What are Chakras?
The energy centres of the body are known as chakras. They are found in the astral body, going from the base of the spine up to the top of the skull. The energy body that resides inside our physical body is called the astral body. There is an astral body portion that corresponds to each physical body component. It is impossible to see or touch the astral body. We are unable to view the chakras for the same reason.
Each chakra emits a distinct colour and energy. Everyone corresponds to a gland in the human body. It is said that physical, psychological, and emotional conditions can result from the blocking or dysfunction of a chakra since each one is related to distinct spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical parts of our existence. On the other side, it is said that being cognizant of and balancing these energy centres results in happiness and good health.
The above statement relates to yoga’s goal. Yoga aims to open and align these chakras, or bodily energy centres, via asana practice. Continue reading to find out more about the 7 chakras, their signs, qualities, outcomes, and balancing methods.
How many Chakras are there in our body?
The majority of the time, we hear about the “seven chakras,” yet the human body contains an endless number of chakras. Each of the seven chakras has a particular vibration, colour, symbol, and sound attached to it. Your physical, mental, and emotional health may manifest differently depending on whether these energy centres are open or closed. As they manifest in the body, the seven main chakras are:
- Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra
- Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra
- Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra
- Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra
- Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra
- Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra
- Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra
The 7 Chakras: Symbols, Symptoms and Effects
1. Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra
Symbol: A downward-pointing triangle, a square, and a lotus flower with four petals make up the Root Chakra sign. According to this theory, each element stands for one of the four aspects of the human mind that come together to create consciousness.
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Location: The Root Chakra, often referred to as the Muladhara Chakra, is situated between the anus and the genitalia at the base of the spine. It is characterised by feelings of self-sufficiency, stability, ambition, and survival.
Signs of Blocked Root Chakra: When this chakra is out of balance, a person begins to feel unsteady, unrooted, lacklustre, scared, insecure, and irritated.
Signs of Balanced Root Chakra: In contrast, when the Root Chakra is balanced, they are swapped out for more uplifting feelings, and you experience a sense of stability, assurance, balance, energy, independence, and strength.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Muladhara Chakra is ‘Lam’.
2. Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra
Symbol: The Svadhishthana Chakra, also known as the Sacral Chakra, is represented by a crescent moon, six petals of a lotus flower, and several circles. The six petals depict the six negative parts of our nature that we must get through in order to awaken this chakra, while the circles and crescent moon symbolise the cyclical process of life, death, and rebirth.
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Location: The Svadhishthana Chakra, sometimes referred to as the Sacral Chakra is situated four fingers below the navel in the lower belly. Its qualities include creativity, self-worth, and the fundamental urge for sexuality.
Signs of Blocked Sacral Chakra: When the sacral chakra is out of balance, a person may experience emotional instability and irritability, feel exhausted and uninspired, feel manipulative, or become preoccupied with ideas of sex.
Signs of Balanced Sacral Chakra: One feels more alive, content, cheerful, fulfilled, compassionate, and intuitive when it is balanced.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Svadhishthana Chakra is ‘Vam’.
3. Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra
Symbol: The symbol for the solar plexus chakra is a downward-pointing triangle enclosed in a lotus flower with 10 petals. The triangle represents our inner power, and the triangle’s Agni tattva, or fire of kundalini energy, represents the 10 petals, which stand for the ten negative character qualities we must overcome.
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Location: Between the navel and the base of the rib cage, near the solar plexus, is where the Manipura Chakra is situated. Emotions like ego, rage, and violence are its defining characteristics.
Signs of Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra: Physical symptoms of a solar plexus chakra imbalance include diabetes, liver issues, and digestive issues. A person may have emotional difficulties such as sadness, low self-esteem, rage, and perfectionism.
Signs of Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra: By balancing this chakra, we feel more energetic, confident, productive, and focused.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Manipura Chakra is ‘Ram’.
4. Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra
Symbol: Two triangles connect to create a yantra in the Heart Chakra symbol, which stands for the harmony of yin and yang, or upward and downward energies. There is a lotus flower outside with twelve petals, signifying the twelve holy attributes related to the heart.
Color: Green
Element: Air
Location: The Anahata Chakra is situated in the area of the heart, as its name suggests. The feelings of love, attachment, compassion, trust, and passion are those associated with this chakra, which is the seat of balance.
Signs of Blocked Heart Chakra: A person may experience emotional problems including wrath, lack of trust, anxiety, jealousy, fear, and moodiness when the heart chakra is out of balance.
Signs of Balanced Heart Chakra: By balancing this chakra, we feel more energetic, confident, productive, and focused.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Anahata Chakra is ‘Yam’.
5. Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra
Symbol: The Throat Chakra is represented by a 16-petal lotus blossom around an inverted triangle with a circle within. This symbolises the development of the spirit and the sanctification of the body, mind, and spirit.
Color: Blue
Element: Space
Location: The thyroid gland and the Visuddha Chakra are both found at the base of the throat. It is linked to creativity, positive expression, faith, and effective communication.
Signs of Blocked Throat Chakra: The throat chakra can get blocked when we are afraid, silent, feel weak, or find it difficult to convey our views.
Signs of Balanced Throat Chakra: This chakra promotes creativity, healthy self-expression, effective communication, and a sense of fulfilment when it is in balance.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Vishuddha Chakra is ‘Ham’.
6. Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra
Symbol: The Third Eye Chakra is represented as an inverted triangle that is perched in the middle of two lotus petals within a circle. The pyramid that faces downward and the two petals both stand for knowledge, highlighting the Third Eye Chakra’s significance in our quest for spiritual consciousness.
Color: Indigo
Element: None
Location: The Ajna Chakra, also known as the Agya Chakra, is situated in the space between the eyebrows. It is frequently utilised as a focal point during asana practice to increase awareness and concentration. It is also known as the Third Eye Chakra. It is stated that focusing on this chakra during meditation removes the karma from previous lifetimes and leads to emancipation and intuitive understanding. Intelligence, intuition, insight, and self-knowledge are some of its qualities.
Signs of Blocked Third Eye Chakra: When out of balance, it may either make you feel narcissistic, unassailable, non-assertive, and fearful of success. Physical issues like headaches, hazy vision, and eye strain might indicate an imbalance.
Signs of Balanced Third Eye Chakra: A person feels more vivacious and self-assured when this chakra is open and in harmony spiritually and emotionally. When one is not afraid of dying, they become their own masters and are unattached to worldly possessions.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Ajna Chakra is ‘Om’.
7. Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra
Symbol: The image of the Crown Chakra is an inverted triangle surrounded by a ring of a thousand lotus petals. The ascent of divine energy into the Crown Chakra, which brings about spiritual liberty and enlightenment, is represented by this.
Color: Violet White
Element: None
Location: The crown of the head is home to the Sahastrara or Crown Chakra. The centre of spirituality, enlightenment, and vibrant mind and energy is the seventh chakra. It offers the gift of cosmic consciousness and enables the inner flow of wisdom.
Signs of Blocked Crown Chakra: When it becomes out of balance, one may experience ongoing irritation, depression, and harmful emotions.
Signs of Balanced Crown Chakra: Spiritual awareness, inner tranquillity, and a clear comprehension of the universe are all facilitated by a balanced Crown Chakra.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Sahastrara Chakra is ‘Aum’.
Many individuals find that their spiritual journey and the awakening of their chakras go hand in hand. Engaging in spiritual practices can help you become more aware of your energy centres and promote their balance and alignment. Likewise, when your chakras are balanced, you may experience a heightened sense of spiritual awareness and connection said Sarika Bhardwaj. She is a certified Spiritual Life Coach in India, Theta Healing Practitioner, and a Tarot Card Reader in India.
How to Balance Your Chakras
Every chakra revolves at a certain speed and frequency. Numerous variables, including dietary habits, way of life, cognitive patterns, etc., might alter this frequency and pace. When there is an imbalance, the pranas are distributed incorrectly. Imagine what would occur if a 50-watt light bulb started receiving a 500-watt or 10-watt power source! Bringing the chakras back to their normal pace is what we mean when we talk about balancing or waking them.
There are various ways to unblock your chakras; there isn’t just one. Everyone will have a different preferred method for clearing their chakras, thus it is up to you to experiment to see which approach works best for you. A few well-liked instruments and methods for chakra purification and balance are listed below:
- Diet
An imbalance of the body’s five components is one of the major causes of chakra imbalances. The components of the body can be brought back into balance with a balanced diet.
- Asanas
The chakras are stimulated and perform better as a result of asana practice. Additionally, they make it possible for the chakras to repair themselves.
- Breathing
The act of breathing encourages the body’s prana to flow more freely and expels stagnant prana.
- Meditation
Meditation is used by many practitioners to open chakras. Chakra meditation helps the practitioner direct energy towards a troublesome chakra point while calming the mind.
- Mudras
Chakra Mudras are hand positions used often in yoga and meditation to direct energy where it is most needed. By doing the matching mudra, we may balance the elements in the body and hence the chakras.
Conclusion
The seven chakras are strong energy body centres that support you in keeping a balanced emotional and physical state of being. You must thus routinely check in with these energy centres and take time out of your hectic schedule to enhance the flow of prana to each. Chakra alignment can also assist you in tuning into your inner Self and releasing the divine power inside on a deeper level.
Are you ready to initiate a profound journey of self-exploration and spiritual evolution guided by the Best Spiritual Life Coach in India, Sarika Bhardwaj?