To uncover the secrets of the universe, we must start with our own bodies. Our body is a powerhouse of energy, and by harnessing it, we can become the best versions of ourselves. This energy is concentrated in our bodies as chakras – centres of cosmic energy flow.
What are Chakras?
The term “chakra” is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “wheel.” Chakras are spinning discs of energy that impact various aspects of our lives. Imagine a bicycle; its wheels ensure movement and balance. Similarly, the seven main chakras in our bodies help us maintain balance and move forward in life.
While some believe there are 114 chakras corresponding to different nerve bundles and organs, the seven primary chakras aligned along our spine are most prominent. They are responsible for channeling the cosmic prana (energy) within us.
Origin of Chakra Philosophy
The philosophy of chakras dates back to 1500-1000 BC, during India’s peak of intellectual and spiritual development when texts like the Vedas and Puranas were written. Modern-day philosophies and yoga practices are re-incorporating these ancient teachings, bringing the knowledge of chakras back into the spotlight.
Blocked, Underactive and Overactive Chakra
In chakra philosophy, many issues are believed to stem from chakras being blocked, underactive, or overactive. Each chakra influences specific regions of the body and mind. Balancing chakras through yoga and asanas can address these imbalances. Now without further ado let’s discuss all the 7 chakras in human body and their significance.
1. Root Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Muladhara
- Location – Base of spine
- Element – Earth
- Colour – Red
- Crystal – Red jasper, onyx, hematite
- Yoga pose– Malasana squats, mountain pose
The root chakra addresses basic needs like food, water, and shelter. A balanced root chakra provides a sense of safety and security. Blockages can lead to fear, nightmares, and lower back issues. An underactive root chakra causes anxiety and insecurity, while an overactive one results in an excessive attachment to material pleasures.
How to Unlock the Root Chakra:
- Practice Grounding: Spend time in nature, walk barefoot on grass, or sit under a tree.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I am safe and secure.”
- Meditate: Focus on your connection to the earth, imagining roots growing from your spine into the ground.
2. Sacral Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Swadhistana
- Location- Below navel, above the pubic bone
- Element- Water
- Colour – Orange
- Crystal- Carnelian, tiger’s eye, sunstone
- Yoga pose- Goddess pose, warrior II
This chakra governs emotions and creativity. A balanced sacral chakra fosters healthy relationships, passion, and abundance. Blockages can cause depression or addictive behaviors. An underactive sacral chakra leads to infertility, while an overactive one results in emotional instability.
How to Unlock the Sacral Chakra:
- Get Creative: Engage in activities like drawing, dancing, or cooking.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I am creative and passionate.”
- Meditate: Focus on your lower abdomen, visualizing a warm, orange glow.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Manipura
- Location – From navel to the ribcage
- Element – Fire
- Colour – Yellow
- Crystal – Citrine, Pyrite, amber
- Yoga pose – Boat pose, twists
The solar plexus chakra is the center of personal power, will, and self-esteem. Balance brings confidence and positive self-belief. Blockages can cause low self-esteem, anger, and procrastination.
How to Unlock the Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Build Confidence: Set and achieve small goals.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I am strong and confident.”
- Meditate: Focus on your upper abdomen, visualizing a bright yellow sun.
4. Heart Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Anahata
- Location – The Canter of the chest
- Element – Air
- Colour – Green and pink
- Crystal – Rose Quartz, malachite, jade
- Yoga pose – Reverse plank, upward facing dog, backbends
The heart chakra embodies love and compassion. Balance enables us to give and receive love freely, fostering acceptance and spiritual awareness. Blockages result in anger, grief, and self-hatred. Overactivity leads to dependency, while underactivity causes jealousy and neediness.
How to Unlock the Heart Chakra:
- Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I am open to love.”
- Meditate: Focus on your chest, visualizing a green, glowing light.
5. Throat Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Vishuddha
- Element – Ether
- Location – Near thyroid
- Colour – Blue
- Crystal – Kyanite, aquamarine
- Yoga pose – Fish Pose, shoulder stand
The throat chakra governs communication and self-expression. Balanced, it helps articulate thoughts clearly and listen effectively. Blockages cause difficulty in self-expression and truth-speaking. Overactivity results in being overly judgmental, while underactivity affects focus.
How to Unlock the Throat Chakra:
- Express Yourself: Write in a journal or speak openly to a friend.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I speak my truth clearly.”
- Meditate: Focus on your throat, visualizing a blue, glowing light.
6. Third Eye Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Ajna
- Location – Between eyebrows
- Element – Light
- Colour – Indigo
- Crystal – Amethyst, purple fluorite, labradorite
- Yoga pose – Child’s pose, Dolphin pose
The third eye chakra is the center of intuition and insight. Balance helps bridge the physical and spiritual worlds, aiding in clarity and inner voice awareness. Blockages hinder intuition and learning. Overactivity can lead to overwhelming clairvoyance, while underactivity results in overthinking.
How to Unlock the Third Eye Chakra:
- Trust Your Intuition: Pay attention to your inner voice.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I am open to my intuition.”
- Meditate: Focus on the area between your eyebrows, visualizing an indigo light.
7. Crown Chakra
- Sanskrit name – Sahasrara
- Location – The crown of the head
- Element – None
- Colour – Violet
- Crystal – Selenite, clear quartz, lepidolite
- Yoga pose – Headstand, Tree pose
The crown chakra represents higher consciousness. Its activation leads to enlightenment and connection to universal consciousness. Blockages cause apathy, anxiety, and restlessness. Activation requires advanced yogic and meditative practices.
How to Unlock the Crown Chakra:
- Connect Spiritually: Spend time in meditation or prayer.
- Use Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like “I am connected to the divine.”
- Meditate: Focus on the top of your head, visualizing a violet light.
Bottom Line
All our chakras are interconnected. Balancing them aligns our mind, body, and soul, allowing us to live life to the fullest. Activating the seven chakras can heal us from within, helping us realize our true potential and purpose. As we explore these energies, we uncover the secrets within ourselves, leading to ultimate self-discovery and growth.
Anjani Kumar Shrivastava, a distinguished yoga expert with decades of experience, brings healing and wisdom through yoga therapy, meditation, and Ayurvedic principles. His remarkable Read more
