So, What Are Chakras Anyway?
Wait, chakra-what? If you’ve never heard of chakras before, you’re not alone….
While it might sound like some newfangled idea, the concept is actually thousands of years old, dating back to ancient Vedic wisdom.
Chakras, or “wheels” in Sanskrit, refer to the seven main energy centers in your body that allow energy to flow freely. Think: spinning disks that rotate effortlessly to move energy throughout the body so nothing is ever stuck or stagnant. When your chakras are open and balanced (read: energy is flowing smoothly), then the mind, body, and spirit are in harmony. But out of balance? That’s where problems can arise, physically and emotionally – especially in today’s world!
Chakras are located along the spine, from root to the crown of the head, each having a specific significance and function in the body. They’re also associated with a different color, element, sound, yoga pose, emotion, aroma – and yes, even food! (But more on that later.)
Here’s a quick rundown of the seven chakras:
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara): Located at the base of the spine, this represents our foundation. Think of it as your “roots” connecting you to the earth for feelings of safety, security, grounding, and belonging. The root chakra is represented by the color red and the element earth.
Mantra: “I am
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): Located in the lower abdomen just below the belly button, the sacral chakra is associated with creativity, sexuality, passion, and pleasure. Its color is orange and the element water.
Mantra: “I feel”
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Located in the center of the abdomen, it is associated with self-esteem, confidence, personal power, and boundaries. It is represented by the color yellow, the element fire, and the emotion of power.
Mantra: “I do”
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata): Associated with love, compassion, joy, forgiveness and emotional balance, the heart chakra is located in the center of the chest. It’s associated with the color green and the element air.
Mantra: “I love”
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Located in the center of the throat, it is associated with self-expression, communication, and truth. The throat chakra’s color is blue and the element ether.
Mantra: “I speak”
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Located in the center of the forehead, the third eye chakra represents intuition, wisdom, intellect, and insight. Its color is indigo and the element light.
Mantra: “I see”
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Located at the top – or crown – of the head, this chakra is all about spirituality, enlightenment, and connection to the universe. Its represented by the color violet (or sometimes white and gold) and the element spirit.
Mantra: “I understand”
And there you have it! A quick overview of the body’s seven main energy systems. Refer to this often and keep it in mind whenever you’re doing your own meditation or breathwork… or whenever you just need to check in with yourself. It’s a great first step in chakra awareness.
But…how do I know if my chakras are balanced or not? What can I do to ensure the energies are flowing properly and in alignment?
There are many different techniques you can use to help activate, clear, and align the chakras for optimal flow and overall wellness. Meditation, yoga, reiki, sound healing, crystal therapy, aromatherapy, eating specific foods…
Stay tuned as we take a deep-dive into each of these topics! ✨
Want to get started sooner than later and explore ALL of these techniques?
Join us for our day-long Fall Equinox Reset + Realign Retreat happening Saturday, September 23, where we will learn how to move, ground, meditate, eat for our chakras and so much more! It will be an experience unlike any other.
