A glimpse into Chakras…
Chakras are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC.
Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
In Yoga, we work with an energy system and there are seven main chakras of that system.
We are made up of thousands of energy channels (known as nadis) and the main places that these channels meet in the body are known as our chakras. Some say there are 114 different chakras, but there are seven main chakras that run along your spine.
Chakras are more than just energy centers; they are pivotal in shaping our awareness. When a chakra is out of balance, our awareness gets trapped at that level, preventing us from ascending to higher states of consciousness. Only by balancing each chakra can we climb this ladder of awareness.
MULADHARA – THE ROOT CHAKRA
Symbol : The root Chakra symbol consists of a 4-petalled lotus flower, a square, and a downward-facing triangle. Each element is said to represent the 4 aspects of the human mind, uniting to form the birth of the human consciousness.
Element : Earth
Location : Base of the spine
Colour : Red
Meaning : Stability. Grounding.
Our root chakra is what connects us to Earth, keeping us grounded. It’s role is to give us the basics we need to survive, so when it’s balanced we feel secure in all aspects of life including financial and emotional situations. Spending time in nature is a really great way to balance your root chakra.
SVADISHTHANA – SACRAL CHAKRA
Symbol : The symbol for the Svadhishthana Chakra or Sacral Chakra is made up of multiple circles, a crescent moon, and six lotus flower petals. The circles and crescent moon represent the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, while the 6 petals portray the 6 negative aspects of our nature that we need to overcome to open this chakra.
Element : Water
Location : Just above the pubic bone
Colour : Orange
Meaning : Sexuality. Creativity. Pleasure.
The sacral chakra is our home of pleasurable activities, the creative life force that allows us to enjoy being. It’s a common mistake to assume that the sacral chakra just relates to sex and relationships and although it does, that’s not all it’s about. It’s more to do with doing the things that make YOU happy… which for a lot of us, that might be having sex with our loved one!
MANIPURA – SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Symbol : The Solar Plexus Chakra symbol consists of a downward-pointing triangle within a ten-petalled lotus flower. The ten petals symbolize ten negative character traits that we have to conquer, while the triangle is the Agni tattva or fire of kundalini energy which signifies our inner strength.
Element : Fire
Location : Stomache. Upper abdomen.
Colour : Yellow
Meaning : Self esteem. Confidence.
This is where we create our self-confidence, authenticity and identity. When we say “I just have a ‘gut’ feeling about this” in a situation, it all relates back to our solar plexus and knowing what feels right for us. When we are balanced in this chakra, we are connected to our own wisdom and personal truth… some even call it the warrior chakra, as it makes us feel powerful. Just be sure to use that power wisely and kindly.
ANAHATA – HEART CHAKRA
Symbol : In the Heart Chakra symbol, two triangles intersect to form a yantra which represents the balance of yin and yang, or upward and downward forces. Outside, there is a lotus flower with 12 petals symbolizing the twelve divine qualities associated with the heart.
Element : Air
Location : Heart space
Colour : Green
Meaning : Love. Compassion.
Feeling loved, knowing we are worthy of love and sending love our there into the world. Compassion and kindness towards yourself and others is key and when you’re balanced, you’ll be able to accept and receive love equally, even in tricky situations. It can be very easy to knock your heart chakra out of balance, as we tend to give a lot more love to others than we give to ourselves.
VISHUDDA – THROAT CHAKRA
Symbol : The symbol of the Throat Chakra consists of a 16-petalled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle which holds a circle within. This represents spiritual growth and the purification of the body, mind, and spirit.
Element : Space
Location : Throat area
Colour : Blue
Meaning : Communication.
Vishudda is all about communication and doing it with love, kindness and honesty. Knowing which words to use in certain situations is a sign of a balanced throat chakra, but as with all of the chakras, it can easily be put out of balance.
ANJA – THIRD EYE CHAKRA
Symbol : The Third Eye Chakra symbol consists of an inverted triangle resting in a circle between two lotus petals. The two petals and downward-facing pyramid both signify wisdom, emphasizing the Third Eye Chakra’s role in our journey to spiritual awareness.
Element : N/A
Location : Throat area
Colour : Indigo
Meaning : Intuition. Imagination.
Our third eye chakra is where we find our wisdom, our intuition and our psychic energy.
SAHASRARA – CROWN CHAKRA
Symbol : The Crown Chakra symbol is depicted as a ring of a thousand lotus petals surrounding an inverted triangle. This symbolizes the rising of divine energy into the Crown Chakra, bringing spiritual liberation and enlightenment.
Element : N/A
Location : Top of the head
Colour : Violet / White
Meaning : Awareness. Intelligence
Your crown chakra is the places where everything comes together in unity, connecting both your inner world with the entire universe around you – it’s like a universal energy, where everything is one.
To energize the crown chakra, you need to work through the lower six chakras first and once they are aligned, you’ll be able to open up to this connection.
Some things that come into keeping your Chakras in balance are …
Your Diet
One of the main reasons for an imbalance in the chakras is an imbalance of the five elements in the body. A balanced diet helps to bring balance to the elements of the body.
Your Physical Practice / Asana
Asanas help to stimulate the chakras, and improve their functioning. They also clear the way for the chakras to heal themselves.
Breathwork
Breathing helps to increase the flow of prana in the body, and removes the stale prana.
Meditations
Many practitioners meditate to unblock chakras. Chakra meditation calms the mind and helps the practitioner focus energy towards a problematic point in the chakra system.
Mudras
Mudras are hand gestures typically performed in yoga and meditation to focus energy where it's needed most. To balance the chakras, we balance the element in the body by performing the corresponding mudra.