Chakras

In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” or “wheel” and refers to the energy centers in your body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs. The Chakra system is believed to be thousands of years old and is essential to many practices such as yoga, meditation, and spirituality. To function at their best, your chakras need to stay open, or balanced. When they get blocked, you may experience physical or emotional symptoms related to a particular chakra. The chakras were initially used to connect the mind and body. The seven chakras were seen as spinning wheels of energy that ran along the spine. Each chakra was associated with a different color, element, and emotion. The chakras were also said to be connected to different glands and organs in the body.The chakras were seen as a way to balance the mind and body. They were believed to be able to help with physical, emotional, and mental health.

The 7 main chakras run along your spine. They start at the root, or base, of your spine and extend to the crown of your head.

Root chakra- The root chakra, or Muladhara, is located at the base of your spine. It provides you with a base or foundation for life, and it helps you feel grounded and able to withstand challenges. Your root chakra is associated with the color red and the element earth responsible for your sense of security, safety and stability. The Sanskrit name is Muladhara chakra.

Sacral chakra- The sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, is located just below your belly button. This chakra is associated with the color orange and the element water & is connected to your sexual & creative energy. It’s also linked to how you relate to your emotions as well as the emotions of others. The Sanskrit name is Svadhishthana chakra.

Solar plexus chakra- The solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, is located in your stomach area. It’s associated with the color yellow and the element fire & is responsible for confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping you feel in control of your life. The Sanskrit name is Manipura chakra.

Heart chakra- The heart chakra, or Anahata, is located near your heart, in the center of your chest. It is associated with the color green and the element air. So it comes as no surprise that the heart chakra is all about our ability to love and show compassion. The Sanskrit name is Anahata chakra.

Throat chakra- The throat chakra, or Vishuddha, is located in your throat. This chakra is associated with the color blue and the element sound. & has to do with our ability to communicate verbally & express ourselves in general. The Sanskrit name is Vishuddha chakra.

Third eye chakra- The third eye chakra, or Ajna, is located between your eyes. This chakra is associated with the color indigo and the element light. You can thank this chakra for a strong gut instinct. That’s because the third eye is responsible for intuition. It’s also linked to imagination. The original name for this energy center is Ajna chakra.

Crown chakra- The crown chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the top of your head. Your Sahasrara is associated with the color violet and the element thought. It represents your spiritual connection to yourself, others, and the universe. It also plays a role in your life’s purpose. The Sanskrit name is Sahasrara chakra.