In Sanskrit, the word chakra (pronounced chaa-kruh) means wheel or disc. Chakras are thought to be portals in which the main energetic channels of the body flow. There are more than 72,000 energetic channels in the body, called nadis (pronounced nah-dees). In Chinese Medicine, these nadis are referred to as meridians, which you may recognize if you have received acupuncture or acupressure.
Nadi's are essentially pathways that carry life force energy throughout the body. This life force energy is referred to as prana, also known as qi (pronounced as chee) in Chinese Medicine. It is important to note that prana is not necessarily breath, but the life force energy that rides along the breath. The three main nadis are ida, pingala, and sushumna. Ida (left) and pingala (right) intersect on the sushumna (center) nadi seven times, these intersection points are known as the chakras.
According to Damla Aktekin, "Chakras are electromagnetic vortices that take in and redistribute subtle life force energy in and around the body. Understanding this system can give you a roadmap for what areas of your body and your life need attention and care right now.”
The goal is to maintain balance within each chakra. When balanced, energy can flow freely throughout the body. A blocked or overactive chakra can prevent this flow, which is why equilibrium is key.
Each chakra represents and governs different themes, characteristics, and body parts. Here is a brief overview of the chakras to get a better understanding of their properties.
Muladhara Chakra - Root
Location: Perinium, base of spine, coccygeal plexus
Sanskrit Meaning: Root of Existence
Color: Red
Sense: Smell
Element: Earth
Function: Grounding
Governs: Physical safety, roots
Body Parts: Hips, legs, feet, teeth, bones, adrenals
Affirmation: I am, I have
Svadhisthana Chakra - Sacral
Location: Lower abdomen, genitals, womb
Sanskrit Meaning: Seat of the Self, Sweetness
Color: Orange
Sense: Taste
Element: Water
Function: Procreation, Creation
Governs: Desire, pleasure, sexuality, creativity, emotions
Body Parts: Genitals, womb, bladder, kidney, circulatory system
Affirmation: I feel
Manipura Chakra - Solar Plexus
Location: Naval to solar plexus Sanskrit Meaning: Lustrous gem, City of jewels
Color: Yellow
Sense: Sight
Element: Fire
Function: Will, assertiveness
Governs: Personal power, individuality, uniqueness
Body Parts: Digestive systeem, pancreas, muscles
Affirmation: I can
Anahata Chakra - Heart
Location: Heart
Sanskrit Meaning: Unhurt, Unstruck, Unbeaten
Color: Green
Sense: Touch
Element: Air
Function: Compassion, love
Governs: Giving and receiving love, compassion, community
Body Parts: Lungs, heart, arms, hands
Affirmation: I love
Vishuddha Chakra - Throat
Location: Throat
Sanskrit Meaning: Pure
Color: Blue
Sense: Hearing
Element: Sound
Function: Communication, gratitude
Governs: Listening and being heard, refined artistic expression, voicing your needs
Body Parts: Throat, thyroid, neck, shoulders
Affirmation: I speak
Ajna Chakra - Third Eye
Location: Center of the head slightly above eye level
Sanskrit Meaning: Command
Color: Indigo
Sense: Intuition
Element: Light
Function: Seeing, intuition, clarity
Governs: Listening to your insight, tapping into your intuition, choosing your thoughts
Body Parts: Eyes, pineal gland, face
Affirmation: I see
Sahasrara Chakra - Crown
Location: Top of head
Sanskrit Meaning: Thousand Petaled
Color: Purple/White
Sense: All senses
Element: Thought
Function: Wisdom, information, awareness
Governs: Relationship to all life, consciousness, purpose, the element of vibrations
Body Parts: Pituitary gland, cerebral cortex, central nervous system
Affirmation: I know
I love this image created by The Ascension Healer, that demonstrates each chakra in a balanced and unbalanced state. Now that you know a little more about each chakra, do you notice areas in which you may be blocked or overactive? How can you find more stability here?
Know that balancing the chakras is a constant practice. The chakra that you place more focus on can change overtime, or sometimes you may just be focusing on overall maintenance. The purpose is to be aware of what is coming up and intentional about moving towards balance, in order to support optimal wellness and vitality.
I hope this brief overview of the chakra system provides you with more information and gives you and idea of what needs a little more attention and TLC in your life. If you are eager to learn more, I highly recommend the book Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD.
If you want to connect with your chakras, I have a series of guided yoga nidra practices on the free meditation app, Insight Timer. You can learn more about yoga nidra in this post. Please reach out if you have any questions. I would love to hear about your experience if you feel like sharing.
With love and gratitude,
Hayley