Chakra in Sanskrit means ‘wheel’. Chakras are the energy centres in and outside the body, existing in the energy field of a person that governs physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and are the powerhouse of Prana. Prana is the life-sustaining energy that flows throughout the body through these spinning vortexes called chakras. Any blockages in the flow of this energy, or excess or stagnant energy results in disharmony that manifests as dis-ease or ailments in the physical body, and creates imbalance in the psychological attributes of a person. Chakras are shaped like a two sided funnel, with 2 larger diaphragms on the opposite ends (one on the front side and the other on the back side of the body) with a tapered center.
There are 114 chakras in the physical body, out of which 7 are considered to be the predominant ones, called the Major Chakras, positioned from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The functions of these 7 chakras range from regulating the organs in the body, to balancing the emotions and expanding our consciousness, and are vital in maintaining the physical, mental and spiritual health.
The first 3 chakras from the base to the naval – Root chakra, Sacral chakra and Solar Plexus chakra - govern the physical needs and fundamental emotions, and are more like the foundation of a structure.
The 4th Chakra situated in the chest area, known as the Heart chakra opens to divine, unconditional love for self and others. It connects the 3 lower chakras with the 3 upper chakras in the body, and serves to unify the chakras and bring balance to the mind, body and spirit.
The upper 3 chakras from the throat to the crown, namely Throat chakra, Third Eye chakra and Crown chakra corresponds to the spiritual needs and aspects.
Each of the 7 chakras, individually, govern the different aspects of our life and are associated with specific colour, sound, smell, symbol, mantra, geometric shape, and crystals among others. Yoga, meditation, energy healing, affirmations, crystals, Bach flower remedy, sound therapy, colour therapy, essential oils, etc., help to open, balance, heal, re-align and revitalize the chakras to its optimal health. But beyond all, awareness is most vital to work with the chakras.
Root Chakra or Muladhara
Situated at the base of the spine, root chakra is known for its properties of grounding, stability and security such as financial independence, survival issues and staying connected in the present. A balanced root chakra energizes the whole body, increases vitality, and eases the manifestation of physical, mental and emotional needs, making the person feel secured, grounded and responsible for his life. The chakra gets blocked due to fear and the block may be experienced emotionally by feeling depleted, nervous, spacy, unsafe and insecure. Physically, the block may be manifested through bowel problems, blood ailment, fatigue, and issues with ankle, knee, hip and back. An overactive chakra may result in insomnia, heartburn, diarrhea, hyperthyroidism, greed, heightened materialism, workaholism, and resistance to change.
Chakra colour: Red | Sacred geometric symbol: Cube | Element: Earth | Sound: UH | Musical Note: C | Solfeggio Frequency: 396 Hz | Mudra: Gyan Mudra | Mantra Chanting: LAM (Pronounced as L-A-A-A-M) | Yoga-asana: Balasana | Gemstones: Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Shungite, Hematite, Garnet, Carnelian, Agate, Onyx, Pyrite, Ruby, Blood Stone, Red Jasper, Smoky Quartz, Jet, Black Spinel, Black Kyanite, Petrified Wood, Chiastolite, Cinnabar, Tiger’s Eye | Archangel: Archangel Jophiel | Aromatherapy: Vetiver, Patchouli, Ginger, Cedar, Juniper, Cinnamon, Ylang Ylang | Affirmation to balance the root chakra: I am safe with every breath I take
Sacral Chakra or Svadhisthana
Situated in the lower abdomen, two inches below the navel, the sacral chakra is the centre of sexuality, sensuality, emotions, pleasure, relationships and connection. A balanced sacral chakra will promote healthy reproductive organs, creativity, passion, and make one feel comfortable about themselves and their sexuality. The chakra is blocked by guilt, shame, powerlessness and lack of self-trust. Physical signs of the blocked chakra include painful periods, infertility, digestive problems, kidney and bladder issues, while emotionally it may be experienced as having low self-esteem, fear of intimacy and trust, creative block, fear of relationship with self and others. If the chakra is overactive, it may reflect in addictions, intolerance, highly emotional and overindulgent state.
Chakra colour: Orange | Sacred geometric symbol: Cube | Element: Earth | Sound: OOO | Musical Note: D | Solfeggio Frequency: 417 Hz | Mudra: Dhyani Mudra | Mantra Chanting: VAM (Pronounced as V-A-A-A-M) | Yoga-asana: Baddha Konasana | Gemstones: Carnelian, Sunstone, Moonstone, Orange Calcite, Orange Kyanite, Tangerine Quartz, Pearl, Ruby, Jasper, Amber, Citrine, Larimar, Red Aventurine | Archangel: Archangel Haniel | Aromatherapy: Sandalwood, Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Rosewood, Mandarin Red, Patchouli, Bergamot, Neroli | Affirmation to balance the sacral chakra: I let go of all that which does not serve me for my highest good
Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura
Situated two inches above the navel, the solar plexus chakra is known for personal empowerment. A balanced chakra reflects in being confident, empowered, and having healthy digestive system and adrenal glands. Sacral chakra is blocked by shame and self-doubt. Emotionally, the block reflects in a person as feelings of depression, low self-esteem, fear, anxiety, or passive, indecisive, timid or even attention seeking behavior. Physically, the block may cause poor digestion, loss of energy, obesity, asthma, low blood sugar, and problems related to pancreas and liver. If the chakra is overactive, it results in aggressiveness, being controlling & domineering, and obsessed to have power over others.
Chakra colour: Yellow | Sacred geometric symbol: Tetrahedron | Element: Fire | Sound: OH | Musical Note: E | Solfeggio Frequency: 528 Hz | Mudra: Hakini Mudra | Mantra Chanting: RAM (Pronounced as R-A-A-A-M) | Yoga-asana: Ardh Matsyendrasana | Gemstones: Citrine, Golden Yellow Calcite, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Moonstone, Tourmalinated Quartz | Archangel: Archangel Michael | Aromatherapy: Fennel, Juniper, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Grapefruit | Affirmation to balance the solar plexus chakra: I am who I am and I take pride to be myself
Heart Chakra or Anahata
Located in the center of the chest, the heart chakra governs love, compassion and forgiveness. A balanced heart chakra will promote a blissful state of being, unconditional love, compassion for self and others, maintain harmonious relationships, healthy heart, immune system and endocrine system. The chakra is blocked by grief and trauma. Emotional signs of blockage can be identified with grief, lack of empathy, un-forgiveness, fear of intimacy, guilt, trust issues, and loss of clarity. Physically, the block causes heart and lung diseases, high blood pressure and immune disorders. An overactive heart chakra results in over possessiveness.
Chakra colour: Green and Pink | Sacred geometric symbol: Octahedron | Element: Air | Sound: AH | Musical Note: F | Solfeggio Frequency: 639 Hz | Mudra: Gyan Mudra (Right hand on the chest and left hand on the knee) | Mantra Chanting: YAM (Pronounced as Y-A-A-A-M) | Yoga-asana: Bhujangasana | Gemstones: Rose quartz, Rhodochrosite, Fluorite, Rhodonite, Aquamarine, Green Aventurine, Green Calcite, Peridot, Prehnite, Malachite, Kunzite, Emerald, Moss Agate, Green Kyanite, Jade, Epidote, Green and Pink Tourmaline, Watermelon Tourmaline, Amazonite, Mangano Calcite, Seraphinite, Rose Aura, Coral, Ruby, Chrysocolla, Diamond | Archangel: Archangel Chamuel | Aromatherapy: Rose, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Pine, Spearmint | Affirmation to balance the heart chakra: I am open to receive and give love
Throat Chakra or Vishuddha
This chakra is situated in the throat and is responsible for creativity, communication, and speaking the truth. If the chakra is balanced, one may experience unobstructed flow of creativity, efficient communication (including telepathic and intuitive channelling) and self-expression. Physically, a balanced chakra promotes healthy lungs, thyroid, and respiratory system.
The chakra is blocked by lies and illusion, and physically, it can be experienced by having sore throat, hypothyroid, tonsillitis, respiratory and ear problems. Emotionally, the block can result in lack of creativity, anxiety, and trouble in expressing self. An overactive throat chakra results in being too verbal with less listening ability, hyperthyroid and obsessed to win an argument or have the last word.
Chakra colour: Light Blue | Sacred geometric symbol: Icosahedron | Element: Water | Sound: AYE | Musical Note: G | Solfeggio Frequency: 741 Hz | Mudra: Dhyana Mudra | Mantra Chanting: HAM (Pronounced as H-A-A-A-M) | Yoga-asana: Nakulasana | Gemstones: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Blue Lace Agate, Aqua Aura, Turquoise, Angelite, Celestite, Apatite, Azurite, Chrysocolla, Blue Kyanite, Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Shattuckite, Blue Calcite, Cavansite, Dumortierite, Blue Topaz, Celestial Aura, Sapphire, Iolite | Archangel: Archangel Zadkiel | Aromatherapy: Tea Tree, Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Peppermint, Cypress, Patchouli, Cedar wood, Lavender | Affirmation to balance the throat chakra: I speak my truth and I am not afraid to express myself
Third Eye Chakra or Ajna
Situated in the forehead between the eyebrows, the third eye chakra corresponds to insight, intuition and self-realization. This chakra is stimulated by the pineal gland. A balanced third eye chakra induces wisdom, insight, intuitiveness, visualization, self-realization, peaceful sleep, healthy eyes, and nervous system. The chakra is blocked by illusion and is experienced physically with constant headaches and migraines, insomnia, cognitive impairment, infertility, sight, hearing, tooth and mental health problems. Emotionally, the signs of a blocked third eye chakra are inability to think for self, loss of memory, lack of imagination, rigid thinking and beliefs, and poor intuition. When the chakra is overactive, it may result in not being grounded, irritability, confusion and poor sleep habits.
Chakra colour: Indigo | Sacred geometric symbol: Dodecahedron | Element: Spirit/Ether | Sound: EYE | Musical Note: A | Solfeggio Frequency: 852 Hz | Mudra: Kalesvara Mudra | Mantra Chanting: AUM (Pronounced as A-A-U-U-M) | Yoga-asana: Tadasana | Gemstones: Amethyst, Charoite, Azurite, Labradorite, Prehnite, Fluorite, Apophyllite, Petalite, Sugilite, Tanzanite, Herkimer Diamond, Iolite, Blue Kyanite, Ametrine, Opal, Titanium Aura, Covellite, Moonstone, Dumortierite, Pietersite, Pyrite, Lapis Lazuli, Elephant Skin Jasper/Mariam Stone/Calligraphy Stone | Archangel: Archangel Raphael | Aromatherapy: Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Patchouli | Affirmation to balance the third eye chakra: I SEE without judgement
Crown Chakra or Sahasrara
Situated in the crown of the head, this chakra is about spirituality, oneness and soul realization. A balanced crown chakra brings bliss, inner peace, claircognizance and promotes healthy central nervous system and pineal gland. Crown chakra is blocked by earthly attachments and may reflect physically with having poor sleeping habits, headaches, migraines, tinnitus, brain disorders, Parkinson disease, and paralysis. Emotional signs of blockage include depression, rigid thinking, and feeling lonely and disconnected with life. An overactive crown chakra creates imbalance between the physical body and the spirit causing one to feel disconnected with the physical body which may lead to headaches, migraines and sleep disorders.
Chakra colour: Violet / White | Sacred geometric symbol: Dodecahedron | Element: Spirit/Ether | Sound: EEE | Musical Note: B | Solfeggio Frequency: 963 Hz | Mudra: Akash Mudra | Mantra Chanting: ANG (Pronounced as A-A-A-N-G) | Yoga-asana: Natarajasana | Gemstones: Clear Quartz, Selenite, Optical/Clear Calcite or Iceland Spar, Amethyst, Topaz, Herkimer Diamond, Lepidolite, Angelite, Rainbow Obsidian, Diamond, Celestite, Sunstone, Tektite, Opal, Phenakite, Apophyllite | Archangel: Archangel Gabriel | Aromatherapy: Frankincense, Vetiver, Lavender, Jasmine, Myrrh | Affirmation to balance the crown chakra: I am one with everything there IS