Chakras, as the name suggest, are ‘wheels’ of energy situated in different points of the body. They are associated with the physical, emotional and mental health of the body. It is an ancient science and finds mention in scriptures like the vedas and other texts.
The chakras in our body should be open and aligned, to allow energy to pass through them. Although there are more than 100 minor chakras located all over our body, there are 7 main ones (all of which are indicated with a different colour) which serve different purposes:
- Root , or Muladhara Chakra (Red)
Located near the base of the spine, and because it is located at the foundation of your body, it gives us a sense of grounding, stability and security. A blocked muladhara chakra is said to manifest as physical issues like bladder problems and arthritis. It could also lead to lethargy and anxiety, making you feel less productive.
- Sacral, or Swadishtana Chakra (Orange)
The swadishthana chakra is located near the lower abdomen region, and some issues that can arise if it is blocked are lower back pain, intestinal issues, urinary tract infection. Emotionally, the swadisthana chakra is responsible for enhancing our feelings of excitement, creativity and compassion.
- Solar Plexus, or Manipura Chakra (Yellow)
This chakra, near the stomach/upper abdomen area is largely responsible for controlling feelings of self-esteem and confidence. If it is blocked, we are prone to feelings of self-doubt and diminishing will power. Physical issues manifest themselves in the form of digestive issues such has heartburn and ulcers, among other conditions.
- Heart, or Anahata Chakra (Green)
As the name suggests, the Anahata chakra is positioned near the chest. It is said that blocks in the anahta chkara of people can be seen through their actions, where they often put the needs of others in front of their own, much to their own detriment. As it is the middle-placed chakra, it connects the lower chakras to the upper ones, and provides the necessary balance. Physical health problems like asthma and weight issues can also be seen if the anahata chakra is blocked.
- Throat, or Vishuddha Chakra (Blue)
Being placed near the throat, the vishuddha chakra is linked with our ability to communicate effectively verbally. It is said that blocking of the vishuddha chakra can be seen with people being timid in their speech and not being to express their thoughts well. Mouth ulcers, laryngitis, thyroid problems are some of the physical health issues which can occur due to the vishuddha chakra being blocked.
- Third Eye, or Ajna Chakra (Indigo)
The Ajna chakra is located between the eyebrows and blockages can be manifested as headaches, problems concentrating properly, and a loss of intuition as well. An open and aligned ajna chakra paves the way for the person to be clear in his thoughts and not be narrow in their perception.
- Crown, or Sahasrara chakra ( Violet)
The crown chakra is located at the top of the head and is considered the highest chakra in the body. It is said to be the centre for divine connection and spiritual awakening. Negative feelings and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia can be a result of the blockage in the sahasrara chakra.
These 7 chakras of the body ideally should be in sync, so that there is an uninterrupted flow of energy through them, therefore keeping you emotionally and physically fit. There are various activities that we can do which helps in the balancing of these chakras. For example, Reiki healing is a very popular method through which one can align the chakras of the body. There are different yoga asanas as well which concentrate on balancing specific chakras. Physical exercise and diet too help in keeping our chakras in sync.
