Asanas for the 7 Chakras

Chakras refer to the energy centers in the human body which is vertically aligned in the center of the body close to the spine. There are seven chakras, or energy centers, in our body. Each of these chakras is associated with a different part of the body along the spine from the coccyx to the crown of our head. As centers of force, chakras can be thought of as sites where we receive, absorb, and distribute life energies. A proper balance in the seven Chakras is essential for us to have good health. Through external situations and internal habits, such as long-held physical tension and limiting self-concepts, a chakra can become either deficient or excessive—and therefore imbalanced. An imbalance in the chakras can result in diseases and ill health. Yoga postures can help in aligning the chakras and making them healthy and active.

By practising yoga we can learn to focus the concentration and energy to and from the various chakras in our body.  By balancing the energy among all seven of the chakras a balance can be achieved.

Asanas for the different chakras

1.         Muladhara Chakra (mula=root, cause, source; adhara=support or vital part). This chakra is located at the base of spine (coccyx) and is associated with adrenals, kidneys, muscles and blood. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like constipation, back pain, diarrhea, piles, colitis, high blood pressure, obesity, kidney stones and impotence. Some good yoga postures for this chakra are Setu Bandhasana (Bridge), Salabhasana (Locust), Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-knee) and Upavista Konasana (Wide angle forward bend).


2.         Svadhisthana Chakra (sva=vital force, soul; adhisthana=seat or abode). This chakra is located below navel at the lower abdomen and is associated with reproductive organs and stomach. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like uterine fibroids, pre-menstrual syndrome, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, testicular disease, low back pain and prostate disease. Some good yoga postures to practise for this chakra are Bhujangasana (Cobra), Garudasana (Eagle), Kapotasana (Pigeon) and Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half spinal twist).


3.         Manipura Chakra (manipura=navel). This chakra is located at the navel (solar plexus) and is associated with the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, digestive system and nervous system. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like diabetes, digestive problems, liver disease and gall stones. Some good yoga postures to practise for this chakra are Bhujangasana (Cobra), Dhanurasana (Bow) and Chakrasana (Wheel).

4.         Anahata Chakra (anahata=heart). This is the heart chakra and is associated with the heart, thymus gland, lungs and circulatory system. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like heart diseases, allergies, breast cancer and problems related to the immune system. Some good yoga postures for a healthy heart chakra are Bhujangasana (Cobra), Matsyasana (Fish) and Ustrasana (Camel).

5.         Visuddha Chakra (visuddha=pure). This chakra is located at the throat and is associated with the thyroid gland, lungs and respiratory system. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like thyroid, anorexia, asthma, bronchitis, hearing problems, mouth ulcers, sore throats and tonsillitis. Some good yoga postures for this chakra are Matsyasana (Fish), Halasana (Plough) and Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand).


6.         Ajna Chakra (ajna=command). This chakra is located at the forehead in between the eyes and is associated with the pituitary gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like migraine, glaucoma, cataracts and sinus problems. Some good asanas for this chakra are Matsyasana (Fish), Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Sirsasana (Headstand)

7.         Sahasrara Chakra (sahasrara=thousand-petalled lotus). This chakra is located at the crown of the head and is associated with the pineal gland, brain and central nervous system. An imbalance in this chakra can cause diseases and conditions like depression, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. The yoga asanas to practise for this chakra are the same as that for Ajna chakra.