the chakras

What are the Chakras?

Within our physical bodies are concentrated wheels of energy that are always spinning.
These energies are called the chakras.. The word “chakra” literally translates to “Wheel”
​because these energies not only spin like wheels but move us in one direction or another.
We have 7 main chakras within us that start at the base of the spine
(Muladhara) and make their way up through the mid-body to the very top of the head (Sahasara).
The best way to align and balance the chakras is to simply become aware of them and how each energy is affecting you.

1. Root

 
​Sanskrit name : Muladhara
Color: red
Element: Earth
Location: The base of the spine.
Associated energy: Survival, vital life energy, physical safety, immune function, strength and productivity
Symptoms of unbalance: Sluggishness, anxiety, living in fear, issues with the digestive system and elimination.
When in balance we feel: Stable, confident and healthy
Asanas to balance:
sukhasana, (easy seated pose)
balasana,(child’s pose)
malasana, (yogi squat)
headstand (roots from the head)
Sound:  Lam
Crystals to balance: Red Jasper, Smokey Quartz, Hematite

---

2. Sacral

​Sanskrit name: Svadhisthana
Color: Orange
Element:   Water
Location: Lower core
Associated energy: Creativity, emotion, sexuality
Symptoms of unbalance:  Obsession, over-sensitivity, fear, guilt, insecurity
When in balance we feel: Happy, filled with joy, sensual and creative
Asanas to balance:
Balasana (Child’s pose)
Natajarasana ( Dancer’s)
Parivrtta Trikonasana (Triangle)
Sound:  Vam
​Crystals to balance: Orange Aventurine, Citrine

---

3. Solar Plexus

​Sanskrit name: Manipura
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Location: Naval center/ Solar Plexus
Associated energy: Thought, trust, identity, control
Symptoms of unbalance: Controlling, competitive, hungry for power, insatiable
When in balance we feel: Strength, courage, high self-esteem, strong will power.
Asanas to balance:
Virabhadrasana I and II ( warrior I and II)
Dhanurasana (floor bow)
Sound:  Ram
Crystals to balance: Citrine, Honey Calcite and Tiger Eye

---

4. Heart

Sanskrit name: Anahata
Color: Green
Element: Air
Location: Center of the chest (in the heart)
Associated energy: love, compassion, healing.
Symptoms of unbalance: Shyness, loneliness, bitterness, jealousy, lacking empathy.
When in balance we feel: Peaceful, accepting, filled with love.
Asanas to balance:
Sphinx
Puppy
Natajarasana (dancer’s)
Ustrasana ( camel)
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Bakasana (crow)
Chakrasana (wheel)
Sound:  Yam
Crystals to balance: Rose Quartz and Green Aventurine

---

5. Throat

​Sanskrit name: Vishuddha
Color: Blue
Element: Ether
Location: Base of the neck / the throat
Associated energy: Communication, creativity, strength of will.
​Symptoms of unbalance: Gossip, criticism, excessive talking or the inability to speak, hyperthyroidism
When in balance we feel: Expressive, creative and connected.
Asanas to balance:
Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)
Singhasana: Lion’s breath
Cat/Cow
Legs up the wall
Sound:  Ham
Crystals to balance: Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite

---

6. Third Eye

​Sanskrit name: Ajna
Color: Violet
Element: Mind
Location: Just above the brow line, right between the eyes.
Associated energy: Intuition,  insight, celestial love
Symptoms of unbalance: Headaches. Lack of focus, nightmares
When in balance we feel: Creative, lucid, in-tune, imaginative
Asanas to balance:
Balasana (Child’s pose with the third eye pressed and rooted into the Earth)
Virabhadrasana III- Warrior III
Seated meditation
Sound:  OM
Crystals to balance: Amethyst

---

7.Crown

​Sanskrit name: Sahasara
Color: Effervescent
​Element: Beyond space and time
Location: The very top of the head
Associated energy: Being, connection to spirit, trust of life, dual consciousness
Symptoms of unbalance: Feeling unrooted, dreamy and superior to others. Skepticism, trouble thinking clearly.
When in balance we feel: Wise, one and at peace
Asanas to balance:
Sirsasana (headstand)
Halasana (Plow)
Padmasana ( Lotus)
Sound:  AUM
Crystals to balance: Clear Quartz

---

Hopefully you are feeling more in tune with your chakras now! Thanks for reading!