The seven chakras are the main energy centers of the body. You’ve probably heard people talk about “unblocking” their chakras, which refers to the idea that when all of our chakras are open, energy can run through them freely, and harmony exists between the physical body, mind, and spirit.
Chakra translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy.
What are Chakras?
Chakras are the energy centers of the body. They are located in the astral body, along the spine, starting at its base and running upwards to the crown of the head. The astral body is the energy body residing inside our physical body. Each physical body part has a corresponding astral body part. The astral body cannot be seen or touched. This is also a reason why we cannot see the chakras.
The chakras radiate a specific colour and energy. Each one coincides with a gland in the physical body. Since each chakra relates to specific spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of our being, it is believed that their blockage or malfunction can lead to physical, psychological, and emotional disorders. The conscious awareness and balancing of these energy centers, on the other hand, is believed to lead to well-being and good health.
The above ties into the purpose of yoga. Through asana practice, yoga seeks to stimulate and balance these chakras or energy centers in the body. Read on to learn more about the 7 chakras, their symbols, attributes, effects, and balancing techniques.
How many Chakras are there in the body?
Mostly, we hear about the ‘seven chakras’ but, there is an infinite number of chakras in the human body. A specific vibration, color, symbol and sound are associated with all 7 chakras. Depending on whether these energy centers are healthy or blocked, you may experience different attributes of your physical, mental, and emotional health. The 7 main chakras as they appear in the body 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
Does a Chakra have a shape?
There are many myths about the shape of the chakras. Some say they are like whirling discs, while others believe they are like flowers hanging from the spine. Some people even think that they resemble an ice cream cone! All these different ideas exist simply because the chakras cannot be seen by the eyes or by any device. So, we tend to believe whatever becomes commonly circulated.
The ancient scriptures say that a chakra is shaped like a sphere or a ball. And it is even believed that planet earth is a major chakra of the solar system and a minor chakra of our galaxy, the Milky Way. It rotates to distribute some energy, but knowing more about this remains beyond the scope of the human imagination.
What is the size of a Chakra?
Some people say that chakras are one foot in radius, while others say that they change their size according to the energy flow. Scriptures, on the other hand, tell us that the chakras are very small, as they are located in the astral spinal cord, which is further located inside the physical spinal cord.
The 7 Chakras: Symbols, Symptoms and Effects
1. Muladhara Chakra – 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.
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Location: The Root Chakra also known as the Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine, between the anus and the genitals. It is characterized by the emotions of survival, stability, ambition, and self-sufficiency.
Symptoms of a blocked Root Chakra: When this chakra is out of balance, a person starts feeling unstable, ungrounded, lack of ambition, lack of purpose, fearful, insecure and frustrated.
A blocked root chakra can manifest as physical issues like arthritis, constipation, and bladder or colon problems, or emotionally through feeling insecure about finances or our basic needs and well-being. When it’s in alignment and open, we will feel grounded and secure, both physically and emotionally.
Signs of a balanced/imbalanced Root Chakra: However, when the Root Chakra is balanced, these are replaced by more positive emotions, and you feel stable, confident, balanced, energetic, independent, and strong.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Muladhara Chakra is ‘Lam’.
2. Svadhishthana Chakra – 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.
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Location: The Svadhishthana Chakra, more commonly known as the Sacral Chakra, is located in the lower abdomen, about four fingers below the navel. Its attributes include the basic need for sexuality, as well as creativity and self-worth.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Sacral Chakra: When the Sacral Chakra is imbalanced, a person may feel emotionally explosive and irritable, sense a lack of energy and creativity, feel manipulative, or obsessed with sexual thoughts.
Issues with this chakra can be seen via problems with the associated organs, like urinary tract infections, lower back pain, and impotency. Emotionally, this chakra is connected to our feelings of self-worth, and even more specifically, our self-worth around pleasure, sexuality, and creativity.
Signs of a balanced Sacral Chakra: When balanced, it makes one feel more vibrant, happy, positive, satisfied, compassionate, and intuitive.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Svadhishthana Chakra is ‘Vam’.
3. Manipura Chakra – 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.
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Location: The Manipura Chakra is located at the solar plexus, between the navel and the bottom of the rib cage. It is characterized by emotions like ego, anger, and aggression.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra: An imbalance of the Solar Plexus Chakra can manifest physically as digestive problems, liver problems, or diabetes. On an emotional level, one might struggle with depression, lack of self-esteem, anger, and perfectionism.
Blockages in the third chakra are often experienced through digestive issues like ulcers, heartburn, eating disorders, and indigestion. It’s the chakra of our personal power. This means it’s related to our self-esteem and self-confidence.
Signs of a 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: 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.
Color: Green
Element: Air
Location: As the name implies, the Anahata Chakra is located in the heart region. This chakra is the seat of balance, and it is characterized by emotions of love, attachment, compassion, trust, and passion.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Heart Chakra: When the heart chakra is imbalanced, a person may deal with emotional issues like anger, lack of trust, anxiety, jealousy, fear, and moodiness.
Blocks in our heart chakra can manifest in our physical health through heart problems, asthma, and weight issues. But blocks are often seen even more clearly through people’s actions.
People with heart chakra blocks often put others first, to their own detriment. It’s the middle of the seven chakras, so it bridges the gap between our upper and lower chakras, and it also represents our ability to love and connect to others. When out of alignment, it can make us feel lonely, insecure, and isolated.
Signs of a balanced Heart Chakra: By harmonizing this energy center, a person begins to feel more compassionate, caring, optimistic, friendly, and motivated.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Anahata Chakra is ‘Yam’.
5. Vishuddha Chakra – 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.
Color: Blue
Element: Space
Location: The Visuddha Chakra is located at the base of the throat, coinciding with the thyroid gland. It is associated with inspiration, healthy expression, faith, and the ability to communicate well.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Throat Chakra: A blockage in the throat chakra may be experienced as timidity, quietness, a feeling of weakness, or the inability to express our thoughts.
As one would expect, this chakra is connected to our ability to communicate verbally. Voice and throat problems as well as any problems with everything surrounding that area, such as the teeth, gums, and mouth, can indicate a blockage. Blocks or misalignment can also be seen through dominating conversations, gossiping, speaking without thinking, and having trouble speaking your mind. When in alignment, you will speak and listen with compassion and feel confident when you speak because you know you are being true to yourself with your words.
Signs of a balanced Throat Chakra: When this chakra is balanced, it enables creativity, positive self-expression, constructive communication, and a sense of satisfaction.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Vishuddha Chakra is ‘Ham’.
6. Ajna Chakra – 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.
Color: Indigo
Element: None
Location: The Ajna Chakra (pronounced as ‘Agya Chakra’) is located between the eyebrows. Also known as the Third Eye Chakra, it is often used as a focal point during asana practice to develop more concentration and awareness. It is said that meditating upon this chakra destroys the karma of past lives and brings liberation and intuitive knowledge. Its attributes are intelligence, intuition, insight, and self-knowledge.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Third Eye Chakra: When imbalanced, it may make you feel non-assertive and afraid of success, or on the contrary, it can make you more egotistical. An imbalance can manifest as physical problems like headaches, blurry vision, and eye strain.
Since this chakra is physically located on the head, blockages can manifest as headaches, issues with sight or concentration, and hearing problems. People who have trouble listening to reality (who seem to “know it all”) or who are not in touch with their intuition may also have a block. When open and in alignment, it’s thought that people will follow their intuition and be able to see the big picture.
Signs of a balanced Third Eye Chakra: When this chakra is active and balanced, a person feels more vibrant and confident, both spiritually and emotionally. In the absence of the fear of death, one becomes his own master and remains free of all attachment to material things.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Ajna Chakra is ‘Om’.
7. Sahastrara Chakra – 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.
Color: Violet White
Element: None
Location: The Sahastrara or Crown Chakra is located at the crown of the head. The seventh chakra is the center of spirituality, enlightenment, and dynamic thought and energy. It allows for the inward flow of wisdom and brings the gift of cosmic consciousness.
Symptoms of a blocked/imbalanced Crown Chakra: When it gets imbalanced, one might suffer from a constant sense of frustration, melancholy and destructive feelings.
The crown chakra is linked to every other chakra (and therefore every organ in this system), and so it affects not just all of those organs, but also our brain and nervous system. It is considered the chakra of enlightenment and represents our connection to our life’s purpose and spirituality. Those with a blocked crown chakra may seem narrow-minded, skeptical, or stubborn. When this chakra is open, it is thought to help keep all the other chakras open and to bring the person bliss and enlightenment.
Signs of a balanced Crown Chakra: A balanced Crown Chakra promotes spiritual understanding, inner peace and a clear perspective on the world.
Mantra: The seed mantra (beej mantra) of Sahastrara Chakra is ‘Aum’.
What powers does chakra have?
Each of our seven main chakras serve different purposes in the body. “They not only play an important role in the optimal functioning of the different set of organs, glands, and systems in the human anatomy, but they also allow us to experience and move through the different layers of this physical realm,” Garcia says. According to her, it is through the seven main chakras that we experience, grow, and evolve, and when all the chakras are balanced and harmonious, we are able to live our best lives.
As Stardust explains, here is the role played by each main chakra:
- Your Root Chakra focuses on stability and security. It helps you feel grounded and able to withstand challenges.
- Your Sacral Chakra rules sexual and creative energy. It also influences how you relate to your emotions and the emotions of others.
- Your Solar Plexus Chakra is all about confidence, as well as helping you feel in control of your life.
- Your Heart Chakra is linked to self-love and love for others.
- Your Throat Chakra is a place of speaking truth and ensuring your inner truths are properly communicated.
- Your Third Eye Chakra governs your intuition. It’s also linked to imagination.
- Your Crown Chakra is all about your connection to spirituality. It also plays a role in your life’s purpose.
Can Chakras influence health?
Chakras are associated with the organs and glands of the particular region where they are located. As such, they have a strong bearing on our health, our mental state, and our relation with others. Based on various factors such as our lifestyle, environment and surroundings, past experiences, etc, the chakras can either be balanced or imbalanced. If a chakra is imbalanced, it goes into either a hypoactive or a hyperactive mode. A hypoactive or blocked chakra’s functioning is either insufficient or reduced. Likewise, a hyperactive chakra means there is too much energy flowing into that particular region, and as such, there is an imbalance in the overall flow of energy throughout the body.
How do I know if my Chakras are blocked?
Since chakras are interrelated, when one of them is imbalanced, it causes a disturbance in the functionality of the other chakras as well. This makes people feel disconnected, anxious, fearful, and it also manifests as health problems in one or more areas of the body.
To function at their best, your chakras need to be balanced. And for this, you need to know what the chakras actually do and what are some of the things you can do to take care of them.
How do Chakras work and why are they important?
The chakras act as distribution centers. They distribute the five pranas to their associated local regions. For example, the root chakra will distribute the ‘apana prana’ to the pelvic region and provide energy for the organs in this region. When a chakra is blocked or not functioning properly, this distribution pattern gets disturbed, and physical or psycho-emotional/energy issues arise.
How to balance your Chakras
Every chakra rotates at a specific frequency and speed. This frequency and speed can change due to various factors like diet, lifestyle, thought patterns, etc. An imbalance starts creating problems with the distribution of the pranas. Imagine what will happen if a 50 watt light bulb starts getting a 500 watt or 10-watt electricity supply! When we speak about balancing or awakening the chakras, we mean bringing them back to their regular speed.
There is no one single method to unblock your chakras, but rather several. The best way to unblock your chakras will be different for everyone, and it’s a matter of trial and error to find out which method works for you. Here are a few popular tools and techniques for chakra cleansing and balancing:
1. 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.
2. Asanas
Asanas help to stimulate the chakras, and improve their functioning. They also clear the way for the chakras to heal themselves.
3. Breathing
Breathing helps to increase the flow of prana in the body, and removes the stale prana.
4. Meditation
Many practitioners perform meditation to unblock chakras. Chakra meditation calms the mind and helps the practitioner focus energy towards a problematic point in the chakra system.
5. Mudras
Chakra 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.
Final Thought
The 7 chakras are powerful points in the energy body that help you maintain a healthy physical and emotional balance in life. For this reason, it’s vital that you observe these energy centers regularly and take time out of your busy day to improve the flow of prana to each. On a deeper level, aligning your chakras can also help you tune
Why Chakras Get Blocked
Chakras can get clogged and cause numerous problems in our everyday lives.
Imagine a beautiful, flowing stream in a mountainous forest. Undisturbed, the water will flow from the very top of the mountain to the very bottom. It will eventually lead to the sea.
This is water’s natural course, right? But imagine now that, due to an extreme storm, the biggest, heaviest boulder you’ve ever seen rolls into the stream. It’s now blocking the flow.
Because of this, the current stops, unable to access any land below the boulder.
This is a perfect analogy for how the chakras work because the flowing water mirrors the flow of energy through the energy centers.
The giant rocks of life that can block our chakras are:
- Work stress
- Financial turmoil
- Poor diet
- Sexual oppression
- Low self-esteem
- Suppressed anger
- Illness
- Grief
- Heartbreak
- Rejection
- Resentment
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Stubbornness and tunnel vision
- Denial
It is, of course, a chicken-and-egg scenario. Whether the work stress comes first or whether the root chakra blockage comes first…it’s all a mystery.
Our chakra expert, Anodea Judith, adds that these blocks are like knots that occur as a result of resistance, aka, our “nots.” She explains, “These knots are your ‘nots’, where you can not, do not, or have not…and you want to turn all those not’s into a ‘yes!’ for you in your life.”
Why Multiple Chakras Block Together
What remains clear is that once one chakra is out of alignment, it tends to have a knock-on effect on the surrounding chakras. Even though the chakras can get clogged individually, they can also get clogged in clusters.
For example, let’s say that your partner has seriously crossed a boundary. They’ve crushed your self-esteem with something they said. That clogs up your solar plexus chakra. In addition, you’re most likely going to feel betrayed, less appreciated, and perhaps less loving towards them too. This is a classic example of a heart chakra blockage.
That’s two blocks for the price of one!
So as you can see, although the chakras are powerful beyond measure, they’re also pretty sensitive to all of your human experiences.
Thankfully, just as the chakras can be blocked and closed, so too can they be cleared and opened.
Transform Your Energy Points With Tips On How to Unblock Chakras
There are a variety of ways you can unblock and open your chakras, and it can be quite easy to do. Here are a few ways that come highly recommended:
- Chakra meditations
- Chakra crystals
- Essential oils
- Using affirmations
- Making slight behavioral changes
Keep in mind that perfectly healthy, flowing chakra energy is pretty hard to come by, so don’t feel disheartened if you suspect an imbalance.
And once you identify which energy center the blockage is located in, here are a few ways you can unblock it.
1. How to unblock the root chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: feeling generally ungrounded and unsafe. In fear, anxiety, lack, and the “I don’t have enough“-ness mindset. Potential digestive upset.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, and imagine a glowing red ball of energy in the perineum or cervical area. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I am safe and grounded.”
Stones: Hematite, Black Onyx, and Smoky Quartz
Essential oils: Vetiver, spikenard
Behavioral changes: Self-soothing, taking time to engage in psychical body experiences like eating hearty meals. Getting enough sleep and walking in nature, for example.
2. How to unblock the sacral chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: Feeling “zapped” with little to no creativity or sex drive. Potential urinary, sexual, or hormonal disturbances.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing orange ball of energy in the pelvic region. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I enjoy the pleasures of life.”
Stones: Orange Calcite and Citrine
Essential oils: Ylang-ylang, rose, tangerine
Behavioral changes: Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, playing an instrument, tantric sex, and mindful eating, for example.
3. How to unblock the solar plexus chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: Feeling frustrated, weak-willed, and insecure. Lacking self-esteem, confidence, and personal power. Because of this, potential stomach tightness and nausea may occur.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing yellow ball of energy in the stomach. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I am strong and I know my worth.”
Stones: Tiger’s Eye and Sunstone
Essential oils: Atlas cedarwood, lemongrass, helichrysum
Behavioral changes: Setting boundaries, practicing saying “No,” enhancing self-esteem, exercising, and doing things you’re good at, for example.
4. How to unblock the heart chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: Hurt, grief, heartbreak, loneliness, disconnection, and lack of compassion. Potential chest pain, heartburn, heaviness, and stooped posture.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing green ball of energy in the heart space. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I am loved and I am loving.”
Stones: Rose Quartz and Aventurine
Essential oils: Rose
Behavioral changes: Practicing self-compassion, gratitude, and random acts of kindness. Engaging in activities such as cuddling, intimacy, gift-giving, and expressing love, for example.
5. How to unblock the throat chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: Telling lies, little to no self-expression, and fear of speaking up. Potential sore throat and stiffness in the neck.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing sky-blue ball of energy in the neck or throat. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I speak my truth and express myself openly.”
Stones: Aquamarine and Sodalite
Essential oils: Blue chamomile, frankincense
Behavioral changes: Telling the truth, finding ways to uniquely express yourself, and speaking your needs aloud, for example.
6. How to unblock the third eye chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: Stubbornness, narrow-mindedness, and denial of the spiritual world. Lack of inner intuitive guidance. Potential headaches.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing indigo ball of energy between the eyebrows or pineal gland. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I know who I am and I trust my intuition.”
Stones: Amethyst, Fluorite, and Lolite
Essential oils: Lemon, sandalwood
Behavioral changes: Frequent meditation, mindfulness, and listening to one’s “inner voice,” for example. Moreover, a new openness to spirituality may occur.
7. How to unblock the crown chakra
Common symptoms of blockage: Suffering “the human condition.” No connection to spirituality or “God” in whatever way one defines the concept.
Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing white or violet ball of energy on the crown of the head. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
Healing affirmation: “I am the Divine connected to all life in the Universe.”
Stones: Clear Quartz, Amethyst, and Moonstone
Essential oils: White lotus
Behavioral changes: An increased commitment to balancing all of the chakras. Frequent meditation, mindfulness, and an awareness of the oneness of all life. In addition, one may feel drawn to star-gazing, traveling, and lucid dreaming.
How to Activate Chakras In the Human Body
To balance your chakras in a quick and easy way, you should start with a simple chakra meditation.
Chakra activation involves focusing on each chakra individually and breathing into them with your full concentration. To enhance the experience, many people like to use affirmations and chakra stones.
An example of a chakra meditation
Start by focusing on each chakra individually for a couple of minutes or so.
While you do this, pay full attention to the chakra’s location and the energy you wish to infuse it with.
Also, feel free to imagine a glowing, colored light spinning clockwise for every chakra. Remember to start with the root chakra and end with the crown chakra.
For each chakra, use the affirmation. Say it with belief, concentration, and passion. The way you meditate will make all the difference.
So, go all in, even if it feels like your comfort zone is being pushed to its limits.
Why use chakra stones?
Chakra stones are optional when you meditate. But they may aid your concentration and make the process smoother energetically too.
When you change the chakra you’re meditating on, don’t forget to gently place your current chakra stone down and swap it for the new one.
