colors

To make this easier, I use a common acronym that most people use to remember the colors in the rainbow: Roy G Biv. This silly name outlines each color starting from the root and moving to the crown.

  • Root Chakra (Red Color)
  • Sacral Chakra (Orange Color)
  • Solar Plexus Chakra (Yellow Color)
  • Heart Chakra (Green Color)
  • Throat Chakra (Blue Color)
  • Third Eye Chakra (Indigo Color)
  • Crown Chakra (Violet Color)

Each of these chakra colors indicates a certain emotional or physical component of the chakra system. For example, our emotions are represented by green, while our ability to communicate with others is blue. They can also embody different vibrational frequencies and auras seen in the electromagnetic field.

Chakras Healing#

The only way to find overall balance is to make sure that all of our energy centers are balanced. This happens through the healing (unblocking) of chakras.

Learning to do so will help pull overactive chakras into alignment.

chakra colours

There are some general ways to heal each center, and there are some specific ones as well. I find chakras healing to be a ‘trial and error’ process, and what works for one person won’t work for another.

Keep reading to find out more info on how to find the right healing practice for you.

What is Chakra Healing and how to unblock Chakras?#

Chakra healing means balancing the chakras that are unbalanced. When chakras are unbalanced, they are described as ‘underactive’ or ‘overactive’.

Underactive chakras are ‘blocked’ or not distributing energy in an unstable way. To heal them, we must find ways to open them up.

What’s interesting is that one blocked chakra affects the entire system. If one energy center is not flowing correctly, one or more of the others will find a way to compensate for this.

blocked chakras

When this happens, surrounding chakras become ‘overactive’ and kick into overdrive. Although this might seem like a big deal, it can cause issues that are just as challenging as a blocked chakra.

By unblocking the chakras that are less open than they should be, we can bring our body and mind back into balance and reach our highest potential.

There are many ways to do this, the most common being meditation and yoga, but there are other ways as well.

Since the process is slightly different for each individual chakra, I’ve outlined some general tips below and I’ve created a quick overview of how to heal each of the seven centers.

One way is using the Chakra Activation System. Via this system, Stephanie Mulac guides you in clearing out your chakras.

You’ll learn how to blast through the energy blocks that are holding you back and are keeping you stuck.

1. Chakra Healing Meditation#

I mention this one first because it can be key in doing two different things. The first is healing what caused the blockage in the first place.

For example, if childhood trauma caused your Root Chakra to close, you’ll need to deal with that before you’ll be able to fully open the energy center. The practice of meditation can help you get in touch with your higher self and reveal areas of pain that need to be addressed.

Then, you’ll be able to use guided chakra meditations to focus on tuning each one of these centers to a specific healing frequency.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I suggest watching the video above, picking up any one of Dr. Joe Dispenza‘s books, or downloading his guided meditations. BOTEC 1 focuses specifically on chakras.

2. Chakra Healing Essential Oils#

When I first started to heal my chakras through meditation, I did so unknowingly. I also found myself drawn to certain scents that I had never paid much attention to before, lavender in particular.

chakra essential oils

It wasn’t until I started studying aromatherapy that I realized how certain smells are directly connected to specific energy centers. It turns out that lavender embodies the Crown Chakra.

Using lavender essential oil in a diffuser has helped me to heal my Crown Chakra and stay in tune with this energy center. Here are some others to consider:

  • Root Chakra: Patchouli or Myrrh
  • Sacral Chakra: Rose or Sandalwood
  • Solar Plexus Chakra: Juniper, Lemon, or Cedarwood
  • Heart Chakra: Rose or Jasmine
  • Throat Chakra: Peppermint or Chamomile
  • Third Eye Chakra: Rosemary or Clary Sage
  • Crown Chakra: Lavender or Rosewood

3. Chakra Yoga Poses#

Like meditation, yoga is a great practice for those wanting to heal their chakras. I’ve found it really beneficial for releasing ‘stuck’ energy that needs a boost so that it can be expelled from the body.

 yoga poses for root chakra

If you’ve never tried yoga before, no biggie. Just find a beginner’s class near you, grab a mat, and give it a go. If you’d rather try at home, here are some poses for each energy center.

  • Root Chakra: Garland or Mountain Pose
  • Sacral Chakra: Revolved Triangle or the Goddess Pose
  • Solar Plexus Chakra: Boat or the Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
  • Heart Chakra: Cobra or Camel Pose
  • Throat Chakra: Plow or Fish Pose
  • Third Eye Chakra: Dolphin Pose or Sun Salutations
  • Crown Chakra: Balancing Butterfly or Corpse Pose

You can find a detailed explanation of each pose here. If you want to read more about starting your own yoga practice, you can also buy a yoga book.

4. Chakra Healing Music#

Using music in connection with meditation and/or yoga is one of the best ways to jumpstart the balancing of your chakras. One thing that few people realize is that there is a frequency with which our body naturally resonates.

For this reason, any music that is tuned to 432Hz automatically becomes soothing and healing.

A quick iTunes or youtube search of Hertz 432 music will present tons of options that you can use in connection with other practices. Tibetian Singing Bowls are another good alternative.

5. Chakra Healing Stones#

Chakra healing stones are all the rage. I own several gorgeous healing stone jewelry pieces, but you can also purchase individual stones if wearing chunky pieces isn’t your thing.

The easiest way to choose which stones to select is to match the color of the stone to the specific energy area that you are trying to heal. For example, a red jasper would work for balancing the Root Chakra while a sapphire would work better for Third Eye Chakra issues.

Chakra Healing tips for every Chakra#

I’m going to preface each one of these healing sections with a few descriptive words that suggest the need for chakra balancing.

If none of these words seem to fit with your current state, you can work on balancing anyway (it can’t hurt) or move on to the next section.

Root Chakra Healing#

root chakra healing

Overactive Root Chakra symptoms: Fearful, insecure, overly materialistic, and resistant to change

Underactive (blocked) Root Chakra symptoms: Lacking security, anxiety disorders/panic attacks, codependency, fear of abandonment, rage, or feeling disconnected from one’s body

Root Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Get out in nature! By grounding yourself and reconnecting with the earth, you’ll encourage your body to trust again. A nature walk, taking a dip in a spring, or just hugging a tree are simple things that can open your Root Chakra.
  • Do a grounding exercise. While you’re on your walk, visualize yourself pushing your energy down through your feet and into the earth. This will strengthen your connection.
  • Try earthy essential oils. Cedarwood and sandalwood are good choices for healing this energy center.

Sacral Chakra Healing#

sacral chakra healing

Overactive Sacral Chakra symptoms: Emotions are all over the place, attracted to drama and chaos, lacking personal boundaries in relationships and friendships

Underactive (blocked) Sacral Chakra symptoms: Lack of creativity and motivation, emotional confusion, no desire for sex, fertility issues, dysfunctional relationships

Sacral Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Sound therapy. The sound ‘VAM’ is connected to the Sacral Chakra and the frequency 288 HZ. Finding music or noise set to this frequency will help boost your healing.
  • Crystals for chakra healing. If you’re looking for a way to balance your second chakra, try using moonstone, amber, and tangerine quartz.
  • Healing foods. Believe it or not, there are certain foods that can help your chakras flow properly. If you’re having problems with your Sacra Chakra, try eating tangerines, carrots, mangos, and other orange-hued foods.

Solar Plexus Chakra Healing#

solar plexus chakra

Overactive Solar Plexus Chakra symptoms: Aggressive and angry, perfectionistic or overly critical of oneself or others

Underactive (blocked) Solar Plexus Chakra symptoms: Serious self-esteem issues, indecisive, timid, lacking self-control or self-confidence, and issues with the digestive system

Solar Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Affirmations. Because they can boost self-esteem and overall good feelings, positive self love affirmations are a good place to start with healing a solar plexus imbalance. Some examples include “I am worthy of my own self-love” and “I am perfect just as I am.”
  • Super self-care. One of the main reasons this chakra gets block is because of the tendency to focus on helping everyone but ourselves. Instead of looking outward, focus on taking care of you. Say ‘no’ instead of yes, do things that make you happy, and put your own needs first daily.
  • Pilates. There are certain pilates exercises that target this energy center, so I find that this kind of exercise is a good place to start when restoring balance.

Heart Chakra Healing#

heart chakra healing

Overactive Heart Chakra symptoms: Being clingy in relationships, lacking a sense of self, lacking boundaries, letting everyone in, saying ‘yes’ when you really mean ‘no’

Underactive (blocked) Chakra symptoms: Being cold, distant, and unable or unwilling to open up to others, grudgeful or unforgiving

Heart Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Forgiveness. This is the first step to unblocking your Hearth Chakra. If you are imbalanced in this area you almost certainly have some forgiveness work to do. Remember, this isn’t for or about whoever hurt you. It is about releasing stored energy that is blocking your flow and keeping love out of your life.
  • Go green. Green, not red, is the color connected to the heart chakra. Wearing green, eating green foods, and buying green crystals can assist you on your journey to being open to love and light.
  • Give more. Push yourself to give to others. Give your time, your money, understanding, an ear to listen, and anything else you have to contribute to this world. Doing so will open your heart full-force.

Throat Chakra Healing#

throat chakra healing

Overactive Throat Chakra symptoms: Too talkative, poor listener, highly critical of other people, verbally abusive, condescending

Underactive (blocked) Throat Chakra symptoms: Introverted, shy, having difficulty speaking the truth, unable to express needs despite one’s desires

Throat Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Journal. If you have an imbalance in your fifth chakra center, journaling might not appeal to you. If that’s the case, then you have even more motivation to write down your inner thoughts. This brings awareness which is the first step to chakra balance.
  • Sing it loud! This is one I’ve been doing as I work on opening up all seven chakras. I loved to sing as a little girl and I’ve found it to be a healthy way to express myself, even as an adult. Side note: You don’t have to possess a good singing voice. Just roll the windows up in your car and belt out the tunes where no one can hear!
  • Breathing techniques. When you find yourself dealing with this type of imbalance, slow and controlled breathing can help you control your emotions so that you don’t speak out of turn. Doing this will help other areas as well.

Third Eye Chakra Healing#

third eye chakra healing

Overactive Third Eye Chakra symptoms: Lacking good judgment, unable to focus, prone to hallucinations, unrealistic/living in a fantasy world

Underactive Third Eye Chakra symptoms: Closed off to new ideas, too reliant on authority or religion, disconnected or distrustful of one’s inner voice

Third Eye Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Get into art. Even if you aren’t super creative, it is good to practice something that will bring this out in you. Creativity helps increase your intuition and will balance your chakras, especially if it is something you really enjoy.
  • Visualize. Spend time visualizing the color indigo while you’re meditating. Doing this will help you tap into the power that your third eye contains.
  • Acupuncture. This ancient practice has way too many benefits to name! It can be especially helpful when trying to balance and heal chakras.

Crown Chakra Healing#

crown chakra healing

Overactive Crown Chakra symptoms Addicted to spirituality, not taking care of bodily needs

Underactive Crown Chakra symptoms
Not very open to spirituality, unable to set or maintain goals, lacking direction in life in general

Crown Chakra Healing Tips:

  • Study universal laws. Learning more about the Law of Attraction and other spiritual concepts can help you open your Crown Chakra. Even ten minutes a day will help significantly.
  • Keep a dream journal. As this chakra opens, you’ll notice your dreams becoming more vivid. I actually record my dreams on my phone because it’s quicker than writing when I’m half asleep, but you can do a traditional pen and paper journal if you’d like.
  • Perfect your prayer. This doesn’t have to be traditional. It can be directed toward God, the angels, or even yourself. As long as it is sincere communication, you’ll be growing your connection to what is outside of you as well as what’s within.

Chakras FAQs#

I get tons of questions about Chakras and I’m always happy to help. What I’ve found is that most of us have the same questions about our energy centers. For that reason, I’ve created a recap of these FAQs and provided a bit of info for each one.

Ready to start balancing your 7 Chakras?#

By learning more about your energy centers, you have increased your knowledge of your self. Because healing your chakras isn’t a one and done process, you may need to return to this article again and again to gather more information. That’s okay!

Like me, if you’ve been struggling with the same problems for years then you’ve probably developed very powerful negative and limiting beliefs.

But the truth is that you CAN get around these blocks and manifest your destiny, no matter how great or small it is. It can be easy to clear out your chakras and realign them with the Universe IF you have the right tools and guidance.

meditation chakra

Balancing your chakras is a complicated process, but getting all seven to function properly is one of the most fulfilling things you can do for yourself.

I know this from personal experience. If you want to work on this more in-depth, check out my article about chakra books and this Chakra activation system course.

When all of your chakras are open you’ll be able to reach personal heights you never thought possible.

Frequently asked questions

How is the meaning of Chakras?

The word ‘chakras‘ translates to ‘wheels’ or ‘disks.’ These energy centers run along the spine and keep our bodies functioning at an optimal level.

How do you know if your Chakra is open?

In our natural states, our chakras are open. It is when we start to have trouble in an area that we realize our energy centers may be blocked. To determine if your seven chakras are open, look at your life. If things are running smoothly, you’re good to go! If you seem to be having trouble in a certain area, you may have some chakra healing to do. Here you can find the symptoms of blocked chakras.

What happens when you open all Chakras?

Opening all 7 chakras is like beating a level on a video game. It may take some time, but when you do it, you ‘level up.’ You will be able to feel elevated emotions, manifest desires, and connect to your higher self in a way that isn’t possible when chakras are over or underactive.

What is Chakra Energy?

The chakras are energy. These spinning discs are where our energy is stored and they help fuel various parts of our body, mind, and soul with the energy needed to reach our highest potential. Because each one possesses its own color and vibrational frequency, they are deeply connected to our spirit, not just the physical body.

Are Chakras Religious?

Chakra work is not a religious practice, nor is it anti-religious. The 7 chakras are a part of our body whether we are aware of them or not. Just like your appendix or your pituitary gland, there are things that you can do to keep your body healthy that has nothing to do with religious practice. Some of the techniques used to heal our chakras might be considered spiritual, but they are not connected to one deity or sacrilegious in nature.

What is a Chakras Chart?#

The word ‘Chakra’ comes from the Sanskrit dictionary and means ‘wheel.’ These main energy points, seven in particular, exist along our spine, from the tailbone right up to the top of our head.

They are known to be the energy centers of the body. Different chakras radiate different chakra colors and energies, and it is also believed that a blocked chakra can lead to physical/emotional turmoil.

Each of the seven chakras comes with its own goodie bag filled with a unique symbol (usually a pretty lotus flower with a varying number of petals), an associated color, and even a gemstone.

This chart is what houses all these elements together and helps us get an overview of each chakra.

This concept was first penned down in the Vedas, a set of ancient Indian scriptures, sometime between 1500-500 B.C.

Are Chakras Real?#

Albert Einstein said, “Everything is energy, and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want, and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” So, maybe we can think of chakras as simply another form of energy.

Now, these energy wheels are not something you can see with the naked eye, like a tattoo or birthmark. They are believed to be part of our astral body, a supposed energy form that lives inside our physical body.

The proof of their existence might not be highly tangible, but if you’ve ever experienced a headache brought on by stress or an aching heart due to emotional turmoil, you might know how our mental energy can have physical repercussions.

Different Chakras in the Body#

There is an infinite number of chakras in the human body, but these seven primary chakras are the most important:

  1. Muladhara Chakra: Root Chakra
  2. Svadhishthana Chakra: Sacral Chakra
  3. Manipura Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra
  4. Anahata Chakra: Heart Chakra
  5. Vishuddha Chakra: Throat Chakra
  6. Ajna Chakra: Third Eye Chakra
  7. Sahastrara Chakra: Crown Chakra

Size and Shape of a Chakra#

When it comes to the shape of chakras, we often get mixed beliefs from different people. Some suggest that they resemble spinning discs, while others believe they look like flowers blooming along our spine. And yes, there are even people out there who link them to ice cream cones!

The shape and appearance of chakras remain the subjects of speculation primarily because they aren’t visible to the naked eye or detectable by any known devices. As a result, most of us end up embracing the commonly circulated ideas about their shape.

Ancient texts, however, provide a slightly different perspective. They describe chakras as spherical or ball-like entities. Some theories suggest that our planet, Earth, functions as a significant chakra within our solar system and as a minor one within our galaxy, the Milky Way.

The planet’s rotation is said to distribute energy, a concept that is as fascinating as it is beyond our current understanding. As for the size of the chakras, opinions also vary significantly. While some argue that each chakra spans a radius of one foot, others claim that their size fluctuates depending on the energy flow.

According to scriptures, chakras are actually tiny entities nested within our astral spinal cord, which is, in turn, housed within our physical spinal cord.

The 7 Chakras: Meaning, Effects, and Symbols#

Given below is a detailed overview of each chakra, its symbol, meaning, and the mantras you can use to restore them.

chakras chart symbol

Muladhara Chakra: Root Chakra#

  • Symbol: 4-petalled lotus flower, a square, and a downward-facing triangle.
  • Color: Red
  • Location: Base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals.
  • Crystals/Stones: Red aventurine, red jasper, onyx, black tourmaline.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Allspice, cayenne, cedarwood, clove, dandelion, nutmeg, rosemary.
  • Mantra: I am

The Root Chakra, known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is the first of the seven chakras. It is located at the base of the spine and is associated with feelings of safety, grounding, and physical identity. When the Root Chakra is balanced, one feels secure, connected, and comfortable in their own skin, embodying a sense of stability and confidence.

As the foundation of the chakra system, the Root Chakra’s significance is deeply connected to our basic survival needs. When blocked or unbalanced, it may result in feelings of fear, anxiety, or insecurity. The balance of the Root Chakra lays the groundwork for opening and balancing the rest of the chakras.

Svadhishthana Chakra: Sacral Chakra#

  • Symbol: Multiple circles, a crescent moon, and six lotus flower petals.
  • Color: Orange
  • Location: Lower abdomen, about four fingers below the navel.
  • Crystals/Stones: Orange carnelian, orange calcite, peach moonstone, sunstone, Goldstone.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Blood orange, cinnamon cassia, fennel, ginger, vanilla, ylang-ylang.
  • Mantra: I feel

Located below the navel, this chakra governs creativity, pleasure, sensuality, and emotional well-being. This chakra is all about connection and embracing the joys of life, acting as a conduit for personal expansion and growth.

Balancing this chakra helps you understand one’s emotions and desires. An unbalanced Sacral Chakra may lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or frustration.

Manipura Chakra: Solar Plexus Chakra#

  • Symbol: A downward-pointing triangle within a ten-petalled lotus flower.
  • Color: Yellow
  • Location: Between the navel and the bottom of the rib cage.
  • Crystals/Stones: Citrine, amber, golden calcite, pyrite, tiger’s eye, yellow aventurine.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Anise, cinnamon, cumin, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, lily of the valley, mint, neroli, tea tree, turmeric.
  • Mantra: I do

Manipura, or the Solar Plexus Chakra, is the third chakra. Located in the stomach area, it is linked to self-esteem, personal power, and willpower. When balanced, it fosters confidence, proactivity, and a sense of personal authority.

The significance of the Solar Plexus Chakra lies in its ability to fuel personal growth and transformation by harnessing one’s personal power and turning intentions into action.

Anahata Chakra: Heart Chakra#

  • Symbol: Two triangles intersect to form a yantra, surrounded by a 12-petalled lotus flower.
  • Color: Green
  • Location: Heart region.
  • Crystals/Stones: Pink tourmaline, rose quartz, ruby, rhodochrosite.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Bergamot, cacao, cardamom, cilantro, jasmine, lavender, rose, thyme.
  • Mantra: I love

The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is situated at the center of the chest. It governs love, compassion, forgiveness, and emotional equilibrium. It acts as a bridge between the physical and spiritual aspects of life.

The balance of the Heart Chakra allows one to navigate their emotional landscape with understanding and compassion, fostering a sense of inner peace and connectedness. If unbalanced, it can lead to emotional instability, difficulty in relationships, and lack of self-love.

Vishuddha Chakra: Throat Chakra#

  • Symbol: 16-petalled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle with a circle within.
  • Color: Blue
  • Location: Base of the throat.
  • Crystals/Stones: Aquamarine, turquoise, amazonite, angelite.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Elderberry, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, sage, bay laurel.
  • Mantra: I speak

Located in the throat, this chakra is linked to communication, expression, and truth. When balanced, it encourages open and authentic communication, promoting a strong sense of personal integrity and confidence in the expression of the self.

The Throat Chakra’s significance lies in encouraging the expression of our inner truth and fostering open communication.

Ajna Chakra: Third Eye Chakra#

  • Symbol: An inverted triangle resting in a circle between two lotus petals.
  • Color: Indigo
  • Location: Between the eyebrows.
  • Crystals/Stones: Lapis Lazuli, azurite, blue aventurine, labradorite, tanzanite.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Cypress, juniper, mugwort, mandrake root, blue lotus.
  • Mantra: I see

The Ajna chakra is associated with intuition, wisdom, and the ability to see the bigger picture. When balanced, it nurtures wisdom, intuition, and a strong sense of spiritual insight. It allows for clear thought, spiritual contemplation, and self-reflection.

Sahasrara Chakra: Crown Chakra#

  • Symbol: A thousand-petalled lotus surrounding an inverted triangle.
  • Color: Violet White
  • Location: Crown of the head.
  • Crystals/Stones: Amethyst, purple fluorite, selenite, charoite.
  • Essential Oils/Herbs: Lavender, palo santo, pink lotus, St. John’s Wort, frangipani.
  • Mantra: I understand and am connected

The final chakra on our list, this one is associated with spiritual connection, enlightenment, and unity. When balanced, it fosters a deep sense of connection with the universe and promotes feelings of serenity, joy, and deep spiritual understanding.

The significance of the Crown Chakra lies in its connection to the divine and the cosmos. It is the gateway to higher states of consciousness and is essential in achieving spiritual enlightenment.

Understanding Chakra Imbalance & What Causes It#

Chakras are our body’s energy centers that help regulate all its processes. These centers of spiritual power in the human body are connected to physical, mental, and emotional health. An imbalance in any one of these chakras can affect our well-being.

Chakra imbalances can be caused by various factors. Lifestyle habits, such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, or consuming alcohol and drugs can cause these imbalances.

seven chakras meaning

Emotional upheavals, stress, and trauma can also lead to chakra imbalances. Even environmental factors such as exposure to a stressful or toxic environment can cause our chakras to go off balance.

It’s important to note that astrology also plays a role. For example, retrograde planets or adverse astrological transits can influence the energy flow in our chakras.

Symptoms of Chakra Imbalance#

Symptoms of chakra imbalance can manifest in various ways depending on which chakra is affected:

  • Root Chakra: Imbalance can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, or fear. Physical symptoms may include lower back pain or digestive problems.
  • Sacral Chakra: You might experience a lack of creativity and sexual drive or feelings of jealousy and guilt. Physically, it can lead to reproductive issues or lower back pain.
  • Solar Plexus Chakra: Imbalance might result in a lack of confidence and difficulty making decisions. Physically, it may manifest as digestive problems.
  • Heart Chakra: An imbalance can lead to feelings of despair, jealousy, or being unloved. Symptoms may include heart or lung issues.
  • Throat Chakra: You might struggle with self-expression, communication, and truth-telling. It can manifest as throat infections or voice problems.
  • Third Eye Chakra: An imbalance can lead to feeling disconnected from spiritual experiences or having difficulty focusing. Headaches or vision problems are some common symptoms.
  • Crown Chakra: Imbalance might result in feeling disconnected from your spiritual self, leading to an existential crisis. Physical symptoms are rare but can manifest as light sensitivity or neurological issues.

How To Balance Your Chakras: Full Guide#

Balancing the chakras is essential for optimal spiritual health. It’s a process that requires time, awareness, and patience. Here are some practical ways to achieve chakra balance:

perfectly balanced

Meditation and Visualization#

Chakra meditation and visualization are potent tools for balancing these points of energy. Each chakra corresponds to a specific color, and visualization of these colors can help to bring the energy centers into balance. Here are the steps you can follow:

  1. Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit comfortably, keeping your spine straight.
  2. Start by focusing on your breathing, noticing the rise and fall of your belly with each breath.
  3. Visualize a red glowing ball at the base of your spine. This represents the root chakra. Imagine this light getting brighter with each breath, dissolving any blockages.
  4. Move upwards to the next chakra, visualizing its corresponding color (orange for sacral, yellow for solar plexus, etc.), and repeat the process for all seven chakras.

Yoga and Physical Exercise#

Yoga poses are designed to stimulate and balance the chakras. Here are a few examples:

  • Root Chakra: Poses that ground you to the earth, like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) or Savasana (Corpse Pose), are beneficial.
  • Sacral Chakra: Hip-opening postures like Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) can help.
  • Solar Plexus Chakra: Engage your core with poses like Navasana (Boat Pose).
  • Heart Chakra: Backbends like Ustrasana (Camel Pose) can open your heart.
  • Throat Chakra: Neck and throat exercises like Simhasana (Lion Pose) are great.
  • Third Eye Chakra: Focus-intensive poses like Balasana (Child’s Pose) are beneficial.
  • Crown Chakra: Inverted poses like Shirshasana (Headstand) can stimulate the crown chakra.

Remember to maintain proper form and not push beyond your comfort level. All physical exercise, not just yoga, can also help balance your chakras by promoting energy flow.

Sound Therapy#

Sound therapy involves using specific frequencies to balance the chakras. Each chakra responds to a unique frequency, often produced by instruments such as singing bowls or tuning forks. Even vocal toning at specific pitches can help. Many online resources offer sound therapy tracks targeted at each chakra.

Diet and Nutrition#

What you consume can influence your chakra health. Foods of specific colors corresponding to each chakra can help balance them:

  • Root Chakra: Red foods like tomatoes, strawberries, and beets.
  • Sacral Chakra: Orange foods like carrots, oranges, and mangoes.
  • Solar Plexus Chakra: Yellow foods like bananas, corn, and lemons.
  • Heart Chakra: Green foods like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
  • Throat Chakra: Blue foods like blueberries and blackberries.
  • Third Eye Chakra: Indigo foods like purple grapes and plums.
  • Crown Chakra: White or light foods like garlic, onions, and coconut.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy#

Aromatherapy can help stimulate and balance the chakras. For example, patchouli or cedarwood can ground the root chakra, while lavender or frankincense can open the crown chakra. You can use these oils in a diffuser or apply them topically in a diluted form.

Crystal Healing#

Crystals have unique vibrational frequencies that can interact with the energy of each chakra. For starters, red jasper can be used for the root chakra, while amethyst can be used for the crown chakra. You can carry these chakra stones, place them on the corresponding chakra during meditation, or use them as jewelry.

Positive Affirmations#

Chakra affirmations are positive statements that can help override negative thoughts or beliefs that might be causing chakra imbalances. For instance, affirming “I am secure” can help balance the root chakra, while “I express myself freely” can balance the throat chakra.

Remember, the process of balancing your chakras is a journey of self-discovery and healing. It’s important to approach it with patience and an open mind. You may find that some methods work better for you than others.

First of All, What Are Chakras?#

Chakras! They’re like energy centers in our bodies. Imagine them as spinning wheels or swirls of energy along our spine, starting from the base and going up to the top of our head. As for their number, they’re seven in total.

how many chakras are there

Each chakra is associated with different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They work together to keep us balanced and healthy.

In other words, when they’re in harmony and spinning well, we feel good and have a positive outlook.

But sometimes, our chakras can get imbalanced or blocked due to stress, negative emotions, or other factors. This can lead to problems like feeling tired, anxious, or having physical issues.

Some people practice meditation, yoga, or energy healing techniques to keep their chakras healthy.

These activities help clear blockages and keep the energy flowing smoothly through our chakras, promoting overall well-being.

How Many Chakras Are There In Total?#

We have seven main chakras in total, commonly referred to as the primary or major chakras. They’re located along the spine, starting from the base and moving upwards to the top of the head.

Each chakra is associated with different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These main chakras play a significant role in balancing our energy and overall health.

However, some belief systems and practices may also refer to additional chakras or minor energy centers.

7 Chakras in Human Body and Their Significance#

So, imagine our body has these seven special energy centers called chakras. They’re like spinning wheels, and each has a unique job to keep us healthy and balanced.

Let me tell you about each chakra and what it does:

1. Root Chakra#

It’s at the base of our spine, and it helps us feel grounded and safe. It’s like the foundation of a house, keeping us stable and secure.

2. Sacral Chakra#

This one is just below our belly button, and it’s all about emotions, creativity, and pleasure. It helps us express ourselves and enjoy the good things in life.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra#

This chakra is around our stomach area, like our personal power center. It gives us confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to make decisions.

4. Heart Chakra#

The heart chakra is in the middle of our chest; it’s all about love, compassion, and forgiveness. It helps us connect with others and feel love in our hearts.

5. Throat Chakra#

As the name suggests, it’s in our throats and responsible for communication and self-expression. It allows us to speak our truth and express ourselves openly.

6. Third Eye Chakra#

This chakra is found between our eyebrows and is linked to our intuition and inner wisdom. It helps us see things beyond the physical and trust our instincts.

7. Crown Chakra#

This chakra is at the top of our heads and connects us to something greater than ourselves. It’s like our spiritual antenna, helping us experience a sense of oneness and spiritual awareness.

Overall, our chakras can affect our life in various ways. When they’re in harmony and spinning well, we feel good physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

But sometimes, they can get blocked or out of balance, which may cause issues in different areas of our life.

People practice meditation, yoga, or energy healing to keep their chakras healthy.

These activities can help clear blockages and keep the energy flowing smoothly, promoting overall well-being and balance.

It’s like taking care of our inner energy to lead a happy and fulfilled life!

How to Activate Chakras in Human Body?#

Activating our chakras is like giving them a little wake-up call, making them more alive and healthy. It’s a way to boost our energy and feel more balanced.

chakras in human body

Here’s a list of simple ways to activate your chakras:

Meditation#

Find a calm and quiet place, sit comfortably, and take some deep breaths. Focus on each chakra, starting from the bottom and moving up. Imagine each chakra as a bright, glowing ball of energy, and with each breath, visualize it spinning and getting stronger.

Yoga#

Certain yoga poses can help activate specific chakras.

For example, try grounding poses like the mountain or child’s pose for the root chakra. For the heart chakra, backbends like the cobra pose do wonders.

Chanting and Affirmations#

You can use simple sounds or mantras to resonate with each chakra.

For example, try chanting “LAM” for the root chakra or “OM” for the crown chakra. Also, repeating positive affirmations related to each chakra’s qualities can be helpful.

Visualize Colors#

Each chakra is associated with a specific color. Try visualizing the color surrounding the respective chakra during meditation or throughout your day. It can help stimulate and activate them.

Crystal Healing#

Some people use crystals to support chakra activation. For example, amethyst for the crown chakra or rose quartz for the heart chakra. Placing these crystals on or near the chakra can be beneficial.

Try Various Sounds#

Listen to music or sounds designed to activate chakras. You can find plenty of chakra-specific soundtracks online, and the vibrations can positively affect your energy centers.

Reconnect With Nature#

Spending time in nature can help balance your chakras. Take a walk in a park, sit by a river, or enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Nature has a way of naturally harmonizing our energy.

Remember, you must do these practices with a positive mindset.

Allow yourself to be present and patient, as activating chakras takes time and practice. And when they’re activated and flowing smoothly, you’ll likely feel more energized, focused, and emotionally balanced!

So, stay patient, find what works best for you, and make it a part of your daily routine.

Can You Open All Your Chakras At Once?#

Opening all your chakras at once can be intense and overwhelming for most people. It’s like trying to turn on all the lights in a room simultaneously: too much brightness can be blinding!

Instead, it’s generally better to work on opening and balancing each chakra individually. This allows you to focus on each chakra’s qualities and energies and understand how they influence your life.

Here’s a step-by-step approach to working with your chakras:

Step 1: Start From the Bottom#

Begin with the root chakra and work your way up. The root chakra is like the foundation, so it’s essential to establish a strong base before moving on to the others.

Step 2: Take Your Time#

Spend time with each chakra, meditating and practicing exercises to open and balance it. Give yourself a few days or weeks to work with each chakra before moving on to the next.

Step 3: Listen to Your Body#

Pay attention to how you feel during the process. If you sense any discomfort or emotional intensity, it might be a sign to slow down and focus more on a particular chakra.

Step 4: Seek Guidance if Needed#

If you’re new to working with chakras, learning from experienced practitioners or seeking guidance from a meditation or yoga teacher can be helpful.

Step 5: Be Patient#

Opening and balancing chakras is a gradual process. Don’t rush it. With consistent practice and patience, you’ll make progress.

Step 6: Integrate and Observe#

As you open and balance each chakra, observe how it impacts your life and well-being. You may notice positive changes in your life as you go.

Step 7: Maintain Balance#

Remember that maintaining balance is essential even after you’ve worked with all your chakras. Continue practicing meditation, yoga, or other chakra-balancing activities regularly.

By taking a step-by-step approach, you allow yourself to understand and integrate the energies of each chakra more effectively.

Remember, the journey of chakra work is about self-discovery and growth. Be kind to yourself, and enjoy exploring and nurturing your inner energy centers!

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