Hey there! Have you ever felt like your energy is just off, or that negativity seems to be weighing you down? Or maybe you’ve been feeling a bit out of sorts, stressed, or disconnected from your body and emotions? Well, it’s possible that your chakras are out of balance.
The chakra system is an essential component of the subtle body, which has a significant impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the basics of the chakras, explore how they impact different areas of your life, and provide practical tips for balancing your own chakras to improve your overall physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
What is the Chakra System?
The Chakra System is an ancient energy system originating in India, describing the way energy moves throughout the body.
The more common and most studied chakra system incorporates seven chakras, aligned in a vertical line along the spine, starting at the base and ending at the crown of the head, regulating the flow of energy.
Each chakra is associated with a different color, element, sound, emotions, physical and emotional functions, and spiritual attributes, corresponding to nerves, organs, and areas of the energetic body affecting emotional and physical well-being.
When these energy centers are balanced and aligned, we experience a sense of harmony in the mind-body connection, groundedness, inner peace, ease, and wholeness. However, if one or more energy centers are imbalanced, it can lead to adverse effects on our physical body, emotions, or mental state.
Cycles of Human Development
According to the philosophy of Chakravidya in Vedic Treaties, human life progresses in cycles of seven years that correspond to the seven chakra centers in the subtle body. Each cycle is dominated by a specific energy center. For instance, during the first seven years of life (ages 1-7), the root chakra has the most significant influence, followed by the sacral chakra from ages 8-14, and so on.
Brief History
The history of chakras can be traced back to ancient Hindu and Buddhist scriptures. Its concept was first mentioned in ancient Indian texts, specifically in the Vedas, Upanishads, and Yoga Sutras, which date back to around 1500 BCE to 500 BC.
In these texts, chakras are described as the centers of energy in the human body that regulate the flow of energy throughout the body.
The concept of chakras was further developed in the Tantric texts, which are ancient Indian texts that deal with spiritual practices. Tantric philosophy sees them as a means to transform the energy of the body, and to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
The name “chakra” comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel,” and each chakra functions like a spinning wheel that moves energy throughout the body.
The 7 Chakras System
The more common and most studied chakra system incorporates seven major chakras. The yogi progresses from lower chakras to the highest chakra blossoming in the crown of the head, internalizing the journey of spiritual ascent.
Here is a quick guide to each of the 7 Chakras. You can see a further guide on Yoga poses, Bija Mantras, and Solfeggio Frequencies further in this article.
1. Root (Muladhara)
Muladhara is located at the base of the spine, near the tailbone and it represents our foundation.
The root chakra is associated with the feeling of grounding, stability, and security. It is related to the physical world, survival instincts, and a sense of belonging. When balanced, it can lead to feelings of safety and security, as well as a sense of being grounded and connected to the earth.
When the root chakra is blocked, we feel threatened, as if we’re standing on unstable ground. A blocked root chakra can manifest as physical issues like arthritis, constipation, and bladder or colon problems, or emotionally through feeling insecure about finances or our basic needs and well-being.
- Location: Base of spine, in tailbone area
- Spiritual Attributes: Foundation, physical identity, stability, grounding, survival
- Color: Red
- Element: Earth.
- Stone: Hematite
- Bija mantra: “LAM” Grounds and stabilizes the energy
- Solfeggio frequency: 396 Hz
- The Root Chakra is said to develop between the ages of 1-7.
2. Sacral (Swadhisthana)
Swadhisthana is located in the lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel.
The sacral chakra is associated with creativity, sensuality, and pleasure. It is related to our ability to experience joy and the pleasure of physical senses, such as taste, touch, and smell. When balanced, it can lead to feelings of passion, creativity, and emotional balance.
When blocked, those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives. Issues with this chakra can be seen via problems with the associated organs, like urinary tract infections, lower back pain, and impotency.
- Location: Lower abdomen, just below the navel
- Spiritual Attributes: sexuality, pleasure, creative energy, self-worth
- Color: Orange
- Element: Water
- Stone: Tiger’s Eye
- Biha Mantra: “Vam” Enhances creativity and sensuality
- Solfeggio frequency: 417 Hz
- Develops between ages: 8-14
3. Solar Plexus (Manipura)
Manipura is located in the upper abdomen in the stomach area.
Associated with personal power, will, and self-esteem, it is related to our ability to take action, make decisions, and assert ourselves in the world. When balanced, it can lead to feelings of confidence, self-worth, and empowerment.
- Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area
- Spiritual Attributes: Personal power, will, self-esteem
- Color: Yellow
- Element: Fire
- Stone: Amber
- Biha Mantra: “Ram” Increase confidence, personal power
- Solfeggio frequency: 528 Hz
- Develops between ages: 15-21
4. Heart (Anahata)
Anahata is located at the center of the chest, at the level of the heart
Energetically, the heart chakra is seen as an intersection between inner and outer worlds, and as a bridge to higher consciousness. As the name suggests, it is associated with love, compassion, and empathy. It is related to our ability to give and receive love, to feel compassion for ourselves and others, and to connect with the divine. When balanced, it can lead to feelings of love, harmony, and inner peace. The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is the bridge between the lower chakras (associated with materiality) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality).
Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life.
- Location: Center of the chest, at the level of the heart
- Spiritual Attributes: Love, compassion, and empathy
- Color: Green
- Element: Air
- Stone: Rose Quartz
- Biha Mantra: “Yam” Helps promote love, compassion
- Solfeggio frequency: 639 Hz
- Develops between ages: 21-28
5. Throat (Vishuddha)
Vishuddha is located in the throat area
Associated with communication, self-expression, and creativity. It is related to our ability to speak our truth, express ourselves authentically, and listen to others. When balanced, it can lead to clear and effective communication, creativity, and a sense of inner truth.
- Location: Throat area
- Spiritual Attributes: Communication, self-expression, and truth
- Color: Light blue/turquoise
- Element: Sound/Music
- Stone: Aquamarine
- Biha Mantra: “Ham”
- Solfeggio frequency: 741 Hz
- Develops between ages: 29-35
6. Third Eye (Ajna)
Ajna is located between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead
Associated with intuition, perception, and spiritual insight. It is related to our ability to perceive the world beyond the physical senses, to trust our inner wisdom, and to access higher states of consciousness. When balanced, it can lead to a deep sense of spiritual connection, clarity, and insight.
- Location: between the eyebrows, in the center of the forehead
- Spiritual Attributes: Intuition, imagination, and wisdom
- Color: Blue
- Element: Light
- Stone: Amethyst
- Biha Mantra: “Om”
- Solfeggio frequency: 852 Hz
- Develops: Between ages 36-42
7. Crown (Sahasrara)
Sahasrara is located at the top of the head
Associated with spiritual awakening, enlightenment, and transcendence, it is related to our ability to connect with the divine, experience unity and oneness, and to access higher levels of consciousness. When balanced, it can lead to a sense of spiritual connection, inner peace, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
- Location: Top of the head
- Spiritual attributes: Awakening, enlightenment, transcendence, beauty, spiritual connection
- Color: Purple/ White
- Element: Divine Consciousness
- Stone: Clear Quartz
- Biha Mantra: Om or Silence
- Solfeggio frequency: 963 Hz
- Develops between ages: 43-49
Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Blocked Chakras
It’s more accurate to describe chakras as being out of balance rather than blocked.
An imbalance in a chakra can either result in a depletion of energy flow or too much energetic activity, both of which can have different outcomes. When a chakra has low energy, a person may have difficulty expressing the particular qualities associated with that chakra. On the other hand, if a chakra is overactive, the associated qualities can become too dominant in a person’s life, leading to physical and emotional imbalance.
For instance, the first chakra, which pertains to security, survival, and the foundation of life, can result in depression and insecurity when underactive. Conversely, too much of this energy can manifest as fearlessness without precaution or hoarding because of the need for more security.
Additionally, each of these 7 energy centers is associated with specific organs and systems in the body. Physical symptoms of blocked chakras can manifest in these areas.
Here are some examples of what can happen when these energy centers are imbalanced:
- Root: Feelings of anxiety, fear, and insecurity. It can also cause physical problems such as constipation, lower back pain, issues with legs and feet, constipation, and other digestive issues.
- Sacral: Feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. Issues with creativity, sexuality, and relationships. It can also cause physical problems such as hip pain, menstrual issues, urinary tract infection, low libido, and other sexual dysfunctions.
- Solar Plexus: Lack of confidence, self-esteem, and personal power. Anger, frustration, and lack of motivation. It can also cause physical problems such as digestive issues, stomach ulcers, diabetes, liver dysfunction, and other digestive issues.
- Heart: Feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression, and a lack of empathy. It can also cause physical problems such as high or low blood pressure, heart palpitations, other heart-related issues, and asthma.
- Throat: Feeling of isolation. Difficulty communicating, expressing oneself, being heard, and lack of creativity. It can also cause physical problems such as sore throat, thyroid problems, and neck and shoulder pain.
- Third Eye: Lack of intuition, imagination, insight, inability to focus, and feeling disconnected. It can also cause physical problems such as migraines, headaches, vision problems, and sinus issues.
- Crown: Feelings of disconnection, confusion, disorientation, and a lack of purpose. It can also cause physical problems such as headaches, confusion, neurological issues, and depression.
It’s important to note that these symptoms may not always be caused by an imbalance in your chakras, and other underlying health issues should be ruled out before assuming that they are the cause of the problem. However, if you have persistent physical or emotional symptoms, it may be worth exploring this possibility and seeking ways to balance them.
How to balance our chakras?
Fortunately, there are many practices we can incorporate into our daily lives to promote balance in our energy centers, including yoga postures, somatic practices such as TRE, breathing practices, meditation, mantras, sound healing, and affirmations. By regularly engaging in these practices, we can activate the smooth flow of energy through our chakras, enhancing our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In the next section, we will explore some methods for balancing each of the seven chakras.
Yoga Poses to Balance Your Chakras
Each chakra has specific yoga poses that can help balance its energy.
Here are some that may help:
Root (Muladhara)
The root chakra reflects your foundation. Tree Pose, as well as other balancing poses like Mountain or Warrior, can establish a stronger relationship with your body’s foundation.
Sacral (Swadhisthana)
The sacral chakra is associated with your reproductive area and is responsible for your creativity and sensuality. Poses that strengthen your pelvic floor, such as Bridge Pose, or deep hip openers like Pigeon Pose or Lizard Pose, can help balance your sacral chakra.
Solar Plexus (Manipura)
The solar plexus chakra is all about your inner fire and resides around your core. Core strengthening poses, such as the Boat pose or Triangle, can help create more balance in this chakra.
Heart (Anahata)
The heart chakra is the integration point between the lower and higher chakras and reflects your ability to open up to deeper connections with others. Heart openers, such as Camel Pose or Wheel, as well as Cow Face Pose and Humble Warrior, can help open your chest, shoulders, and arms to fully embrace others.
Throat (Vishuddha)
The throat chakra is your communication center. Plow and Fish poses can help open up your throat chakra by opening up the back and front sides of your neck, where the throat chakra resides.
Third Eye (Ajna)
The third eye chakra rules your ability to invite a new reality into your life. Forward Fold or Folded Eagle poses can help connect your upper body intimately with your lower body to manifest your dreams into physical reality.
Crown (Sahasrara)
The crown chakra rules your connection to your higher self. Savasana, or Corpse Pose, can help strengthen your crown chakra by connecting you with your eternal self and reminding you where you came from and where you’ll go.
Healing the Chakras with Mantras and Sound
Bija Mantra
Bija mantras, also known as seed mantras, are one-syllable sounds that are chanted to activate and balance our energy centers. The term “bija” means seed, and these mantras are considered the seeds of the chakras. Each bija mantra is chanted during meditation or yoga practices to enhance the flow of energy in that particular energy center. They have a powerful vibrational energy that clears any blockages and promotes balance and harmony.
It is recommended to vocalize these mantras out loud to create a unique healing vibration, although murmuring or reciting them silently also has benefits.
Below is a quick overview of the seven chakra mantras. Chant them slowly at the beginning of the exhale, and let the sound and vibration continue until the breath is complete. Then take a new inhale to prepare for the next round.
- Root (Muladhara): Lam Grounds and stabilizes the energy.
- Sacral (Svadhisthana): Vam Enhances creativity and sensuality
- Solar plexus (Manipura): Ram Increases confidence, personal power
- Heart (Anahata): Yam Promotes love, compassion
- Throat (Vishuddha): Ham Improves communication, self-expression
- Third eye (Ajna): Om Enhances intuition, spiritual awareness
- Crown (Sahasrara): Om or Silence. Connects to higher consciousness, transcendence
To enhance the benefits further you can include mudras which are symbolic hand gestures used in yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.
Solfeggio Frequencies
The solfeggio frequencies are sound patterns associated with the chakras, which resonate at a specific Hz frequency and interact with our brains to generate vibrations throughout our physical and subtle bodies. Listening to these frequencies can not only help open the energy centers of our bodies to enhance positive qualities but also promote feelings of relaxation, calmness, and stress relief.
The positive effects of solfeggio frequencies are due to their harmony with the Schumann resonance of 8 Hz, which is the fundamental resonance of our planet. The Schumann resonance’s low frequency has also been found to promote synchronization for higher brain function as it matches the five different brainwave states, including delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma.
- Root (Muladhara): 396 Hz
- Sacral (Svadhisthana): 417 Hz
- Solar plexus (Manipura): 528 Hz
- Heart (Anahata): 639 Hz
- Throat (Vishuddha): 741 Hz
- Third eye (Ajna): 852 Hz
- Crown (Sahasrara): 963 Hz
There are various tools and techniques that can be used for sound healing of our energy centers, including Tibetan bowls, crystal singing bowls, healing frequency music, and more.
Affirmations for the 7 Chakras
Using powerful affirmations on the chakras can help maintain healthy energy flows and promote balance in the mind and body, sending direct healing vibrations through the energy centers. These positive affirmations can be used for meditation, self-esteem, spiritual connection, and chakra balancing by aligning thoughts with desired outcomes and sending healing vibrations to the corresponding areas of the body.
Root / Muladhara
Muladhara is responsible for the fundamental aspects of our life, serving as the foundation. It is associated with feelings of grounding and security. Affirmations for this energy center can include:
- I am safe.
- I am supported.
- I have a place.
- I am grounded and connected to the earth.
Sacral / Svadhisthana
Our Svadhisthana is responsible for regulating our sensual side and controlling all aspects of intimacy, creativity, and sexual energy.
- I embrace pleasure and joy in my life
- I embrace my sexuality
- I am creative and passionate.
Solar Plexus / Manipura
When you feel that your inner fire is weakening, it may be helpful to introduce affirmations for Manipura, which is connected to the issue of personal power. These affirmations can help you feel more confident and in control:
- I am confident and assertive.
- I radiate strength and confidence
- I trust my intuition and make decisions with ease.
- I am worthy of love and respect.
Heart / Anahata
Anahata serves as the hub of our emotions, and when it’s out of alignment, we may feel emotionally restricted or disconnected from others.
- I give and receive love unconditionally
- I am open to love
- I am forgiving and understanding.
- I nurture healthy and supportive relationships.
- I am kind and compassionate.
Throat / Vishuddha
Vishuddha is responsible for communication, and when it’s out of balance, you may struggle to express yourself or feel unheard.
- I communicate with clarity and ease.
- My voice is powerful and strong.
- I listen deeply to myself and others.
- I speak my truth with courage and confidence.
- My words are powerful.
Third Eye / Ajna
Affirmations for Ajna can enhance your vision and intuition, helping you connect with your inner wisdom and better understand your gut feelings.
- I trust my inner wisdom and intuition.
- I have a clear vision of my life.
- I am open to new perspectives and ideas.
- I trust my intuition to guide me toward my highest good.
Crown / Sahasrara
Sahasrara serves as our connection to the divine, higher consciousness, and spirituality. When it’s out of balance, we may feel disconnected from our spiritual side or unfulfilled in reaching our full potential.
- I am connected to the divine and trust in the universe.
- I am open to receiving divine guidance and wisdom.
- I am spiritually awakened and conscious.
- I lead a purposeful and intentional life.
- I am grateful for the abundance in my life.
The Takeaway Message
In conclusion, the seven chakra system is an ancient spiritual concept that has gained popularity in modern times. Each chakra represents a different aspect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When our chakras are balanced and aligned, we feel a sense of harmony and vitality. But when they’re blocked or out of balance, we may experience physical, emotional, or spiritual issues. By using affirmations, meditation, yoga, or other practices, we can work on balancing our chakras and achieving a greater sense of well-being. Whether you believe in the spiritual aspects of the chakra system or not, it can be a useful tool for promoting self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.