The Sanskrit word Chakra translates as wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this term refers to wheels of energy running the body.
If you are experiencing lack of energy, and concentrating on minor things takes the hell out of you it may just be the first sing of having your chakras out of balance. Balancing your chakras is THE way to find balance within your mind and your body.
Chakras? What are those?
Chakras are an ancient way of viewing the energy within your body. There are seven chakras and each one has its own powerful energy that must flow freely. When your chakras are balanced, your whole body is in balance and you experience feelings of harmony and elevation, one feels whole.
Here is a quick explanation of each chakra - its energy and function within the body:
*You can purchase this poster (and more) on our Etsy store
1. MULADHARA | Root Chakra
I love being in my body
I am centered and grounded
I am able to let go of fear
I know I am eternally safe
Is your connection to the earth and the foundation of your being, your roots, your connection to the physical world. When in balance, you experience a sense of physical security, safety, and you feel centred. People who feel well-supported have a strong Muladhara chakra.
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Sense: Smell
Obstacle: Fear
Location: Base of the spine, tailbone
Related Body Functions: Elimination of waste and toxins, core balance, pelvic floorPurpose: Feeling of being grounded, safe and secure.
Foods: Root vegetables (Beets, rutabagas, garlic, ginger, turnips, potatoes, and parsnips) and red fruits (apples or pomegranates)
What Can You Do: Reconnect your body with the earth by walking barefoot on grass or sand, walk outdoors, go hiking, or sit with your back against a tree to get grounded. And presence—being here now.
2. SVADHISTHANA | Sacral Chakra
I am alive, connected and aware
I embrace pleasure and welcome abundance
I am a sensual and creative being
My sexuality is sacred
Governs your ability to feel your emotions and experience pleasure, creativity and sexual energy. When in balance, life is more enjoyab
le. People who are enthusiastic and can accept pleasure naturally, have a strong Svadhisthana chakra.
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Sense: Taste
Obstacle: Guilt
Location: Two inches below the belly button in the lower abdomen
Related Body Functions: Lower digestion and absorption, immune system, sexual organs
Purpose: Feeling pleasurable, accepting, creative and abundant
Foods: Transparent liquids like teas and broths, orange foods - especially carrots, oranges, and orange juice but also melon, mango, or strawberries
What Can You Do: Through a habit of self-nurture and self-care. So get yourself in water on a regular basis or play music that duplicates the sound of the ocean / water. You can also take a nice relaxing walk in the moonlight.
3. MANIPURA | Solar plexus
I am confident in all that I do
I respect myself and I deserve a wonderful life
I chose health, healing and happiness
I act with courage and strength
ChakraAlso called Navel or Power chakra, gives you the ability to transform raw fiery energy into action and is your source of self-esteem. When balanced you feel empowered. People who have self-confidence and self-esteem have a strong Manipura chakra.
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Sense: Sight
Obstacle: Shame
Location: Around the point where the ribs meet in the middle of your abdomen
Related Body Functions: Upper digestion, stomach, diaphragm
Purpose: Feeling confident and in control, self-worth
Foods: Yellow - yellow peppers, but you can also try corn, yellow lentils, yellow curry, and bananas. Avoid - sugar, white flour, and processed foods
What Can You Do: Go out! Spend time in the sun in the morning or before sunset, get some vitamin D. Physical movement can also awaken and recharge your body, especially in the morning. Try Tai Chi, yoga, or Pilates (outside, preferably).
4. ANAHATA | Heart Chakra
I am kind to myself
I allow love to fill me up and guide my actions
I am able to let go of the past
I forgive myself and others
The home of love, balance and relationships. Represents the qualities of love, compassion, and empathy, your social identity and self-acceptance. When in balance, this charka is soothing, comforting, and nourishing. People who are warm-hearted, sympathetic, and loving have a strong Anahata chakra.
Colour: Green
Element: Air
Sense: Touch
Obstacle: Forgivness
Location: Centre of the chest, on the breast bone
Related Body Functions: Breathing, cardiovascular function
Purpose: Feeling loved and giving love, inner peaceFoods: green vegetable - leafy greens and cruciferous veggies such as kale, lettuces, spinach, chard, bok choy, collard greens, broccoli
What Can You Do: Get yourself a dog, a cat, or even a bird! Yes! Now you actually have a solid reason. One of the best ways to open a closed heart is through giving and receiving love with a pet. Learn to love unconditionally, forgive, surrender and let go.
5. VISHUDA | Throat Chakra
I speak up for myself
I express myself with confidence
I speak the truth and am true to myself
I am grateful
The centre of communication, creativity and expression, it is the home of your voice, the centre of your communication, and the keeper of your authenticity. When balanced, this chakra allows you to express yourself with confidence. People who can speak their truth and think clearly have a strong Vishudha chakra.
Colour: Blue
Element: Ether or space
Sense: Sound / Hearing
Obstacle: Speak your truth
Location: In the throat in the Adam’s apple area
Related Body Functions: Taste, swallowing, speaking, jaw tightness
Purpose: Being able to communicate and express, both inwardly and outwardly
Foods: Blue foods - particularly blueberries but also fruits that grow on trees like apples, pears, peaches, apricots, and plums.
What Can You Do: Be truthful, if you're angry, be angry. Be who you are. Speak the truth. Give yourself a permission to be you — to speak your mind, to give voice to the truth of who you are.
6. ANJA | Third Eye Chakra
I am connected to the universe
I honor and follow my intuition
I see the truth and it is safe for me
Holds an ability to visualise and manifest your visions, and access to higher or spiritual reality. When in balance, it allows for intuition and insight. The great seed sound of OM mantrs resonates this chakra deeply. People who trust their inner perceptions have a strong Ajna chakra, with potential for wisdom and a powerful spiritual life.
Colour: Indigo (blue-violet)
Element: Light
Sense: Sixth Sense
Obstacle: Illusion
Location: In the forehead, between the eyes
Related Body Functions: Sight, decision-making, perception
Purpose: Feeling able to understand life situations and perceive meaning
What Can You Do: Listen to yourself and acknowledge what you really feel, this will allow you to change what is not working for you and to live in a more meaningful, purposeful way.
7. SAHASRARA | Crown Chakra
I accept myself
I go behind my limiting believes
I am guided and inspired
Connection to your divinity. It is the connection to pure consciousness and when balanced, this chakra gives one a knowledge of self and a universal awareness. People who experience states of unity have a strong Sahasrara chakra.
Colour: Violet
Element: Cosmic energy
Sense: Beyond any of our known senses
Obstacle: Attachment
Location: On top of or just above the head
Related Body Functions: Mental peace and connectedness
Purpose: Feeling beautiful, connected and purposeful
What Can You Do: Invite the divine energy to come into you life, through mantras and meditation. Honour the connection you already have, and trust it will open the door
to greater levels of connection.
Benefits of Balancing The Chakras
Now that you discovered the basics of each chakra, can you tell which of your chakras appears to be the strongest? Or which one on the other hand seems to be blocked?
The benefits of chakra balancing are (of course) tied closely with the philosophy of yoga. If you are already a little familiar with yogic philosophy, you probably know the feeling of full-body relaxation and connection that comes after a great yoga session. We know that this is thanks to the free movement of our life energy (prana / chi) flowwing though our energy channels (nadis). Asana - physical poses with Pranayama - breathing are a great way of unlocking these energy blocks allowing your vital energy to flow freely through your body and let you glow!
Unlocking Chakras:
• Walking
• Connecting to the nature - staying grounded
• Meditation
• Intentional Movement - Yoga, Pilates
Did You Know? There are even more than 7 chakras? These other chakras ranging from 8 upwards are situated outside of your body above your head and some even in different dimensions.