Chakras! You may have heard them mentioned in a Yoga class or perhaps in a TV show or movie with talk about someone’s Chakras being blocked. Maybe someone told you to work on a certain Chakra and you wondered what that meant. No worries, you are not alone. Here’s what to know about this ancient, complex energy system.
Although the concept of Chakras (pronounced with the “ch” as in “chalk”) is derived from ancient Tantrik Yoga traditions which flourished from about 600 to 1300 CE, they have recently become more well known with the increase in Yoga’s popularity and New Age philosophies. Chakras offer a fascinating framework for understanding the flow of energy within our bodies. In his February 5, 2016 Blog entitled “The Real Story on Chakras”, Christopher Wallis, Ph.D, defines Chakras as “focal points for meditation within the human body, visualized as structures of energy resembling discs or flowers at those points where a number of nadis (channels or meridians) converge.” These energy centers are aligned along the spine and, according to modern Western interpretation, each one governs different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By exploring the Chakras, we may gain insights into our holistic health and learn how to use the power of these energy centers to foster balance and harmony in our lives.
Chakras may be described as small but powerful centers of energy located inside our body. They cannot be seen or touched as they are composed of energy alone (without physical matter) and are considered part of the astral body. Chakras are located along the spine and we can visualize them starting from the bottom of the torso and rising to the crown of the head. The most common view is that there are 7 Chakras, based on the Sat-Chakra-Nirupana written by a man named Purnananda Yati in 1577. However, some other commentators believe that there are many more Chakras throughout the body and even some outside the body. This makes sense if you consider that there are thousands of nadis or invisible energy channels extending throughout your body and that energy has an essentially fluid quality. But for now, we will address the classic 7 Chakra system that is widely followed today.
Chakra is a Sanskrit word that translates as wheel or disk. According to the ancient scriptures, Chakras are shaped like a sphere or ball that rotates in a manner that distributes energy. Although it is impossible to say for sure, it seems that the Chakras are quite small because they are capable of existing within the astral energy of the spinal cord. Small, yet mighty, the Chakras distribute the pranas to their associated local areas of the body. For example, the first Chakra at the bottom of the spine distributes energy called “apana prana” to the pelvic area and related organs.
Why are Chakras important? These powerful energy centers each relate to a specific spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical aspect of our being. When blocked or malfunctioning, you may experience physical, psychological and/or emotional imbalances. Christopher Wallis tells us that in the original Sanskrit sources “we are not being taught about the way things are, we are being given a specific yogic practice.” In other words, visualizing the Chakras may provide a prescription of how to improve our emotional/physical wellbeing rather than just a description of what exists. Mr. Wallis goes on to say that “we are to visualize the subtle object made of colored light, shaped like a lotus or a spinning wheel, at a specific point in our body, then activate mantric syllables in it, for a specific purpose.” So, the idea is to visualize the Chakras or a particular Chakra, infuse them or it with vibrations by chanting a mantra and reap the benefits. With conscious awareness and the balancing of the Chakras we may simply feel better, emotionally, mentally and physically.
How do I balance the Chakras? By bringing vibrations to these energy centers through the practice of certain Yoga postures (asanas), along with mantra repetition and meditation. All aspects of authentic Yoga lead to increased health and wellness and the balancing of Chakras is integral to its practice.
Mr. Wallis states that the main purpose of the Chakras is to function as a means of placing the energy of certain higher powers and mantras into specific points in the subtle body. Thus, each of the 7 Chakras has its own specific qualities and characteristics (as listed below) which we can visualize and use to help us on our journey. These lists are a starting point for your inquiry and, hopefully, will lead you to explore this practice more deeply.
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Location: Base of the spine between the anus and genitals
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “Lam.”
Function: The Root Chakra is the foundation of our energy system, associated with feelings of safety, stability, and grounding. It governs our basic needs like security, survival, and physical health. When balanced, you feel stable and secure; when out of balance, you may experience fear, anxiety, or instability.
How to Balance: Engage in grounding activities like walking barefoot on natural surfaces, practicing Yoga poses that connect you to the earth like mountain pose (Tadasana) and tree pose (Vrkshasana), and focusing on affirmations related to security and stability.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
Location: Lower abdomen, about 4 fingers length below the navel
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “Vam.”
Function: The Sacral Chakra is linked to creativity, pleasure, emotional well-being and the basic need for sexuality. It influences our ability to experience joy, nurture relationships and express our creativity. A balanced Sacral Chakra fosters a healthy, vibrant emotional life, while an imbalance may lead to emotional instability or creative blocks.
How to Balance: Engage in creative activities, practice self-care, and explore movement such as dancing or swimming. You can work on balancing this Chakra by practicing Yoga poses like garland squat (Malasana), crow (Kakasana) or triangle (Trikonasana). Meditation focusing on the water element and affirmations about emotional well-being may also help.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Location: the solar plexus, between the navel and the bottom of the rib cage
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “Ram.”
Function: The Solar Plexus Chakra is the center of personal power, healthy self-esteem, and confidence. It governs our sense of identity, willpower, and ability to assert ourselves. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra boosts confidence and determination, while imbalance may result in feelings of powerlessness or excessive control.
How to Balance: Practice appropriate assertiveness and set personal goals. Engage in activities that build confidence, like public speaking or challenging yourself physically within reason. Yoga poses like seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana) and boat (Navasana) will support this Chakra. Visualization and affirmations focused on personal strength, self-love and self-worth may be beneficial.
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Location: Heart center in the middle of the chest
Color: Green
Element: Air
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “Yam.”
Function: The Heart Chakra is the center of love, compassion, and forgiveness. It governs our ability to connect with others and experience deep, meaningful relationships. A balanced Heart Chakra fosters love, empathy, and emotional healing, while imbalance may lead to isolation or emotional coldness.
How to Balance: Practice compassion and self-love through acts of kindness, both towards yourself and others. Engage in heart-opening Yoga poses like bridge (Setubandhasana), fish (Matsyasana) and camel pose (Ushtrasana) as well as meditation on love and forgiveness.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Location: Throat area
Color: Blue
Element: Ether (Space)
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “Ham.”
Function: The Throat Chakra is associated with communication, expression, and truth. It governs our ability to speak our truth and express ourselves authentically. A balanced Throat Chakra allows for clear and honest communication, while imbalance may lead to difficulty expressing oneself or fear of speaking.
How to Balance: Practice speaking truthfully with kindness and listen actively. Engage in activities that promote vocal expression, such as singing or chanting. Yoga poses such as shoulderstand (Sarvangasana), lion’s breath (Simhasana) and plow (Halasana) may be helpful. Meditation and affirmations focusing on expression and clarity may also be helpful.
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Location: In the center of the head, behind the eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Element: Light
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “OM.”
Function: The Third Eye Chakra is the center of intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. It governs our ability to perceive beyond the physical realm and connect with our inner wisdom. A balanced Third Eye Chakra enhances intuition and clarity, while imbalance may lead to confusion or a lack of direction.
How to Balance: Engage in practices that enhance intuition, such as meditation and japa mantra (repetition of a phrase or word). The Yoga poses called child’s pose (Balasana), down dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), and headstand (Shirshasana) may be helpful. Pay attention to dreams and intuition, and practice mindfulness. Visualization exercises focusing on clarity and insight may be beneficial.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Location: Top of the head
Color: Violet or White
Element: None
Mantra: the seed mantra (bija mantra) is “OM” or silence.
Function: The Crown Chakra is the center of spiritual connection and enlightenment. It governs our sense of unity with the Universe and our higher Self. A balanced Crown Chakra fosters spiritual growth and a deep sense of connection, while imbalance may lead to feelings of disconnection or spiritual confusion.
How to Balance: Engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or contemplation. Explore practices that connect you to a higher purpose or sense of Universal oneness. Trying the Yoga pose called corpse (Savasana) which allows deep relaxation and practicing affirmations in the form of japa mantra that are focused on spiritual connection and enlightenment may also help.
Conclusion
Exploring the 7 Chakras offers a profound way to understand and enhance your holistic well-being. By tuning into these energy centers, you may foster balance and harmony in your physical, emotional and spiritual life. Whether you’re new to the concept of Chakras or deepening your existing practice, embracing this ancient wisdom may lead to a richer, more balanced life.
Namaste
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