The concept of chakras has captivated spiritual seekers, healers, and yogis for centuries. Rooted in ancient Indian traditions, chakras represent energy centers within the body. They influence our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. But what exactly are chakras, and how do they function?
This post dives deep into the world of chakras. It explores what the 7 chakras are, where they’re located, what they govern, and how they impact your life. Whether you’re new to energy work or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide is here to help.
History and Origins of the Chakra System
The chakra system has its origins in ancient Indian philosophy, particularly within the traditions of Hinduism and early forms of Tantra. The earliest references to chakras are found in the Vedas, sacred texts that date back over 3,000 years. These texts described energy centers within the human body that govern both physical health and spiritual evolution.
The system was later expanded in classical yogic texts like the Yoga Upanishads and the Shat Chakra Nirupana, which laid the foundation for the modern seven-chakra model. In these texts, chakras were seen as vital energy centers aligned along the spine, each linked to different levels of consciousness.
What Are Chakras?
The word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “disc.” Chakras are often described as spinning wheels of energy. They are located in the subtle or astral body- not the physical body- and are aligned along the spine, starting from the base and rising to the crown of the head. This central energy channel is called the Sushumna Nadi, and it is one of the three main nadis, or energy pathways, in the body.
According to yogic tradition, the human energy system is composed of approximately 72,000 nadis– subtle channels through which life force energy (prana) flows. The seven primary chakras are considered the major junction points or hubs of these nadis, each acting as a vital energy center that regulates different physical, emotional, and spiritual functions.
Each chakra corresponds to specific organs, emotions, colors, and spiritual lessons. When your chakras are balanced, energy flows freely, supporting health and vitality. However, when chakras become blocked or imbalanced, you may feel stuck, anxious, or even physically ill.
There are many chakras in the body, but the seven main ones form the foundation of most chakra systems.
Why Chakras Matter
Chakras connect your physical body to your subtle energy body. They act as gateways for prana, or life force energy. When prana flows freely, you feel energized, clear, and peaceful. When the flow is disrupted, it can lead to emotional unrest, fatigue, or illness.
Understanding chakras can give you insight into your personal patterns, physical symptoms, and spiritual growth. By working with them, you can align your energy and live a more balanced, vibrant life.
The 7 Chakras and How They Work
Let’s take a closer look at each of the 7 chakras, one by one.
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
- Location: Base of the spine and Kundalini
- Color: Red
- Symbol: Red 4 petaled lotus
- Element: Earth
- Mantra: LAM
- Aromatherapy: ylang-ylang, vetiver, rosemary, pine, bergamot
- Gemstones: hematite, black tourmaline, garnet, red jasper
- Asanas: mula bandha, mahamudrasana, uttanasana, gajasana, utkatasana, malasana
- Music Note: C
- Deity: Ganesha
- Tissue: The bones
- Rules Over: smell, nose, and the organs of reproduction
- Part of the Mind: ahamkara (ego)
- Shadow Emotion: Fear
- Prana: Apana Vayu
The Root Chakra is all about stability, security, and survival. It governs your basic needs: food, shelter, and safety. When this chakra is balanced, you feel grounded and secure.
An imbalanced Root Chakra may cause fear, insecurity, or financial stress. Physically, you might experience issues in the legs, feet, or lower back.
Ways to Balance the Root Chakra:
- Practice grounding exercises like walking barefoot outdoors
- Use red crystals such as hematite or red jasper
- Repeat affirmations like, “I am safe and supported”
- Eat grounding foods like root vegetables
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
- Location: Below the navel
- Color: Orange
- Symbol: Orange 6 petaled lotus
- Element: Water
- Mantra: VAM
- Aromatherapy: cedarwood, tangerine, petitgrain, geranium, cinnamon
- Gemstones: garnet, carnelian, moonstone, goldstone
- Asanas: trikonasana, paschimottanasana, baddha konasana, supta vajrasana, malasana, balalingasana, sukhasana
- Music Note: D
- Deity: Lakshmi, Vishnu
- Tissue: fat/ adipose
- Rules Over: taste, the tongue, and the organs of elimination
- Part of the Mind: sensate mind (manas)
- Shadow Emotion: guilt
- Prana: Prana Vayu
The Sacral Chakra governs creativity, pleasure, emotions, and sexuality. It supports your ability to feel joy and form healthy relationships.
When blocked, you may feel emotionally numb, creatively stifled, or struggle with intimacy. Physically, it may cause issues in the reproductive organs or kidneys.
Ways to Balance the Sacral Chakra:
- Dance or engage in creative activities
- Use orange crystals like carnelian
- Drink plenty of mineral-rich water
- Repeat affirmations such as, “I embrace pleasure and creativity”
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- Location: Upper abdomen
- Color: Yellow
- Symbol: Yellow 10 petaled lotus
- Element: Fire
- Mantra: RAM
- Aromatherapy: grapefruit, rosemary, lemongrass, chamomile, marjoram
- Gemstones: jasper, golden topaz, tigers eye, citrine
- Asanas: trikonasana, paschimottanasana, baddha konasana, supta vajrasana, malasana, balalingasana, sukhasana
- Music Note: E
- Deity: Durga
- Tissue: muscle
- Rules Over: sight, the eyes, and the feet
- Part of the Mind: buddhi (intelligence)
- Shadow Emotion: shame
- Prana: Udana Vayu
The Solar Plexus Chakra governs your personal power, confidence, and sense of purpose. When balanced, you feel motivated, decisive, and in control.
An imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra may cause self-doubt, anger, or digestive issues. It can lead to problems with willpower and boundaries.
Ways to Balance the Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Practice yoga poses that help strengthen the core
- Use aromatherapy blends for the solar plexus
- Soak in sunlight and practice kapalabhati
- Use affirmations such as, “I am strong and confident”
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
- Location: Center of the chest
- Color: Green
- Symbol: Green 12 petaled lotus
- Element: Air
- Mantra: YAM
- Aromatherapy: eucalyptus, spearmint, copaiba, rose, jasmine
- Gemstones: malachite, emerald, rose quartz, turquoise
- Asanas: dhanurasana, bhujangasana, chakrasana, namaskar mudra, natarajasana, matsyendrasana, ustrasana
- Music Note: F
- Deity: Krishna
- Tissue: blood
- Rules Over: touch, the skin, and the hands
- Part of the Mind: citta (conditioned consciousness)
- Shadow Emotion: hate
- Prana: Vyana Vayu
The Heart Chakra is the center of love, compassion, and connection. It bridges the physical and spiritual chakras. When balanced, you feel loving, empathetic, and peaceful.
When blocked, it may lead to anger, jealousy, or envy. Physical symptoms could include heart or lung issues.
Ways to Balance the Heart Chakra:
- Meditate on the Spiritual Heart
- Incorporate aromatherapy blends focused on this energy center
- Laugh and spend time with people you love
- Repeat affirmations like, “I am open to receiving love”
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
- Location: Throat
- Color: Blue
- Symbol: Blue 16 petals lotus
- Element: Ether (Space)
- Mantra: HAM
- Aromatherapy: lemon, black pepper, wintergreen, peppermint, cypress
- Gemstones: lapis lazuli, aquamarine, blue agate, sodalite
- Asanas: sarvangasana, jalandhara bandha, simhasana, halasana, matsyasana, bhujangasana, ustrasana
- Music Note: G
- Deity: Saraswati
- Tissue: plasma
- Rules Over: the ears, and the vocal organ (mouth)
- Part of the Mind: jiva (individual soul)
- Shadow Emotion: deceit
- Prana: Samana Vayu
The Throat Chakra governs communication, truth, and self-expression. When open, you can express yourself clearly and listen actively.
A blocked Throat Chakra can cause difficulty speaking, fear of judgment, or sore throats. It may also lead to misunderstandings.
Ways to Balance the Throat Chakra:
- Sing, chant, or speak your truth
- Use blue crystals like lapis lazuli during your meditation
- Drink warm herbal teas
- Affirm: “I express myself freely and truthfully”
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
- Location: Between the eyebrows
- Color: Indigo
- Symbol: 2 petaled lotus
- Element: Mental Ether (space)
- Mantra: OM or KSHAM
- Aromatherapy: lavender, magnolia, ylang-ylang
- Gemstones: purple fluorite, azurite, moonstone, iolite
- Asanas: gajasana, padmasana, uttanasana, matsyendrasana, trinetra kumbhaka, vrikshasana
- Music Note: A
- Deity: Shiva
- Tissue: nerve tissue
- Rules Over: the mind as a sense organ and organ of action
- Part of the Mind: cosmic self
- Shadow Emotion: illusion
- Prana: primary prana
The Third Eye Chakra is the seat of intuition, insight, and inner vision. It helps you connect to your inner wisdom and spiritual awareness.
When blocked, you may feel disconnected, indecisive, or stuck in overthinking. Headaches or vision problems may occur.
Ways to Balance the Third Eye Chakra:
- Practice candle gazing meditation
- Use aromatherapy for this energy center
- Reduce screen time
- Affirm: “I trust my inner guidance”
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
- Location: Top of the head and above
- Color: Violet or white
- Symbol: Shining thousand petaled lotus
- Element: None
- Mantra: Silence, OM, or SHRIM
- Aromatherapy: lotus, frankincense, gardenia, lavender
- Gemstones: amethyst, white topaz, howlite
- Asanas: sirsasana, vriksasana, padmasana, kapilasana, savasana
- Music Note: A (or none at all)
- Deity: all of them!
- Tissue: shukra (reproductive fluid)
- Rules Over: cerebrum, voluntary nervous system, pineal gland
- Part of the Mind: paramatman (the supreme)
- Shadow Emotion: none
- Prana: none
The Crown Chakra connects you to Divine consciousness and universal wisdom. It governs spiritual connection and enlightenment.
An imbalanced Crown Chakra may lead to spiritual disconnection, apathy, or confusion. You might feel isolated or lack purpose.
Ways to Balance the Crown Chakra:
- Practice silent meditation or spend time in stillness and peaceful nature
- Use violet crystals like clear quartz or lepidolite
- Perform yoga poses for this energy center
- Affirm: “I am connected to the Divine”
How the Chakras Work Together
The chakras don’t operate in isolation. They form a system. Each one influences the others. If one is out of balance, it can affect the rest.
Think of the chakras as a ladder. Energy moves up and down this ladder. Grounding at the Root helps you rise toward spiritual connection at the Crown. In the same way, open higher chakras are best supported by stability at the lower ones.
Balanced chakras support emotional clarity, physical health, and spiritual growth. Working with them allows you to live a more integrated and conscious life.
Minor Chakras: The Supporting Energy Points
While the 7 major chakras form the core of the chakra system, there are 21 minor chakras that play important roles in the body’s energetic flow. These smaller energy centers help regulate specific functions and provide subtle energetic support. The minor chakras are roughly 3 inches in diameter, and they are located roughly 1 inch off of the body.
Some of the most recognized minor chakras include:
- Palm Chakras: Located in the center of each palm, these are vital for healing, giving, and receiving energy.
- Sole Chakras: Found in the soles of the feet, they assist with grounding and connecting to Earth energy.
- Ear Chakras: Located just above each ear, these support clairaudience and intuitive listening.
- Navel Chakra: Distinct from the Sacral Chakra, this chakra relates to vitality and life force.
Other minor chakras can be found in the knees, elbows, and even behind the eyes. Each minor chakra supports the body’s energetic communication and helps maintain harmony across the system.
These chakras work in harmony with the major ones, creating a complex yet beautifully integrated energetic map. Paying attention to the minor chakras, especially during healing modalities like Reiki or marma therapy, can enhance your awareness and expand your healing potential.
Embracing Your Energy Body
The 7 chakras form a powerful map of the energy body. Each chakra holds unique gifts, challenges, and opportunities for growth. By learning how they function and working with them intentionally, you can transform your inner and outer life.
Whether you begin with grounding your Root Chakra or opening your Heart, every small step counts. The more awareness and care you bring to your energy system, the more vibrant, clear, and connected you become.
Ready to go deeper? Explore individual chakra healing techniques or meditations to enhance your journey.
This post was all about the chakra system.
Other Posts You May Like:
