What Are Chakras?

7 Chakras or energy centres in the body are located in different regions like the head, spine, abdomen and more. These play a role in modulating your mood, causing spiritual growth, emotional enrichment and physical well-being. Associated with specific organs, every chakra is associated with the other to radiate energy and receive the incoming waves. 

In both Eastern and traditional spheres, the concept of Chakra is quite predominant and highly relevant. Also called the spinning wheels or circles of life, let us find out more about what chakras are! 

How Many Chakras Are There in the Body?

There are seven main chakras in the body, which extend along the length of the spine and crown of the head. Many other energy centres are located in the body; however, these seven are the primary ones. 

The circles of life are aligned along the body’s central axis, with the root chakra at the bottom of the spine and the crown chakra in the head region. In Western culture, specific colours are dedicated to the seven chakras. Numerous yoga poses are associated with activating the energy centres and cleansing them to get a beneficial impact. 

Does a Chakra Have a Shape?

Every chakra is associated with a specific shape, although it isn’t definitive. The word Chakra in Sanskrit translates to circle or wheel. This suggests that the energy centres in our body are spherical. However, many experts visualise them as triangles that are aligned along the body axis. Many other geometric shapes are also used to mark the chakras. 

In case of the heart chakra, a triangle is used to depict the energy centre. Two triangles are arranged in such a way that they form a six-pointed star. The Lotus sign or the Third Eye is the shape of the Crown chakra. The number of petals of the lotus often varies. Spheres, balls or even the Earth signify the shape of energy centres in the body. Further, these chakras are visualised with cones, flowers, and other forms. 

What is the Size of a Chakra?

The size of different chakras has not been determined yet. It varies based on the intensity of different energies and how experts visualise them. Energy flow and other factors are also associated with the size of the various life spheres.

Generally, many experts describe them as a foot radius. However, there are also notions about the period expansion and contraction of the energy centres. There are chakras arranged along the length of the spine, and some experts indicate that the chakras are extended outwards about a metre from the body. 

How Do Chakras Work?

The seven chakras in the body are associated with different aspects of well-being, both spiritually and physically. Will power, creativity, survival instincts, confidence, enthusiasm, empathy and productivity are manifestations of a functional chakra. Here’s more on how the seven different chakras work in our body: 

• Facilitates energy flow: Chakras are energy centres that radiate and receive energy. All the spiritual energies are assumed to intersect at these power wheels. 
• Creates balance and harmony: When the chakras are balanced, the energy flow is impeded. This leads to peace and connection with oneself and the universe. 
• Clears blockage: A blocked chakra can adversely affect your physical and mental well-being. Through different methods of manifestation, yoga and mindfulness, the chakras can be opened to facilitate the smooth flow of energy. 
• Activation and balancing: Chakras are quite powerful and help harness positive energies. Not only activation but balancing is also crucial to keep your mind, body and spiritual state in harmony. 

Why Are Chakras Important?

The site of energy harnessing in the body, chakras, are believed to be of immense spiritual and psychological importance. These chakras influence the life forces( prana). Alignment of the energy wheels is associated with various aspects of health and consciousness. The following are the importance of chakras: 

• Major energy centres: Chakras are considered rotating discs aligned along the axis of the spine. The power of the chakras is harnessed to achieve self-healing. 
• Impacts health: A balanced chakra impacts the overall well-being and health conditions. By harnessing the power of the chakra, you can initiate significant healing and avert many health ailments. It improves and strengthens the immune system, enhancing vitality and organ efficiency. 
• Causes spiritual development: The higher chakras in the body are associated with spiritual enrichment and the development of intuitions. This helps you to build a connection with oneself and beyond. 
• Promotes emotional well-being: Our emotional state is governed by how chakras function. When chakras are blocked, this can manifest into emotional imbalance and lead to manifestations like anger, fear and anxiety. 

Facilitates physical fitness: The functionality of chakras is linked to various other physical ailments like heart problems, skin complications, and digestive health.

Has there ever been a time when you find your mind and body completely out of sync? 

Or maybe it’s just an uncomfortable feeling of something missing

According to ancient Oriental procedures, this situation may be related to the disturbance of people’s chakras. The seven chakras, pictured as spinning wheels of light, are said to be the controllers of the prana – the fundamental life force that circulates in your body and affects your health, emotions, and spirituality. 

Exploring the 7 chakras of human body is like exploring some mythical realm of the human body. Each chakra in the human aura is located on the spine, starting from the skull down to the root. It has its frequency and is linked to colour, elements, and aspects of human personality. These energy centres, if known, help people know themselves well and have a better way of living life. 

Let’s briefly learn about the 7 chakras in human body.

What are the 7 Chakras in the Human Body?

1. Muladhara Chakra – Root Chakra

• Symbol: A square with a four-petaled lotus. It is a downward-facing triangle. 
• Colour: Red
• Element: Earth
• Location: At the base of the spine, near the perineum. 
• Symptoms of a blocked Root Chakra: Chronic leg or foot pain, low back pain, constipation, anxiety, insecurity, lack of confidence, feeling ungrounded, difficulty making decisions, procrastination
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Root Chakra:
• Balance: Anxious, fearful, and unstable
• Mantra:  “LAM” 
• Yoga poses to balance the Root Chakra: Tree, Garland and Chair Pose.

Balancing the Root Chakra  

• Spend time in nature: You can go for the process of grounding yourself on the surface of the earth. Take a peaceful walk in the park and wander around without shoes, engage in gardening, or just sit under a big tree’s shade and take a nap.
• Focus on stability: You can perform exercises that help you feel protected, for example, yoga poses that include mountain pose (tadasana) or warrior pose (virabhadrasana). 
• Practice pranayama: Pranayama techniques such as nadi shodhana or the technique of alternate nostril breathing are also effective in awakening the root chakra in your body.

2. Svadhishthana Chakra – Sacral Chakra

• Symbol: A crescent moon with a six-petal lotus. 
• Colour: Orange 
• Element: Water 
• Location: Near the lower abdomen, around the genital area, below the navel. 
• Symptoms of a blocked Sacral Chakra: Urinary tract infections, reproductive issues, guilt, shame, feelings of emptiness, difficulty setting boundaries, feeling overwhelmed by emotions
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Sacral Chakra:
• Balanced: Creative, passionate, and sexually healthy
• Imbalance: Difficulty expressing emotions, feeling uncreative or unfulfilled
• Mantra: “VAM”
• Yoga poses to balance the Sacral Chakra: Garland and Standing Forward Bend Pose.

Balancing the Sacral Chakra

• Engage in creative pursuits: You can take up dancing, painting, writing, or any other activity that you enjoy doing, as this will help you to relax. 

• Move your body: Some forms of movement that can help you stimulate the sacral chakra include dancing, swimming, and performing yoga poses that focus on the hips and the lower abdomen.  
• Connect with your senses: You can engage in activities that stimulate your five senses, for instance, listening to music, eating a tasty meal, or taking a bath.

3. Manipura Chakra – Solar Plexus Chakra

• Symbol: It is a downward-pointing triangle with a ten-petaled lotus flower. 
• Colour: Yellow 
• Element: Fire 
• Location:  Around the upper abdomen, around the navel area. 
• Symptoms of a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra: Stomach problems, digestive issues, low self-esteem, feelings of being controlled by others, procrastination, lack of direction
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra:
• Balanced: Confident, self-assured
• Imbalance: Low self-esteem, feeling powerless
• Mantra: “RAM”
• Yoga poses to balance the Solar Plexus Chakra:  Boat Pose

Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra

• Practice power poses: You can learn and practice yoga poses like warrior poses (virabhadrasana) or boat poses (naukasana) that can help you activate the solar plexus chakra and boost your confidence.
• Set and achieve goals: Setting achievable goals and celebrating your accomplishments can empower you and strengthen your sense of self-worth.
• Develop positive self-talk: You can challenge negative self-beliefs and cultivate affirmations that reinforce your power and potential.

4. Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra

• Symbol: Two intersecting triangles which give the shape of a star or a yantra. 
• Colour: Green
• Element: Air 
• Location: Situated at the centre of the chest, at the sternum. 
• Symptoms of a blocked Heart Chakra: Chest pain, breathing problems, difficulty loving yourself and others, fear of intimacy, difficulty trusting others, feeling disconnected
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Heart Chakra:
• Balanced: Loving, compassionate, and forgiving
• Imbalance: Feeling isolated, unloved, and struggling with relationships.
• Mantra: “YAM”
• Yoga poses to balance the Heart Chakra: Camel, Fish and Bridge Pose

Balancing the Heart Chakra

• Practice loving-kindness meditation: This technique is practised to cultivate love and feelings of compassion not only towards yourself but also towards others as well. 
• Connect with loved ones: You must spend good time with friends, family, or any close and cherished entities in your life. Improve communication quality and the quality of interpersonal relationships. 
• Acts of kindness: Your kindness to other people can be random to help the heart chakra and enhance feelings of oneness with others.  

5. Vishuddha Chakra – Throat Chakra

• Symbol: This is a sixteen-petaled lotus flower surrounding an inverted triangle holding a circle inside. 
• Colour: Blue 
• Element: Ether or Sound 
• Location: Present in the throat area 
• Symptoms of a blocked Throat Chakra: Sore throat, laryngitis, thyroid issues, difficulty communicating clearly, holding back thoughts
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Throat Chakra:
• Balanced: Clear and expressive communication.
• Imbalance: Difficulty expressing yourself, feeling unheard
• Mantra: “HAM”
• Yoga poses to balance the Throat Chakra: Supported Shoulder Stand, Fish Pose

Balancing the Throat Chakra

• Sing or chant: On a vocal level, it is advised to hum, sing mantras, be involved in a choir, or just sing a favourite song when you are trying to address the needs of the throat chakra. 
• Practise public speaking: You can be polite and gain self-confidence by joining any Toastmasters club or any public speaking event in order to conduct yourself better. 
• Journaling: Journaling allows you to vent while at the given time to express your thoughts and feelings. 

6. Ajna Chakra – Third Eye Chakra

• Symbol: It is an inverted triangle which rests on a circle placed between two lotus petals. 
• Colour: IndiGo 
• Element: Light 
• Location: Situated on the forehead between the eyebrows. 
• Symptoms of a blocked Third Eye Chakra: Headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, vision issues, overthinking, difficulty concentrating
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Third Eye Chakra:
• Balanced: Intuitive, insightful, and clear-minded.
• Imbalance: Confusion, lack of clarity, and difficulty making decisions.
• Mantra: “OM” or “AUM”
• Yoga poses to balance the Third Eye Chakra: Headstand

Balancing the Third Eye Chakra

• Meditation: You can practise meditation techniques, especially beneficial to the sixth chakra, in which the practitioner concentrates on visualisation and the third eye 
• Spending time in nature: You can spend time with nature as it is a way of opening the third eye and getting in contact with your inner self. 
• Dream journaling: Dreams can be insightful and used to decode a human’s anxiety; thus, journaling your dreams can be useful. 

7. Sahastrara Chakra – Crown Chakra

• Symbol: This is a thousand-petaled lotus flower, surrounded by an inverted triangle. 
• Colour: Violet
• Element: Space, or white light 
• Location: Present at the top of the head. 
• Symptoms of a blocked Crown Chakra: Headaches, sleep problems, issues with the neurological system, difficulty aligning with your true self, a lack of faith
• Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Crown  Chakra:
• Balanced: Spiritual awareness, a strong sense of purpose
• Imbalance: Feeling disconnected, lost, and unsure of your purpose
• Mantra: “OM” or “AH”
• Yoga poses to balance the Crown  Chakra: Headstand

Balancing the Crown Chakra

• Meditation: You can take up those practices that are associated with stillness, and achieving a connection with the spiritual self will stimulate the crown chakra. 
• Spend time in nature: Appreciation of quantity as such is able to cause feelings that call for reference to a large and boundless surrounding. 
• Spiritual practices: People can perform some form of worship, meditation, prayer, or physical travel to holy sites/religious institutions, which serve to feed the crown chakra.

Can Chakras Influence Health?

Chakras play a crucial role in modifying health and ensuring adequate functionality of the body. By facilitating free energy movement, the chakras have a major impact on physical and mental health. 

• Physical health: Imbalance in the chakra can manifest as various physical ailments. For instance, an imbalance in the root chakra can cause digestive issues and joint aches. 
• Mental well-being: Chakras predominantly impact your emotional and mental well-being. When the power of the chakras is not harnessed properly, they can lead to emotional manifestations like anxiety, fear and emotional detachment. This might make it difficult for you to connect with others and cause potential vulnerability and isolation.
• Spiritual enrichment: Through practising yoga and mindfulness, you can harness the power of the chakras and improve spiritual connectedness. 

What Happens When All Chakras Are Open?

When all the chakras are open and well-functioning, the body is in harmony with the fullest ability to ensure emotional and physical wellness. Here’s more on what happens when all the chakras are activated: 

• Enhanced energy flow: Once the chakras are open, they allow the free movement of energy to different body parts. This increases well-being and boosts vitality. 
• Emotional clarity: The aligned chakras can offer greater emotional clarity once the blockage is clear. This helps foster a deeper sense of understanding and connection with oneself. 
• Greater spiritual connection: By harnessing the energy of the life wheels, you can align better with your purpose and develop a stronger sense of intuition. 
• Access to full potential: With the chakras balanced in their state, one has higher confidence and potential to achieve greatness in life. With more creativity and a greater purpose, you can also achieve your goals. 
• Becoming more active to changes in life: Instead of simply surviving through the hassles and challenges of life, you turn them into opportunities for growth through activated chakras radiating positive energies. 

How Do I Know If My Chakras Are Blocked?

Symptoms of a blocked chakra can manifest in different forms. Often, blocked chakras lead to fatigue, an uneasy sensation, and disconnection from daily routine. Here is how you can detect whether your chakras are blocked or not: 

• Blocked Root Chakra: Signs of a blocked Root Chakra include a deep sense of fear, anxiety and insecurity. Often leg aches, foot complications and compromised immune systems can indicate root chakra blockage. 
• Blocked Sacral Chakra: When your Sacral Chakra is blocked, certain symptoms like guilt, low intimacy, lack of creativity, and lack of libido are observed. 
• Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra: When the functionality of the solar plexus chakra is hindered, there can be effects like chronic tiredness, lack of enthusiasm, self-doubt, insecurity and digestive problems. 
• Blocked Heart Chakra: Sometimes you can face difficulty trusting others, chest tightness, jealousy, bitterness and heart issues. This might be due to a blocked heart chakra. 
• Blocked Throat Chakra: With the throat chakra blocked, you might face difficulty expressing yourself, facing the truth, or even feeling unheard.
• Blocked Third Eye Chakra: Blurry vision, headache, eye strain, sinus issues and disconnectedness with one’s intuitions are common signs of blocked Third Eye. You might also be drawn to always doubt things based on what happened in the past. 
• Blocked Crown Chakra: You might feel that you have lost your purpose, and a sense of confusion when the crown chakra is not activated. 

How to Balance Your Chakras

There are various techniques like meditation, yoga, mindfulness and daily routine habits that can help you to activate the chakras and maintain balance between the energy wheels. 

Diet

Focus on your diet and eating habits to ensure the adequate functionality of chakras. While certain food components like fruits and proteins are associated with health habits, they are also good for activating the energy centres in our body. 

Asanas

You can engage in yoga and asanas every day to transform the way you feel and think. This impacts your health and enables you to feel better. The chakras are cleared, and there is free flow of energy. 

Breathing

Deep breathing methods through pranayama are also good for activating the energy centres in the body. The process facilitates free energy flow and balanced activity of the chakras. 

Meditation

Both meditation and affirmations are beneficial for clearing the blocked zones of the energy wheels. These techniques encourage positive energy flow in the body. 

Mudras

Mudras are believed to impact the activation of different chakras. For instance, the Prana mudra is associated with the Root chakra, while Agni Mudra promotes the opening of the Solar Plexus Chakra. Similarly, other mudras like Gyan Mudra and Hridaya Mudras impact the functionality of the Third Eye Chakra and Heart Chakra. 

Final Thought

Chakras or energy centres in our body are invaluable tools to align our spiritual, emotional and physical wellness. With a deeper understanding of the seven chakras or life wheels, you can activate them to your benefit and enhance your mental clarity and physical fitness. 

Blocked chakras can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being, hindering your productivity. Feel refreshed, motivated and ready to face any challenges in life through harnessing the power of the life wheels present within you.

Frequently Asked Questions for 7 chakras

1. What are the 7 chakras and their meanings?

The 7 chakras are energy centers in the body, each representing different aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being:

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara) – Stability and survival
   
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) – Creativity and sexuality
   
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Confidence and personal power
   
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata) – Love and compassion
   
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) – Communication and truth
   
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) – Intuition and wisdom
   
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) – Spiritual connection and enlightenment
   

2. How do I know if my chakras are blocked?

Blocked chakras may show up as physical symptoms (like fatigue, pain, or digestive issues) or emotional imbalances (such as anxiety, anger, or lack of focus). For example, a blocked throat chakra may lead to difficulty expressing yourself or frequent sore throats.

3. How can I open and balance my chakras?

You can balance your chakras through:

• Meditation and breathwork
  
• Yoga poses aligned with each chakra
  
• Affirmations and mantras
  
• Crystals and essential oils
  
• Chakra healing with a certified energy therapist
  

4. What happens when all 7 chakras are aligned?

When all chakras are balanced, you may feel emotionally stable, physically healthy, spiritually connected, and mentally clear. Energy flows freely throughout your body, enhancing overall well-being and harmony.

5. Which chakra should I start with?

Begin with the Root Chakra (Muladhara). It forms the foundation of your chakra system. A balanced root chakra gives you a sense of safety, stability, and grounding—essential before working on the higher chakras.

6. How long does it take to balance all 7 chakras?

There’s no fixed time. Some people feel shifts in a few weeks, while others may take months. It depends on your energy levels, emotional history, and consistency with healing practices like meditation, yoga, or therapy.

7. Are there specific yoga poses for each chakra?

Yes! Yoga can help activate and balance chakras. Examples include:

• Root Chakra: Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
  
• Sacral Chakra: Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
  
• Solar Plexus Chakra: Boat Pose (Navasana)
  
• Heart Chakra: Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
  
• Throat Chakra: Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana)
  
• Third Eye Chakra: Child’s Pose (Balasana)
  
• Crown Chakra: Headstand (Sirsasana) or meditation in Lotus Pose
  

8. Can diet and food help balance chakras?

Yes. Each chakra resonates with specific colors and food types:

• Root: Red foods (beets, tomatoes)
  
• Sacral: Orange foods (oranges, carrots)
  
• Solar Plexus: Yellow foods (bananas, corn)
  
• Heart: Green foods (spinach, broccoli)
  
• Throat: Blue foods (blueberries, herbal teas)
  
• Third Eye: Purple foods (grapes, eggplant)
  
• Crown: Light foods like fasting or spiritual nourishment
  

9. What are the symptoms of overactive or underactive chakras?

An overactive chakra may lead to overwhelming emotions or physical issues. An underactive chakra can cause lethargy or emotional disconnection. For instance, an overactive solar plexus chakra may lead to aggression, while an underactive one can cause low self-esteem.

10. Is chakra healing scientifically proven?

Chakra healing is considered part of holistic and alternative medicine. While there is limited scientific evidence specifically about chakras, practices like meditation, yoga, and breathwork central to chakra balancing are backed by research for reducing stress and improving well-being.