Introduction to chakras – Learn the 7 Chakras
Explaining Chakras, most people seem to either love them or hate them. Everything in our universe is radiating energy, from the biggest mountain or ocean, to the tiniest blade of grass, to each individual cell in our body. Generally, all of our cells emit energy in different ways, and different cells will emit different kinds of energy.
While, there are several different channels locate on key points of the body through which energy can flow in and out in a constant stream. These are called the chakras.
Here, we will explain them simply, and hopefully bring them to life in a real way.
When your yoga teacher starts talking about chakras or ‘wheels of energy,’ do your eyes glaze over? Yes, we will describe how these chakras are like understanding ourselves on a completely new level.
What are chakras?
The word chakra means ‘wheel’, and in this sense, we are indeed referring to wheels of energy. Our bodies, minds, thoughts, emotions, actions, and everything around us is made of energy. Let’s read how chakra system balance our body in a spiritual way?
So, the chakras are basically points of energy locate throughout the subtle body (‘subtle’ refers to something we can’t see but can feel energetically), and it’s thought there are approximately 114 of them in total.
Major chakras and their basic properties
The seven main chakra points are locate along the spine, from the tailbone right up to the top of the head, and they link to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. There is lots of discussion around where accurately the chakras are locate and how many there are, but this overview is all about understanding the basics of this complex system.
Undoubtedly, the chakra system is as old as yoga itself and has been something yogis turn to for thousands of years before the invention of physical medicine. Also, the chakras link very closely to the nervous and endocrine systems, and this important relationship between them gives emphasis to the essential nature of combine and holistic health.
The seven main chakras points
The seven main chakra points in the body, are linked to the elements, and expand further, relating to all areas of the body, mind, and soul.
Moving from the tailbone upward, these are following seven main chakras:
Muladhara Chakra
The Muladhara Chakra is situated at the base of the coccyx, it is the first of the human Chakras.
- English Name: Root Chakra
- Location: Tailbone
- Element: Earth
- Colour: Red
- Sense: Smell
- Emotions: Security, safety, primal urges, stable, steady, confidence, and having sufficient energy.
Svadisthana Chakra
Svadhisthana is locate at two finger-widths above the Muladhara chakra (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, IAST: Mūlādhāra, English: “root support”) or root chakra which is locate in the coccyx (tailbone). Its corresponding point in the front of the body (i.e. its kshetram) is barely below the belly button.
- English Name: Sacral Chakra
- Location: Pelvis / sacrum
- Element: Water
- Colour: Orange
- Sense: Taste
- Emotions: Joy, sensuality, creativity, and self-worth.
Manipura Chakra
The Manipura Chakra is the centre of vitality. It controls our energy balance to strengthen and consolidate our health. Besides, this Chakra has an effect like a magnet, attracting Prana from the Cosmos. As the seat of digestive fire, this Chakra regulates the function of the Pancreas and digestive organs.
- English Name: Solar Plexus
- Location: Just above the navel
- Element: Fire
- Colour: Yellow
- Sense: Sight
- Emotions: Willpower, ego, determination, inner strength, focus, and dominance.
Anahata Chakra
Anahata or heart chakra is the fourth primary chakra, according to Hindu Yogic, Shakta and Buddhist Tantric traditions. In Sanskrit, anahata means “unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten”. Anahata Nad refers to the Vedic concept of unstruck sound (the sound of the celestial realm). Anahata is related with balance, calmness, and serenity.
- English Name: Heart Chakra
- Location: Chest / Heart
- Element: Air
- Colour: Green
- Sense: Touch
- Emotions: Love, concern, connection, energy, generosity, and authenticity.
Vishuddhi Chakra
The Vishuddhi Chakra is the starting point of Udana Prana. It is a function of this Prana to purify the body of toxic substances while breathing. The name of the Chakra is derive from this particular function. Purification not only occurs on the physical level, but also on the level of the psyche and mind.
- English Name: Throat Chakra
- Location: Throat
- Element: Ether
- Colour: Blue
- Sense: Hearing & Speech
- Emotions: Self-expression, authenticity, communication, confidence
Ajna Chakra
Ajna (Sanskrit: आज्ञा, IAST: Ājñā, IPA: [aːɟɲaː]), guru chakra or third-eye chakra, is the sixth primary chakra in the body according to Hindu tradition. It is supposedly a part of the brain which can be made more powerful through meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices just as a muscle is.
- English Name: Third Eye
- Location: Between the eyebrows
- Element: Ether
- Colour: Indigo
- Sense: Intuition
- Emotions: Intuition, Trust, intelligence
Sahasrara Chakra
Sahasrara Chakra or crown chakra is generally consider the seventh primary chakra, according to most tantric yoga traditions.
- English Name: Crown Chakra
- Location: Either at the top of the head or slightly above
- Element: Beyond elements
- Colour: Clear / White
- Sense: Beyond senses
- Emotions: Calmness, serenity, balance, spiritual connectivity, enlightenment, wisdom
Moreover, each of these chakras and their connection to our own lives can give a deep insight into areas of ourselves we may have ignored, or those that would benefit from being balance.
Try the various practices related to each chakra, and observe any changes that occur along the way as well. With all sides of yoga, working with the chakras is all about self-discovery, and this system provides a lifetime of exploration.
Reclaim Your Right to Heal
The ancient healers knew that the body is more than what is seen. They respect the wholeness of the body, emotions, mind, and spirit, saw the goddess (god) within all Being, and treated their patients with respect and caring. Healing was a three way agreement between healer, goddess (god) and the person being healed, and healing was an active choice.
