Introduction to Chakras

AROHAN YOGA blog, Yoga 0

Everything in our universe radiates energy, from an enormous mountain or ocean to the tiniest blade of grass to each cell in our body. Generally, all of our cells emit energy in different ways, and other cells will emit different kinds of energy. Explaining seven chakras in the body, most people seem to either love them or hate them.

There are different channels located on several vital points of the body through which energy can flow in and out in a constant stream. These are chakras.

Here, we will try to explain the chakras as simply as possible.

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 new level.

What are chakras?

The word Chakra means ‘wheel’; in this sense, we are referring to wheels of energy. Our bodies, minds, thoughts, emotions, actions, and everything around us are made of energy. Let’s read how the chakra system balances our body in a spiritual way?

So, the chakras are basically points of energy located throughout the subtle body (‘subtle’ refers to something we can’t see but can feel energetically); there are approximately 114 of them in total.

Major chakras and their basic properties

The seven chakras in body points are located along the spine, from the tailbone right up to the top of the head, and they link to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. There are a lot of discussions about how many chakras are there in human the body and where accurately the chakras are located. But this overview is all about understanding the basics of this complex system.

Undoubtedly, the chakras system is as old as yoga itself and has been something yogis have turned to for thousands of years before the invention of organized medicine. Also, all chakras in the body link very closely to the nervous and endocrine systems. This important relationship between them gives emphasis to the essential nature of inner and holistic health.

The seven chakras in the body points

The seven chakras in the body points are not only associated with their respective locations but also with specific elements, forming a vital aspect of their essence and function. Understanding chakras and their elements is fundamental to comprehending their significance in our holistic well-being.

Moving from the tailbone upward, these are the following seven main chakras:

Muladhara Chakra

The Muladhara Chakra is situated at the perineum for males and labia majora for females; it is the first of the human Chakras.

• English Name: Root Chakra
• Location: Perineum
• Element: Earth
• Colour: Red
• Sense: Smell
• Emotions: Security, safety, primal urges stable, steady, confident, and having sufficient energy.

Svadisthana Chakra

Svadhisthana is located at two finger-widths above the Muladhara chakra (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, IAST: Mūlādhāra, English: “root support”) or root chakra.

• English Name: Sacral Chakra
• Location: Just below the coccyx
• Element: Water
• Colour: Orange
• Sense: Taste
• Emotions: Joy, sensuality, creativity, and self-worth.

Manipura Chakra

The Manipura Chakra is the center of vitality. As the seat of digestive fire, this Chakra regulates the function of the Pancreas and digestive organs. 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.

• English Name: Solar Plexus
• Location: Navel
• Element: Fire
• Colour: Yellow
• Sense: Sight
• Emotions: Willpower, ego, determination, inner strength, focus, and dominance.

ANAHATA CHAKRA

According to Hindu Yogic, Shakta, and Buddhist Tantric traditions, Anahata, or heart chakra, is the fourth primary Chakra. 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 to 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 derived from this particular function. Purification occurs not only 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]) 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 considered the seventh primary Chakra, according to most tantric yoga traditions.

• English Name: Crown Chakra
• Location: Top of the head
• 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 lives can give a deep insight into areas of ourselves we may have ignored or those that would benefit from being balanced.

Try the various practices related to each Chakra, and observe any changes along the way. With all sides of yoga, working with the chakras is about self-discovery, and this system provides a lifetime of exploration.

Reclaim Your Right to Heal

Healing was a three-way agreement between the healer, goddess (god), and the person being healed, and healing was an active choice. The ancient healers knew that the body is more than what is seen. They respect the wholeness of the body, emotions, mind, and spirit, know the goddess (god) within all Beings, and treat their patients with respect and care.

See Also: Yoga Pose For Back Pain