Our chakra journey begins by identifying imbalances that may be affecting us either physically or emotionally. As part of our subtle body, it is said we have 7 chakras or spinning wheels or disks. The chakras travel up the length of our spine starting at the base and moving up to the crown of our head. The energy around our chakras moves in and out of balance depending on current or past events. Each chakra represents a different energy and relies upon the chakras surrounding them to also feel balanced.
Certain events can misalign the energy of specific chakras for a few days or create blockages that last months or years. When we are feeling stuck, drained or suffering from chronic conditions, by focusing on the chakra affiliated to this area we can begin to heal holistically (please note: we should still seek medical attention for all physical ailments we are concerned of).
Muladhara or Root Chakra: Is considered our first chakra and represents safety and security. Located at the base of our spine, represented by the colour red, the earth and a general sense of grounding. This chakra becomes imbalanced when things we rely upon are in flux, such as when we find ourselves between homes or jobs. In our society we need both a home to live and a stream of income coming in to support us, if these things are challenged it also challenges our safety and security in the world.
Svadhisthana or Sacral Chakra: The second chakra is represented by the colour orange, the element of water and the ability to go with the flow. Located between our navel and pelvic bone, this chakra is our emotional wellbeing, our creativity and sexuality. When this chakra is balanced we feel in tune with ourselves and comfortable with the ebb and flow and life’s challenges. Imbalances often show up as physical tightness in the hips, and a discomfort with intimacy.
Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra: Translated to mean “city of jewels” our third chakra governs our inner strength and power. Located between our diaphragm and navel and defined by the colour yellow, the element of fire and also encompasses our digestive fire or tapas to get things done. There is a very close connection between the 2ndand 3rdchakras as they both represent how we understand and define ourselves. My favourite example of this chakra in balance is when we are doing tough abdominal exercises and we get this rush of “YES! I can do this, I am strong” that’s the third chakra showing its true colours. Deficiencies in this chakra often show up as feeling overwhelmed by the world around us and often manifest as digestive issues.
Anahata or Heart Chakra: This is the chakra of love and gratitude, universal love for all things. The colour green, the element of air and the sensation of feeling open across our chest and upper back, which is where this chakra is located – our heart centre. The English translation of Anahata is un-struck or un-hurt and so the important aspects of the fourth chakra are forgiveness and the ability to release grief.
Vishuddha or Throat Chakra: Our fifth chakra is our truth, the ability to speak our truth out loud and also to ourselves. We all know the feeling of having a lump in our throat when we are scared to speak. This is a block in our throat chakra. This powerful chakra is represented by the colour blue and the element of ether or space; closely aligned to our Heart Chakra, when we are unable to speak our truth we will also feel blocked in our heart. Characteristics of imbalance in this chakra are both not saying anything and talking too much. Those with imbalances will often suffer from chronic throat conditions.
Ajna or Third Eye Chakra: Is our space of intuition; that we know what the best thing for us is, though often it becomes buried in our desire to please others. Identified by the colour indigo or purple and located in the space between our brow, this chakra is extremely important as it provides our sense of self in the world. It is connected to our pituitary gland – interesting that this is the gland connected to puberty and the exact time we start to find our independence. This chakra is about trusting ourselves, the ability to see clearly. Also closely linked to the 5thchakra and the ability to speak our truth, the 6thchakra is our ability to see our truth.
Sahasrara or Crown Chakra: Located at the crown of our head, this chakra represents our spirituality and/or connection to a higher power whether through religion or a general connection to the universe at large, the seat of cosmic consciousness. Our seventh chakra is about surrendering and presented through the colour purple or white. Interesting that we are born with our crown chakra fully open – the soft spot on our skull, and as we continue to grown our skull closes and we become more challenged to stay balanced in this space.
Curious to know more? Looking for ways to bring your own energy system into balance? Check out my Chakra Empowerment Series: A 7-week Transformational Journey to Balance Our Energy Body starting May 13th.