What is Chakra?
Chakra in Sanskrit means “wheel” (just like your Ardha Chakrasana (Half Wheel Pose)). They are energy centres which connect to the vagus nerves – the main component of our body’s parasympathetic nervous system which practically connects everything.
How many chakras are there in our body?
There are 114 chakras in our body, but there are 7 significant chakras which run along the spine – from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
What are the 7 significant chakras?
(From the root to the crown) Muladhara, Swadhistana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajna, Sahasrara.
What is Muladhara Chakra?
(Also known as the Root Chakra)
Location: Base of the spine (a.k.a. coccyx) (a.k.a. tailbone)
Element: Earth
Meaning: Physical identity, stability, grounding
Objective:
Relates to the basic foundation of life, i.e. basics of survival: safety, food, shelter, comfort and belonging
If blocked:
(physical issues) Arthritis, constipation, bladder or colon problems
(emotional issues) Feeling insecure, stress, sluggish, not good enough or greed and never feel contented
What is Swadhistana Chakra?
(Also known as Sacral Chakra)
Location: Below belly button, above the pubic bone
Element: Water
Meaning: Sexuality, pleasure, creativity
Objective: Relationship with others and freedom from guilt, creativity and joys of life
If blocked:
(physical issues) Urinary tract infections, lower back pain, impotency
(emotional issues) Sexually unsatisfied, involve in toxic relationship
What is Manipura Chakra?
(Also known as Solar Plexus Chakra)
Location: Stomach area
Element: Fire
Meaning: Self-esteem, confident
Objective: Relationship with yourself, personal power, self-worth, freedom from shame
If blocked:
(physical issues) Digestive issues, such as stomach ulcers, heartburn, eating disorders, indigestion
(emotional issues) Feeling powerless or victimised or arrogant, decision making can feel out of control
What is Anahata Chakra?
(Also known as Heart Chakra)
Location: Centre of the chest (remember chakras are on the spine)
Element: Air
Meaning: Love and compassion
Objective: Emotional zone and forgiveness
If blocked:
(physical issues) Heart problems, asthma, weight issues
(emotional issues) Commitment issues, holding grudges
What is Vishuddha Chakra?
(Also known as the Throat Chakra)
Location: Throat
Element: Sound
Meaning: Communication
Objective: Communication centre – self expression, speaking the truth, listening and being heard
If blocked:
(physical issues) Voice and throat problems, problem affecting communication, such as gum, teeth and mouth
(emotional issues) Dominating conversations, gossiping, speaking without thinking, having trouble speaking your mind
What is Ajna Chakra?
(Also known as Third Eye Chakra)(Ajna means “beyond wisdom”)
Location: Between the eyebrow
Element: Light
Meaning: Intuition, imagination
Objective: Sense of purpose in life, self-reflection
If blocked:
(physical issues) Headaches, issues with sight or concentration, hearing problems
(emotional issues) Mr./Ms. Know It All, struggle to find meaning of life
What is Sahasrara Chakra?
(Also known as Crown Chakra)
Location: The very top of the head
Element: Thought
Meaning: Awareness, intelligence
Objective: Divine consciousness and enlightenment
If blocked:
(physical issues) Migraine and tensions headaches
(emotional issues) Stubborn, narrow-minded, skeptical
How to unblock Chakra?
Meditation is one of the best ways to unblock your chakras. Mudras (hand gestures) and mantras (chants) are encouraged to be used during meditation to assist in concentration.