"What is a Chakra?/What Are Chakras?" has to be the number one question I get asked, especially when individuals are inquiring about Reiki sessions. Eric Bellinger has an entire song about them, Jhene Aiko has referenced them, and even Jidenna and Big Sean have thrown the word 'chakras' around in certain songs. So I think it's time to break down the chakras in blog form and provide some insight to what exactly it is to those who are unfamiliar with the term and concept. Enjoy this crash course in chakras!
Background Information
Chakras are energy centers located within the body that are associated with our physical, mental and emotional interactions. It is believed that this system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC. The word chakra translates to "disc" or "wheel" in Sanskrit, which is how they're typically portrayed in pictures. Each chakra has it's own vibrational frequency as well as assigned color for the location in the body, this also relates to ways these energy centers can be balanced if there is disequilibrium. The idea of chakras serve as the foundation for many healing practices like yoga, reiki and acupuncture. The ideal state is for all 7 chakras to be open and flowing freely allowing there to be a healthy moving energy throughout.
The 7 Chakras
Take a look at the 7 Chakras listed below, starting from the beginning at the base of the spine and moving up towards the top of the head. The location, color and description of each energy center is included:
Root Chakra - stability, security, basic needs, financial independence
Location: base of the spine, tailbone area
Color: Red
Sacral Chakra - creativity, sexuality, pleasure, well-being
Location: lower abdomen
Color: Orange
Solar Plexus Chakra - personal power, self-worth, self confidence and self esteem
Location: upper abdomen, stomach area
Color: Yellow
Heart Chakra - love, inner peace, connection, ability to love
Location: center of chest, heart level
Color: Green
Throat Chakra - communication, self expression, verbal expression of feelings
Location: throat
Color: Blue
Third Eye Chakra (Brow Chakra) - intuition, wisdom, rationality, decision making
Location: forehead, between the eyes
Color: Indigo
Crown Chakra - spirituality, connection with a higher source, our higher self
Location: very top of the head
Color: Violet/White
Why Are They Important
Chakras are believed to help regulate all processes in the body from the immune system to emotions experienced. In a healthy and balanced individual, the 7 Chakras provide the perfect amount of energy to every part of your body, mind and spirit. When the chakras are aligned, the energy is free-flowing and allows us to harness their power to perform to the best of our abilities while feeling great.
When a chakra is blocked, over or under-active it can lead to a decrease in energy being circulated resulting in physical, emotional or spiritual imbalance. Typically, the problems encountered correlate to the impacted energy center i.e. a blocked heart chakra can result in upper back problems, jealousy, fear of commitment bitterness, lack of compassion, etc.
But lucky for us, chakras can be balanced and re-aligned through a variety of practices and techniques including:
Reiki or Energy Work
Tai Chi
Chakra Meditation
Aromatherapy (use of essential oils)
Crystal Healing
Yoga
Purposeful Affirmations
Acupuncture
Conscious Breathing Techniques
Take a minute to sit and meditate on any area of your life that you may be having difficulties or challenges, does it correlate to a specific chakra listed above? Keep track of how you're feeling emotionally and physically regularly to determine which one of the chakras could use some attention. Exploring chakra balancing and learning more about these energy centers can be beneficial for many! Remember, it's never a bad idea to try something new!
Absolute Affirmation: My Chakras Are Lit
Don't forget the Absolute Affirmations 44-card positive affirmations deck is now available HERE! Empower yourself while manifesting the life of your dreams & keeping your vibration high!