Chakra must have been heard by many of us mentioned in yoga class. You’ve almost definitely heard the “New Age” character on TV or in a movie talk about someone’s chakra being blocked. If you’ve been feeling less vital and energetic or in an emotional funk, it’s possible that you have a chakra that is clogged or stuck. Contrary to popular belief, chakras are not the newest fad in the yoga world, but rather an ancient system for understanding your body’s energy. The chakras are located in the central channel of the energetic spine, sometimes referred to as the Sushumna. This major route of energy flow (nadi) starts at the base of the spine and runs up to the crown of the head. What exactly is each of the chakra meanings? Where are the chakras located and how would you know if you were stuck? How do cleanse and heal the chakras for well-being? Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System is also of the opinion that chakras play a vital role in gaining health, peace, and progress.
Chakra Meaning
Chakra means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. They are thought to be spinning disks of energy that should stay “open” and aligned, as they correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being.
Some say there are 114 different chakras, but there are seven main chakras that run along your spine. These are the chakras that most of us are referring to when we talk about them.
The history of Chakra
Chakras have only recently become more popular, with the growth in popularity of yoga and New Age philosophies in general. They are a complex and ancient energy system that originated in India. They were first mentioned in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts of spiritual knowledge dating from 1500 to 1000 BC. There’s a lot one can study about them.
What does science say about the Chakra?
There are seven main chakras and each one correlates to different parts of the body. Every chakra governs a different area of the endocrine and nervous systems. In addition, the energetic channels of the body line up with the physical channels of the body, creating an equivalency between the two.
The chakras also match up with different sections of the vertebrae, affecting the corresponding parts of the body.
The seven Chakra System
Kubjikāmata-tantra
The more common and most studied chakra system incorporates six major chakras along with a seventh center generally not regarded as a chakra. These points are arranged vertically along the axial channel (Sushumna nadi in Hindu texts, Avadhuti in some Buddhist texts). According to Gavin Flood, this system of six chakras plus the Sahasrara “center” at the crown first appears in the Kubjikāmata-tantra, an 11th-century Kaula work.
Ṣaṭ-Cakra-Nirūpaṇa
It was this chakra system that was translated in the early 20th century by Sir John Woodroffe (also called Arthur Avalon) in the text The Serpent Power. Avalon translated the Hindu text Ṣaṭ-Cakra-Nirūpaṇa meaning the examination (nirūpaṇa) of the seven (ṣaṭ) chakras (cakra).
Kundalini and Buddhist candali
The Chakras are traditionally considered meditation aids. The yogi progresses from lower chakras to the highest chakra blossoming in the crown of the head, internalizing the journey of spiritual ascent. In both the Hindu kundalini and Buddhist candali traditions, the chakras are pierced by dormant energy residing near or in the lowest chakra. In Hindu texts, she is known as Kundalini, while in Buddhist texts she is called Candali or Tummo (Tibetan: gtum mo, “fierce one”).
Below are the common new-age description of these six chakras and the seventh point known as Sahasrara. This new age version incorporates the Newtonian colors of the rainbow not found in any ancient Indian system:
| Image of chakra | Name | Sanskrit (Translation) |
Location | No. of petals |
Modern color |
Seed syllable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Muladhara | मूलाधार “Root” |
Base of spine |
4 | Red | Lam (earth) |
 |
Svadhishthana | स्वाधिष्ठान “Where the self is established” |
Root of sexual organs |
6 | Orange | Vam (water) |
 |
Manipura | मणिपूर “Jewel city” |
Navel | 10 | Yellow | Ram (fire) |
 |
Anahata | अनाहत “Unstruck” |
Heart | 12 | Green | Yam (air) |
 |
Vishuddha | विशुद्ध “Purest” |
Throat | 16 | Blue | Ham (space) |
 |
Ajna or Agya | आज्ञा “Command” |
Between eyebrows |
2 | Indigo | — |
 |
Sahasrara | सहस्रार “Thousand-petaled” |
Crown | 1000 | Multi or violet | — |
Name, color, specific area of Chakra
Each of these seven main chakras has a corresponding number, name, color, specific area of the spine from the sacrum to the crown of the head, and health focus:
1. Root (Muladhar)
A blocked root chakra can manifest as physical issues like arthritis, constipation, and bladder or colon problems, or emotionally through feeling insecure about finances or our basic needs and well-being. When it’s in alignment and open, we will feel grounded and secure, both physically and emotionally.
Location: 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 responsible for your sense of security and stability.
2. Sacral (Svadhisthana)
Issues with this chakra can be seen via problems with the associated organs, like urinary tract infections, lower back pain, and impotency. Emotionally, this chakra is connected to our feelings of self-worth, and even more specifically, our self-worth around pleasure, sexuality, and creativity.
Location: The Sacral chakra, or Svadhisthana, is located just below your belly button. This chakra is responsible for your sexual and creative energy. It’s also linked to how you relate to your emotions as well as the emotions of others.
3. Solar plexus (Manipura)
Blockages in the third chakra are often experienced through digestive issues like ulcers, heartburn, eating disorders, and indigestion. It’s the chakra of our personal power. This means it’s related to our self-esteem and self-confidence.
Location: The solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, is located in your stomach area. It’s responsible for confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping you feel in control of your life.
4. Heart (Anahata)
Blocks in our heart chakra can manifest in our physical health through heart problems, asthma, and weight issues. But blocks are often seen even more clearly through people’s actions.
People with heart chakra blocks often put others first, to their own detriment. It’s the middle of the seven chakras, so it bridges the gap between our upper and lower chakras, and it also represents our ability to love and connect to others. When out of alignment, it can make us feel lonely, insecure, and isolated.
Location: The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is located near your heart, in the center of your chest. It comes as no surprise that the heart chakra is all about our ability to love and show compassion.
5. Throat (Vishuddha)
As one would expect, this chakra is connected to our ability to communicate verbally. Voice and throat problems as well as any problems with everything surrounding that area, such as the teeth, gums, and mouth, can indicate a blockage. Blocks or misalignment can also be seen through dominating conversations, gossiping, speaking without thinking, and having trouble speaking your mind.
Location: The Throat Chakra, or Vishuddha, is located in your throat. This chakra has to do with our ability to communicate verbally.
6. Third eye (Ajna or Agya)
Since this chakra is physically located on the head, blockages can manifest as headaches, issues with sight or concentration, and hearing problems. People who have trouble listening to reality (who seem to “know it all”) or who are not in touch with their intuition may also have a block. When open and in alignment, it’s thought that people will follow their intuition and be able to see the big picture.
Location: The Third eye chakra, or Ajna (Agya), is located between your eyes. 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.
7. Crown (Sahasrara)
The crown chakra is linked to every other chakra (and therefore every organ in this system), and so it affects not just all of those organs, but also our brain and nervous system. It is considered the chakra of enlightenment and represents our connection to our life’s purpose and spirituality. Those with a blocked Crown chakra may seem narrow-minded, skeptical, or stubborn. When this chakra is open, it is thought to help keep all the other chakras open and to bring the person bliss and enlightenment.
Location: The Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara, is located at the top of your head. Your Sahasrara represents your spiritual connection to yourself, others, and the universe. It also plays a role in your life’s purpose.
What are the signs of blocked Chakra?
Root (Muladhar)
Being depleted of the first chakra energy feels like a survival crisis. You can’t get grounded because you are stuck in your head. By contrast, if you have too much energy at the root, you can become greedy or excessive in behaviors. These are misguided attempts to get grounded. Some signs of the blocked Root chakra (Muladhar) include:
- Fear, panic,
- Overthinking,
- Depression, anxiety,
- Bad dreams,
- Emotional disconnect,
- Anger,
- Lack of trust,
- Slothfulness, and
- Lack of confidence.
Sacral (Svadhisthana)
When someone is stuck in their Sacral chakra, they struggle with being ruled by their emotions or the opposite of this, which is feeling numb or out of touch. There’s also a correlation to sexual desire (or the lack thereof) at this level. Creativity and pleasure are both found at this energetic level. Some signs of the blocked Sacral chakra (Svadhisthanar) include:
- Creative blockages,
- Guilt,
- Toxicity in relationships,
- The belief that one does not deserve love,
- A belief that others do not care,
- Block in motivation,
- Lack of sexual desire,
- Insecurity,
- Lack of emotion,
- Unhealthy sexual desires,
- Need to control everything,
- Addiction/dependency,
- Bladder issues, and
- Kidney problems.
Solar plexus (Manipura)
This Chakra is often considered the power center, and when out of balance, self-esteem may be low and decision-making can feel out of control. Temper flare-ups are also common when energy isn’t flowing well here. Some signs of the blocked Solar chakra (Manipura) include:
- Anxiety,
- Stomach pains,
- Feeling powerless,
- Feeling like a victim,
- Lack of belief in oneself,
- Relinquishing one’s power to others,
- Liver, pancreas, and stomach problems,
- Aggressiveness, and
- Egoism.
Heart (Anahata)
The Heart chakra, when flowing with energy, feels filled with love, compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. When there’s a blockage at this energy level, anger, jealousy, grief, or self-hatred can be more prominent. Some signs of the blocked Heart chakra (Anahata) include:
- Lack of compassion,
- Unwillingness to let go of past relationships,
- Holding onto grudges,
- Lack of commitment,
- Difficulty maintaining relationships,
- Closing off the heart/not letting people in,
- Lack of love for all,
- Anxiety, stress, and
- Loneliness.
Throat (Vishuddha)
This chakra is the source of speaking your most authentic truth. When energy is blocked or low here, fear of not being accepted or of being judged becomes a problem. You might also feel out of touch with your opinions and desires and have challenges in making choices. Some signs of the blocked Throat chakra (Vishuddha) include:
- Sore throat/neck pain,
- Hearing problems,
- Temporomandibular (TMJ) syndrome,
- Problems with the larynx and thyroid,
- Feeling that one cannot speak up, and
- Unwillingness to use one’s voice or share one’s opinions.
Third eye (Ajna or Agya)
The word Ajna means “beyond wisdom,” and when this chakra is open, you experience expanded imagination, clairvoyance, and intuition. When there is a blockage at this level, there can be a tendency to be over-involved in fantasy or imagination. Lack of focus or clouded judgment can also occur. Some signs of the blocked Third eye chakra (Ajna) include:
- Lack of intuition,
- Inability to concentrate,
- The belief that what one sees physically is all that there is,
- A disconnect of the mind, body, and soul,
- Anxiety/fear of the unknown,
- Lack of self-reflection,
- Feeling that the thoughts are “cloudy”,
- Inability to stay present,
- An abundance of daydreaming,
- Headaches,
- Pain in the eyes, eye problems, and
- Sinus pain/problems.
Crown (Sahasrara)
The Crown chakra connects you to the wider universal energy, so when this area has a block, isolation or emotional distress can occur. This may present as an inability to set or follow through on goals or an overall lack of direction and feelings of disconnection. Some signs of the blocked Crown chakra (Sahasrara) include:
- Lack of intuition,
- Feeling unconnected,
- Isolation,
- Egoism,
- Headaches,
- Fear of death/dying,
- Lack of balance/coordination, and
- The trouble with memory.
How does energy get flowing through Chakra?
When energy is stuck in a particular chakra, help get it flowing again through these tips:
1st Chakra (Root)
- Element: The root chakra is associated with earth, so walking barefoot in the sand, grass, or dirt can be beneficial. Any time spent in nature is helpful for this chakra.
- Nutrition: Eat healthy red foods like tomatoes, beets, berries, and apples.
- Wear and Decorate: Use accents of red and wear red jewelry, clothing, or shoes.
- Sound: lam
2nd Chakra (Sacral)
- Element: The sacral chakra is associated with water, which means swimming or spending time by bodies of water like lakes and oceans is beneficial.
- Nutrition: Eat orange foods like carrots, oranges, melons, or mangoes.
- Wear and Decorate: Surround yourself with orange accessories or tones.
- Sound: vam
3rd Chakra (Solar Plexus)
- Element: The Solar plexus chakra is associated with the element of fire, so enjoy sitting around a bonfire or soaking up bright sunlight.
- Nutrition: Eat yellow foods like bananas, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, and corn.
- Wear and Decorate: Wearing yellow clothing, jewelry, and accessories would be beneficial.
- Sound: ram
4th Chakra (Heart)
- Elements: The heart chakra is associated with air, so breathing deeply will help to clear the energy at this level. Drive with the windows open, fly a kite, or take a boat ride.
- Nutrition: Eat green foods including broccoli, avocado, and leafy greens like kale or spinach.
- Wear and Decorate: Accent your life with all shades of green.
- Sound: yum
5th Chakra (Throat)
- Element: The Throat chakra is associated with ether (similar to spirit), so sitting in an open space under a clear sky is a fabulous way to get this energy flowing appropriately.
- Nutrition: Eat blue foods like blueberries, currants, dragon fruit, and kelp.
- Wear and Decorate: Use all blue tones.
- Sound: ham
6th Chakra (Third Eye, Ajna, or Agya)
- Element: The Third eye chakra is associated with light. To balance and open this chakra, sit in stillness in the sunlight or relax in a window as the sun pours in.
- Nutrition: Eat indigo foods including purple kale, grapes, and blackberries.
- Wear and Decorate: Wearing indigo clothing or jewelry and decorating with accents of this color will be useful.
- Sound: sham
7th Chakra (Crown)
- Element: The crown chakra is affiliated with all the elements, so connecting with your wholeness rather than a single element is the recommended practice. Spend time in meditation, chanting, or prayer.
- Nutrition: At this level, nutrition is no longer for the physical body. This chakra is not nourished with food, but with spiritual practices. Practice self-reflection and curiosity.
- Wear and Decorate: Wearing violet clothing or jewelry and decorating with accents of this color will be useful.
- Sound: om
A Beginner’s Guide To Chakra cleansing
When your chakras are in balance, they can bring harmony throughout your being both spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. With practice, you can start to tap into the power of affirmations and visualizations.
These will ultimately help you to balance your chakra systems, allowing you to recognize that your thoughts can create your reality.
By regularly practicing affirmations, we can achieve beautiful results in our lives. But first, let’s start by breaking down the chakras and how we can tap into our internal power:
Muladhara (Root)
Our Root chakra represents our foundation. It sits at the base of the spine and gives us the feeling of being grounded. The Muladhara chakra controls our survival instincts such as financial independence, money, and food.
When open and functioning properly, our root chakra can make us feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges. When blocked, we can feel threatened and disconnected from our earthly needs. We may even feel that we’re standing on unstable ground.
The Root chakra is associated with the color red and develops between the ages of 1 and 7.
Mantras to connect with the Root chakra
Below are some mantras to help connect you with the Root chakra:
“I am grounded, stable, and standing on my own two feet”;
“Just like a tree; and
“I trust myself”.
Swadhisthana (Sacral)
The sacral chakra helps inform how we relate to our emotions as well as the emotions of others. It is located in the lower abdomen, 2 inches below the navel, and also navigates our feelings of well-being, pleasure, and sexuality.
When your sacral chakra is blocked, you can feel a lack of control within your life. But when flowing and functioning properly, you can feel empowered, creative, and fulfilled.
The sacral chakra is associated with the color orange and develops between the ages of 8 and 14. It is connected to the water element and resonates within the stone tiger’s eye. To heal your sacral chakra, place your hand over your lower abdomen.
Mantras to connect with the Sacral chakra
Below are some mantras to help you tap into your sacral chakra:
“I always honor others but not before myself”;
“I value and respect my body”; and
“My sexuality is sacred”.
Manipura (Solar Plexus)
The power of chakra healing and chakra balancing is deeply overlooked. But its practice is an integral part of maintaining the health of our body and mind.
“Chakra” literally translates to “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit. This wheel symbolizes the moving, living energy within you.
Current research shows that the body constantly conducts electromagnetic energy. It is believed that you can actually manipulate the flow of energy to encourage your own healing and foster your wellbeing.
When your chakras are in balance, they can bring harmony throughout your being both spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. With practice, you can start to tap into the power of affirmations and visualizations.
Anahata (Heart)
The Anahata chakra is the bridge between our lower chakras and our upper chakras. Our lower chakras are associated with materiality while our upper chakras are associated with spirituality.
The heart chakra can influence our ability to give and receive love from others and from ourselves. It controls our sense of love, joy, and inner peace. It is located at the center of our chest just above our heart.
When blocked, you may have difficulty fully opening up to the people in your life. But when your heart chakra is open, you can experience deep compassion and empathy.
The Anahata chakra is associated with the color green and develops between the ages of 21 and 28.
To heal this chakra, place your palm or an object over your chest close to your heart. Imagine a healing green or emerald light glowing in your chest. You may hold a rose quartz stone close to your heart as well to further its effects.
Mantras to connect with the Heart chakra
Below are some mantras that can help you tap into your heart chakra:
“When I love myself, loving others comes easily”;
“I am grateful for the challenges that help me transform and open up to love”; and
“I am open to love and kindness”.
Vishudda (Throat)
Our throat chakra gives voice to our heart chakra. It controls our ability to communicate our personal power and self-expression. It is located in the throat and is deeply connected to our inner truth.
When blocked, you may have trouble finding the words to say how you really feel. When functioning well, your throat chakra allows you to express yourself truly and clearly to those around you.
To heal your throat chakra, place your dominant hand on your throat, and imagine it filling up with blue light.
You may also choose to vocalize affirmations. If you do, imagine your throat filling up with any blocked expressions and breathe it all out until you no longer feel blocked.
Since the throat chakra is located in your vocal cords, try using your voice during this meditation. You can read affirmations or hum a tune to get your vocal cords vibrating. Either way, you will start to access the vibrations and frequency of your inner truth.
Mantras to connect with the Throat chakra
Below are some mantras to help connect you to your Throat chakra:
“I speak my truth, always”;
“I have a strong will that lets me solve my challenges”; and
“Listen to my body and feelings to what my truth is”.
Ajna or Agya (Third-Eye)
Our Ajna chakra controls our ability to see the big picture. It connects us with our intuition and gets us closer to communion with the divine. Located on the forehead between the eyes, this is also called the Brow Chakra.
Our third eye can register information beyond the surface level. It controls our intuition, imagination, and wisdom.
When blocked, you may feel disconnected from your inner wisdom and the power to guide your own life. You may also be unable to see and recognize your fears. Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra.
The Ajna chakra is associated with the color indigo and is connected to the element of light. It develops between the ages of 36 and 42 and resonates within the amethyst stone.
To heal your third-eye chakra, focus on these affirmations.
Mantras to connect with the Third eye (Ajna or Agya) chakra
Below are mantras and affirmations to help you tap into your Third eye.
“I nurture my spirit”;
“I am open to inspiration and ideas”; and
“Am the source of my truth”.
Sahasrara (Crown)
Our highest chakra sits at the crown of our heads. You may also feel too connected to the physical world and less connected to your spiritual inspiration.
When open and flowing properly, you may be able to access higher consciousness, though very few people ever do.
The crown chakra is associated with the colors violet and white. It develops between the ages of 43 and 49 and is rooted in the element of divine consciousness. It is said to resonate in the stone clear quartz.
To heal your crown chakra, read these affirmations while focusing on the spot at the top of your head. Imagine a white or purple light connecting you to what is outside of yourself.
Mantras to connect with the Crown chakra
Below are mantras and affirmations to tap into your crown chakra:
“I cherish my spirit”;
“I am open to divine wisdom”; and
“Live in the present moment”.
Final tips for Chakra cleansing
In the end, learning about your chakra systems will teach you how to better care for your body and mind. It can teach you about the importance of addressing blockages before they overwhelm you.
You don’t have to be an expert on chakras. You just need to be open and willing to explore.
It will take some trial and error. But each attempt on your part to connect with your inner self is an integral part of the journey.
Which are the alternative ways of healing Chakras?
Some people believe you have wheels of energy throughout the body referred to as chakras. There are seven chakras that begin near the pelvis and move up to the head. Some believe that feelings like anxiety, lethargy, and stress can be attributed to chakras that need healing. If you want to try healing, start with the Root chakra. You will need to spend a lot of time healing your first chakra, as it affects the balance of the others. Then, heal your remaining six chakras through things like meditation, sound therapy, exercise, and exposure to nature.
Start with the Root Chakra
- You can continue to visualize the color red during yoga and dance. This may help with the healing process.
- If you don’t have time to take long walks, try to walk more throughout the day. You could, for example, walk to work instead of taking a bus or walk to the store instead of driving.
Healing the Middle Chakras
- Go for a swim at a local beach or pool.
- Take a long bath. Add baking soda or sea salt for an extra soothing bath.
- For the best effect, spend at least 20 minutes submerged in water.
- If you’re uncomfortable getting physically close to other people, spend time with a pet that likes to cuddle.
Healing Upper Chakras
- If you struggle with visualization, try taking a class on meditation that involves visualization or find guided routines online.
- Meditation works best in a quiet room free of distractions. You should also make sure you wear comfortable clothing and sit in a comfortable position.
Seeking Outside Help
- See if you can find a massage therapist who specializes in healing massages.
- To use your stones, you lay the stones on top of the corresponding chakra. For your Root, for example, you would lay the stone on your groin or feet.
- Keep in mind, however, that healing may not solve issues like depression and anxiety or physical problems like lethargy. If you suffer from mental or physical difficulties, see a medical professional for proper evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Before posting your query, kindly go through them:
| What is the meaning of Chakras?
Chakra (cakra in Sanskrit) means “wheel” and refers to energy points in your body. |
| Which are the 7 Chakras?
The Root, or Muladhara, Sacral (Swadhisthana), Solar plexus, or Manipura, Heart (Anahata), Throat, or Vishuddha, Third eye, or Ajna, and crown chakra, or Sahasrara are the seven ,ost known chakras. |
| Which are the signs of blocked Crown chakra?
The crown chakra connects you to the wider universal energy, so when this area has a block, isolation or emotional distress can occur. This may present as an inability to set or follow through on goals or an overall lack of direction and feelings of disconnection. Some signs of the blocked Crown chakra (Sahasrara) include Lack of intuition, Feeling unconnected, Isolation, Egoism, Headaches, Fear of death/dying, Lack of balance/coordination, and Trouble with memory. |
