Chakra means the energy center in Sanskrit. Balance in these centers can have physical, emotional and spiritual effects; therefore, needed.
There are believed to be seven main chakras in human body:
- Muladhara (Root Chakra)
- Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)
- Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra)
- Anahata (Heart Chakra)
- Visuddha (Throat Chakra)
- Ajna (Third Eye Chakra or Guru Chakra)
- Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
1. Muladhara (Root Chakra) | What is it for?
Muladhara, root chakra, is one of these seven primary chakras. It is located at the base of the spine. It is associated with spine, bladder, blood, kidneys, male reproductive organs, and feet. When it is overactive, one can be bossy, egoic, greedy and/or violent. If it is underactive, one can be unloved, sexually inadequate, frustrated and/or fearful. If it is balanced, the person would be grounded, independent with a sense of belonging and trust.
2. Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra) | What is it for?
Svadhisthana, sacral chakra, is the second of these seven primary chakras. It is located at the lower belly and inner pelvis. It is associated with lymphatic and circulatory systems, kidneys, adrenals, skin, female reproductive organs. When it is overactive, one can be manipulative and craves power. If it is underactive, one can be shy, guilty and concerned with what other people think. If it is balanced, the person would be friendly, passionate and playful.
3. Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra) | What is it for?
Manipura, solar plexus chakra, is one of these seven primary chakras. It is located under the sternum. It is associated with nervous system, stomach, gall bladder, large intestine, liver and pancreas. When it is overactive, one can be judgemental, stubborn, critical and bully. If it is underactive, one can feel taken advantage of, have low self-esteem and procrastinate. If it is balanced, the person would respect for self and others, be confident, calm and problem solver.
4. Anahata (Heart Chakra) | What is it for?
Anahata, heart chakra, is one of these seven primary chakras. It is located in the center of the chest. It is associated with circulatory system, arms, hands, shoulders, ribs, breasts, diaphragm and thymus. When it is overactive, one can be jealous, give too much, and blame others. If it is underactive, one can feel too much fear of rejection, feel unloved, self-pity and a lot of neediness. If it is balanced, the person would feel loved, love, feel emphathetic, and bring these qualities out in others.
5. Visuddha (Throat Chakra) | What is it for?
Visuddha, throat chakra, is one of these seven primary chakras. It is located in the base of throat area. It is associated with thyroid, larynx, trachea, ears, nose, teeth, mouth and throat. When it is overactive, one can stubborn and too talkative with the fact of boring others, can criticize others. If it is underactive, one can have difficulty in expressing personal truth, can be timid and afraid to speak in public. If it is balanced, the person would be creative and able to express self and truth.
6. Ajna (Third Eye Chakra or Guru Chakra) | What is it for?
Ajna, third eye chakra or guru chakra, is one of these seven primary chakras. It is located in the middle of forehead. It is associated with pituitary gland, eyes, nose, ears and skeletal system. When it is overactive, one can feel spaced out, lost, worried and be seen as living in fantasy world. If it is underactive, one cannot see big picture, can be easily influenced, and doubt self. If it is balanced, the person would be intuitive, charismatic, wise and understands the purpose.
7. Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) | What is it for?
Sahasrara, crown chakra, is one of these seven primary chakras. It is located at the top of the head. It is associated with the brain, nervous system and pineal gland. When it is overactive, one can crave attention, feel the need to be popular and be addicted to spirituality. If it is underactive, one can be unable to have fun, unaware of the spiritual connection. If it is balanced, the person would be connected to the source, wise and joyful.
How to Open or Balance Chakras?
There can be blockages on these energy centers in the body because of a lot of reasons such as stress, food, physical activities and thought. Opening chakras will enable a person to be balanced psychologically and physically.
As mentioned above, blockages on each chakra will have effects on people’s thoughts and acts. Hereby, opening all of them are important.
Yoga and reiki are the two common ways known to open and balance chakras. If you do yoga and practice yoga poses (asanas) for each chakra on a regular basis, your chakras will be opened smoothly. Reiki is when you want your chakras to be opened by another person, which can be hard to handle for a person if not ready.
My personal advice is always to open chakras by yourself practicing yoga regularly. While doing yoga, your chakras will balanced as a side effect and you will prepare yourself for it.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to learn more about chakras, energy centers in the body. Stay tuned for more information helpful for any yoga instructors and students.