A question I often hear when discussing spiritual wellness, especially with crystal or herbal healing, is "What are chakras?"
Many blogs provide extensive information that can overwhelm beginners. So, here's a concise guide to understanding chakras.
Chakras: The Basics
"Chakra" is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel." In spiritual practices, chakras are energy centers in our body. Although there are 114 chakras, most recognize the seven major ones, each associated with an element (air, earth, fire, water, spirit) and symbolic of different energies in our physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual bodies.
Chakras are swirling wheels of energy where the physical and consciousness meet. This energy, called Prana, is the vital life force that keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.
Chakra States:
Balanced
Overactive: Distributing too much energy, causing imbalance.
Underactive/Blocked: Experiencing a blockage, hindering energy flow.
Chakras: A Beginner's Guide to the 7 Chakras
Imbalances or blockages in chakras can be caused by stress, illness, emotional distress, unhealthy eating habits, or conflict. When a chakra is blocked or overactive, it can lead to physical and spiritual dis-ease. The goal is to keep chakras open, aligned, and energy flowing smoothly between them.
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Purpose: Survival, security, stability
Location: Base of spine
Physical Body: Feet, knees, legs, kidneys, adrenals, large intestines
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Imbalance Symptoms: Anxiety disorders, fear, disconnection from body, poor boundaries, colon and lower back issues.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana)
Purpose: Creation, soul fire, sexuality
Location: Slightly below navel
Physical Body: Reproductive organs, urinary system, spleen, lower back
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Imbalance Symptoms: Emotional instability, lack of creativity, fear of change, reproductive issues.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
Purpose: Power, self-worth, self-confidence
Location: Upper abdomen
Physical Body: Spine, spleen, upper abdomen, gallbladder, pancreas
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Imbalance Symptoms: Low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, digestive issues.
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
Purpose: Love, joy, inner peace
Location: Heart region
Physical Body: Heart, lungs, thymus, breasts, arms
Color: Green
Element: Air
Imbalance Symptoms: Grief, anger, jealousy, depression, heart and lung issues.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
Purpose: Communication, self-expression, speaking the truth
Location: Center of throat
Physical Body: Throat, thyroid, neck, jaw, mouth
Color: Blue
Element: Ether
Imbalance Symptoms: Difficulty speaking, shyness, sore throat, thyroid issues.
6. Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna)
Purpose: Intuition, imagination, wisdom
Location: Middle of forehead
Physical Body: Brain health, pineal gland, vision
Color: Indigo
Element: Light
Imbalance Symptoms: Lack of intuition, judgemental behavior, vision problems.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
Purpose: Cognition, spirituality, higher self
Location: Top of head
Physical Body: Central nervous system, cerebral cortex
Color: Violet/White
Element: Thought
Imbalance Symptoms: Spiritual distress, isolation, headaches, insomnia.
Achieving Balance
When one chakra is imbalanced, it affects the others, causing disruptions in mind, body, and spirit. However, holistic and spiritual wellness practices can restore harmony and balance.
Common practices for aligning chakras include meditation, healthy eating, crystal healing, and herbal healing. By learning about the seven chakras, you can become more in tune with your body's natural energy cycles.
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