The Chakras are the seven energy centres that connect from the base of the spine all the way up to the top of the head. In Indian philosophy, the charkas are the points along the spine where certain internal organs and systems are focused. Chakra is Sanskrit for “wheel of energy” and are visualised as wheels or vortexes. This form of energy is associated with the Hindhu and Buddhist yogic tradition.

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yui, meaning “to harness horses to a chariot” and refers to a search for the meaning of life through finding ones own self meaning.

The chakras cannot be physically seen, although their colour associations can be viewed within the etheric aura in a healthy, balanced person. The universal life force is said to travel through the body via the chakras, and so when we feel unwell, physically or emotionally it is likely our chakras are out of balance. The energy enters our body through the crown chakra and filtered through the chakras, being transformed into a usable form for the function that chakra governs, until it leaves the body at the base or root chakra.

Each chakra has associations with specific physical functions, psychological state, and are therefore important in linking mind, body and spirit. Colour is used to represent each chakra and this is looked at in the colour section, together with a colour meditation to help balance the chakras.

base chakra

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is known as the base or root chakra, (or muladhara) and is the red chakra.

Its main functions are to support physical consciousness within the body, throughout the physical functions. With a strong root chakra, you are grounded and the entire chakra system rising from it can be powerful and effective.

The specific physical functions that are governed by the base chakra are the structural system, the colon and associated problems (diarrhoea/constipation), energy levels. Psychologically the base chakra determines our self awareness, and is concerned with practical skills, and our immediate needs.

sacral chakra

The second chakra is located at the lower abdomen, between the navel and the front of the pelvis and is known as the sacral chakra (swadhistana), its colour is orange.

This chakra is the centre of sensation, feeling and the flow of creativity, with a balanced sacral chakra anything is possible. It governs our self respect and ability to rise to change and new adventures.

Physically it supports the reproductive organs and excretory systems and therefore balancing this chakra can aid water retention, menstrual problems and constipation.

solar plexus chakra

The third chakra in the system is the solar plexus chakra (manipura) which is located below the ribs and above the navel. Its colour is yellow.

Physically its functions help to support the digestive system, the spleen which governs our immune system, and major nerve centres. It is known as the power station of the body.

A well balanced solar plexus chakra imbues us with self confidence, self worth, optimism and the ability to make effective decisions in any situation.

An unbalanced centre will cause undue stress, anxiety, a low resistance to infections, and intolerance to foods.

heart chakra

The fourth chakra in the system is the heart chakra (anahata) and it is located at the heart, with the colour green associated with this chakra.

Life energy runs through the heart chakra and it functions the bodies ability to balance and retain equilibrium throughout. In addition to balancing physical systems, the heart chakra governs our emotions and the ability to function in relationships of all kinds.

When balanced it feels natural and easy to express love and feelings, when imbalanced it can deplete the immune system, increase stress levels and cause feelings of despondency, and feelings of loss of hope and the sense of feeling trapped.

throat chakra

The fifth chakra is the throat chakra (vishuddi) and is located at the throat, visualise the colour blue for this chakra.

It is related to the free flowing ability to communicate and at a physical level governs the effective functioning of the throat area, and can cause tension in the neck area, throat infections etc.

This is the area from which we express ourselves, when we feel unable to talk, or express ourselves in anyway it is likely to be because of a blockage in this area, this will allow us to make ourselves heard and express ourselves fully.

This is also the centre of creativity, when our idea is formed and flows up from the root chakra, we are able to express our creativity fully when the throat chakra is unblocked.

This is one of the easiest chakras to identify a blockage, when we have that feeling of a frog in the throat, or feel restricted in this area, chances are it needs unblocking.

brow chakra

The sixth chakra is located below the centre of the forehead, at the point of our inner or “third” eye and is known as the brow chakra (ajna), its colour is indigo.

This chakra has been linked with the pineal and the pituitary glands and can be connected with headaches, migraines, eye strain, sinusitis, insomnia and of course stress. Lack of concentration and memory can also be affected by this chakra.

Psychologically, the “third eye” is well known as the centre of the inner eye of imagination and dreams. It is our connection with our sixth sense and is the point at which we can connect to our inner psychic ability, it is the threshold of the inner and outer worlds.

crown chakra

The seventh and final chakra is the crown chakra (sahasra) which is located just above the top of the head, the colour associated with the crown is violet.

This chakra is the supervisor of the entire energy system and enables universal energy to be channelled into the system, helping to keep it balanced.

The main physical affects of this chakra are the results of an imbalanced mind and so result in stress, fatigue and sleep problems.

It is the most subtle chakra and works to keep the entire system in balance and harmony along with the grounding root chakra. This chakra is the centre at which our imagination, inspiration, empathy, connectivity and selflessness is nourished.

balancing the chakras

There are many different ways in which you can balance your entire chakra system either through crystal placement, colour meditation and you also focus on just one chakra if necessary using the same techniques.

For crystal placement, lie flat in a comfortable position with your legs flat and slightly apart, place one of the crystals (which have been cleansed) associated with each chakra in the place where the chakra is located, for the base chakra place the crystal just in between the legs, then place each subsequent crystal in each location until the crown chakra, where the crystal should be placed just above your head. It may be easier to have someone do this for you, or go to a professional crystal healer. Once the crystals are in place, lie quietly for five minutes and allow the crystals to do their work. Then re-cleanse the crystals after work to remove the negative energies accumulated.