The word ‘chakra’ in Sanskrit means wheel. This refers to the central idea of the seven chakras as being spinning wheels of energy that need to remain open, unblocked and aligned with each other in order for us to live as our best selves and remain healthy in both body and mind.

This ancient understanding of health and energy was first written about in 1500-1000 BCE, and today is still widely practiced by many across the globe.

Each of the chakras correspond to organs, systems and groups of nerves that affect our physical and emotional health.

Keeping these chakras open and balanced is believed to be key to living a long and prosperous life.

People use many different tools to keep their chakras open and aligned, including yoga, journaling, meditation, crystals and chakra essential oils.

What is the Root Chakra?

• Located at the base of the spine
• Connected to the colour red
• Associated with stability, safety and grounding

The root chakra is also known as ‘Muladhara’, which comes from two Sanskrit words: ‘mula’, meaning root, and ‘adhara’, meaning ‘support’ or ‘base’.

It references whatever we need to feel grounded, including our basic needs, such as being fed, watered, sheltered and safe.

The root chakra can have a connection to how safe we felt as a child; even if our basic needs are currently being met, past trauma may prevent us from recognising this.

Balancing the root chakra is key to creating a foundation for the other six and ensuring overall health. When the root chakra is in alignment and open, we feel grounded and secure.

A blocked root chakra can cause issues such as arthritis, constipation, or colon problems. It can also cause us to feel insecure about our situation in life, doubt our safety, and worry about our needs being met.
What is the Crown Chakra?

What is the Crown Chakra?

• Located on the very top of the head
• Connected to the colour violet and/or white
• Associated with awareness and intelligence

The crown chakra is linked to every other chakra, as well as the brain and nervous system.

Consequently, it has a degree of influence over ever organ. It is known as ‘Sahasrara’, meaning ‘thousand-petaled’; a reference to a thousand-petaled lotus flower.

The crown chakra is the chakra of enlightenment, representing our connection to our life’s purpose.

When opened and aligned, it is thought to help keep all other chakras pen and bring bliss and enlightenment.

Signs of a blocked crown chakra include poor coordination and a low ability to function physically, as well as confusion, poor mental functioning, and a lack of focus.

What is the Sacral Chakra?

• Located just below the belly button and above the pubic bone
• Connected to the colour orange
• Associated with sexuality, creativity, and pleasure

Once our root chakra is open and we feel assured in our safety and physical health, we can begin to take pleasure in life and seek out the things we enjoy. This is where the sacral chakra comes in.

Known as ‘Svadhisthana’, which translates to ‘one’s own abode’, the sacral chakra is associated with being a feeling of being in one’s element.

When this chakra is balanced, we can expect our relationships – both with others and with ourselves – to feel healthy and harmonious, and interacting with the rest of the world can bring us happiness.

Balancing the sacral chakra also helps to inspire creativity and enhances our powers of self-expression.

An open and aligned sacral chakra leaves us feeling nurtured, creatively fulfilled, and in harmony with those around us.

When the sacral chakra is blocked we may feel a pain in the lower back or experience problems in our bladder or kidneys such as a UTI.

Sexual complications are also said to be linked to a blocked sacral chakra, and can manifest as painful sex, impotence, and reproductive issues.

Emotionally, a blocked sacral chakra may lead to ‘writer’s block’ or other creative frustration, as well as a drop in self-worth.
 

What is the Solar Plexus Chakra?

• Located in the upper abdomen
• Connected to the colour yellow
• Associated with self-esteem and confidence

The solar plexus chakra, or ‘Manipura’, is regarded as the centre of personal power in the body. Translating to ‘city of jewels’, Manipura governs much of what is precious to the self, such as personality, ego, and identity, and is associated with personal freedom, choice, and authenticity.

When the solar plexus chakra is open and aligned, our sense of self is at its strongest.

Physically, the solar plexus chakra influences the digestive system and its associated organs, and blockages in this chakra may consequently manifest as digestive issues such as ulcers, heartburn, indigestion, and even eating disorders.

A blocked solar plexus chakra can lead to a feeling of discomfort in one’s skin and may contribute to an identity crisis.

What is the Heart Chakra?

• Located in the centre of the chest, just above the heart
• Connected to the colour green
• Associated with love and compassion

The heart chakra is concerned with all manner of powerful emotion, such as unconditional love, joy, compassion, and profound truths that cannot be expressed in words.

Also known as ‘Anahata’, which in Sanskrit means ‘unhurt, unstruck and unbeaten’, the heart chakra helps us to process pure and overwhelming emotions, and opens us to all experiences.

When the heart chakra is alignment, we feel connected to the world around us, surrounded by love, and able to easily face challenges.

A blocked heart chakra can lead to poor circulation, high or low blood pressure, and other heart and lung conditions.

It can also manifest as asthma or weight issues. When the heart chakra is imbalanced, we may show dependency or manipulative behaviours.

We may also feel unworthy of love and struggle to trust those who show us love or compassion.

What is the Throat Chakra?

• Located in the throat
• Connected to the colour blue
• Associated with communication

The throat chakra is also known as ‘Vishuddha’, meaning ‘especially pure’. It emphasises easy and healthy communication in which we are able to speak our truth without obstacles.

The throat chakra acts as the bridge between the earthly realm of the first four chakras and the spiritual realm of the last two, and provides the voice through which we express our creativity.

When the throat chakra is aligned, we speak confidently and with compassion, able to listen to others and engage with them productively.

A blocked throat chakra is often associated with an inability to speak. This can manifest as a speech impediment or a fear of public speaking.

In less extreme cases, it may manifest as a lump in the throat or a feeling of not being able to speak freely with people we know. Physically, a blocked throat chakra may cause throat, thyroid, mouth or ear problems.

An imbalanced throat chakra can sometimes lead us to overshare, ramble, talk across others, or speak inappropriately without meaning to.

What is the Third Eye Chakra?

• Located between the eyes
• Connected to the colour indigo
• Associated with intuition and imagination

Known as ‘Ajna’, which in Sanskrit means ‘inner eye’, the third eye chakraenhances our perception of the world around us and informs the way in which we interact with it.

It is connected to the brain, pituitary and pineal glands, and correlates to our mental abilities and the way in which we respond to different beliefs and attitudes.

A balanced third eye chakra means that we have a spiritual awareness of shifts in our surroundings.

When our third eye chakra is balanced, we are able to follow our intuition and see the big picture.

When it is blocked, we may experience headaches, problems with our sight or hearing, and an inability to concentrate.

If our third eye chakra is out of alignment it may be difficult for us to trust our intuition or think realistically.