For the past decade or two, discussions of “energy” have edged their way from the bohemian ranks of spiritual communities into mainstream vocabularies — conversation in 2020 is peppered with references to energy’s flow and blockages. Through yoga, meditation or healing work, more people are recognizing that there is more to their wellbeing than their physical body. One of the most foundational models of understanding this energy is the chakra system — an ancient model of the energetic body.
But what exactly are chakras? And how do they affect your feelings, thoughts, interactions with others and yes even your physical health?
In this post we will cover the 7 major chakras, what they are and what they represent, how to detect imbalance in the chakras, and ways to stem the imbalances. New to the idea or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will help you decipher the subtle yet powerful energy centres that dictate your life.
What Are Chakras?
The term chakra comes from the Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “disk.” Basically a chakra is a rotating vortex of subtle matter that exist in the subtle body or the non physical body. These centers are thought to regulate various elements of your life, from your survival instincts and emotional expression, to your intuition and spiritual connection.
Although ancient traditions such as Hindu and Buddhist traditions describe chakras throughout the body, The most used system includes seven primary chakras positioned in a line along the spine, from the base to the top of the head.
Each chakra corresponds to:
- A specific location in the body
- A color
- An element
- Emotional and psychological themes
- Physical organs and functions
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With balanced chakras, energy is free to flow, so you feel grounded, expressive, empowered, and connected. When these channels are blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as emotional issues, physical symptoms or a sense of being out-of-whack in your daily life.
The 7 Main Chakras and How They Affect You
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
- Location: Base of the spine
- Color: Red
- Element: Earth
- Themes: Survival, security, stability, belonging
Your Root Chakra is your energy’s roots. It’s linked to your sense of safety and your engagement with the physical world. Grounded and safe when you feel balanced. When its blocked, you might feel anxious, afraid, and restless, or have financial difficulties.
Signs of imbalance:
- Chronic worry
- Hoarding or extreme materialism
- Trouble focusing
- Issues with the legs, feet, or lower back
Healing practices:
- Spend time in nature
- Grounding yoga poses (like Mountain or Child’s Pose)
- Use grounding crystals like hematite or smoky quartz
- Repeat affirmations: “I am safe. I am supported. I belong.”
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
- Location: Lower abdomen (below the navel)
- Color: Orange
- Element: Water
- Themes: Emotions, creativity, pleasure, sexuality
This chakra governs your emotional flow, sensuality, and creative energy. When balanced, you feel emotionally fluid, inspired, and open to pleasure. Blockages can lead to emotional numbness, shame, or sexual dysfunction.
Signs of imbalance:
- Creative blocks
- Guilt or shame around desire
- Codependency
- Lower abdominal or reproductive issues
Healing practices:
- Dance, paint, or engage in creative expression
- Practice self-love rituals
- Use orange-colored foods or crystals like carnelian
- Affirm: “I allow pleasure and creativity to flow through me.”
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- Location: Upper abdomen (stomach area)
- Color: Yellow
- Element: Fire
- Themes: Confidence, willpower, personal identity
This is your seat of power and self-esteem. When open and strong, you feel confident, assertive, and capable. A blocked Solar Plexus may leave you feeling powerless, insecure, or overly controlling.
Signs of imbalance:
- Low self-worth or imposter syndrome
- Anger issues or control tendencies
- Digestive problems
- Indecisiveness
Healing practices:
- Practice core-strengthening exercises
- Set boundaries and say “no” when needed
- Meditate with citrine or tiger’s eye
- Affirm: “I am powerful. I trust myself.”
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
- Location: Center of the chest
- Color: Green
- Element: Air
- Themes: Love, compassion, forgiveness, connection
The Heart Chakra is the bridge between the lower (physical) and upper (spiritual) chakras. It governs how you give and receive love. When balanced, you feel open, empathetic, and emotionally resilient. When blocked, it can cause isolation or bitterness.
Signs of imbalance:
- Fear of intimacy
- Holding grudges
- Jealousy or emotional coldness
- Heart or lung issues
Healing practices:
- Practice heart-opening yoga poses
- Engage in acts of kindness or forgiveness
- Use rose quartz or green aventurine
- Affirm: “I am love. I give and receive love freely.”
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
- Location: Throat
- Color: Blue
- Element: Ether (Space)
- Themes: Communication, truth, expression
This chakra governs your voice—both literally and metaphorically. It reflects your ability to speak your truth and listen with presence. Blockages can cause fear of judgment or difficulty expressing yourself.
Signs of imbalance:
- Fear of public speaking
- Difficulty setting boundaries
- Dishonesty or people-pleasing
- Throat, neck, or thyroid issues
Healing practices:
- Practice speaking your truth, even if your voice shakes
- Sing, chant, or hum
- Use blue stones like lapis lazuli
- Affirm: “I speak clearly, confidently, and truthfully.”
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
- Location: Between the eyebrows
- Color: Indigo
- Element: Light
- Themes: Intuition, insight, imagination, perception
This center is all about inner knowing. It helps you tune into your intuition, discern truth from illusion, and perceive beyond the physical. A blocked Third Eye may leave you feeling disconnected from your inner wisdom.
Signs of imbalance:
- Overthinking or lack of clarity
- Poor memory or difficulty concentrating
- Nightmares or lack of dreams
- Headaches or sinus issues
Healing practices:
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Keep a dream journal
- Work with amethyst or sodalite
- Affirm: “I trust my inner guidance.”
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
- Location: Top of the head
- Color: Violet or White
- Element: Divine consciousness
- Themes: Spirituality, oneness, enlightenment
This chakra connects you to something greater—whether you call it the universe, God, source, or higher self. When open, you feel spiritually aligned and at peace. A blocked Crown may lead to disconnection, cynicism, or spiritual confusion.
Signs of imbalance:
- Lack of purpose or spiritual skepticism
- Chronic fatigue or depression
- Narrow-mindedness
- Head pressure or neurological issues
Healing practices:
- Meditate in silence
- Practice gratitude and surrender
- Use clear quartz or selenite
- Affirm: “I am connected to divine wisdom.”
How to Keep Your Chakras Balanced
Chakra work is a journey, not a one-time fix. To maintain balance in your energy system, try incorporating these practices into your daily or weekly routine:
- Energy healing (Reiki, acupuncture)
- Movement (yoga, tai chi, dancing)
- Journaling and reflection
- Breathwork and meditation
- Sound healing (binaural beats, singing bowls)
- Mindful nutrition (eating colorful, whole foods)
It’s also important to listen to your body and emotions. They are messengers from your energy system. The more attuned you are, the easier it becomes to recognize and rebalance misalignments.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your chakras is not just all mysticism, but imbodiment. Your chakra tells you a lot about you and your life, including your life-patterns and your potential. Learn to work with them, and you are brought into right relationship with your highest truth — mentally, physically, and spiritually.
You don’t have to become a master all at once. Begin by honing in on just one chakra that resonates with you in your current moment. Allow your journey to be intuitive, compassionate and led by your own inner guidance.
Because the more lined-up your energy is, the more lined-up your life is.