The chakra system is an ancient energy map that aligns with the body, providing a pathway to understanding how energy flows through us. Originating from early Hindu traditions, the word “chakra” is Sanskrit for “wheel,” symbolizing the spinning vortexes of energy located along the spine. Each chakra is associated with a specific colour, body area, and aspect of life. When these energy centres are balanced, we experience harmony in mind, body, and spirit. When blocked or misaligned, it can lead to emotional, mental, or physical distress.
In this post, we’ll explore the seven major chakras, their Sanskrit names, colours, and how you can keep them balanced to maintain a vibrant sense of well-being.
1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)
- Colour: Red
- Location: Base of the spine
- Focus: Grounding, survival, security
The Root Chakra is our foundation, connected to our sense of stability and security. When balanced, we feel grounded and safe. Practices like walking in nature, using grounding essential oils like vetiver, or doing root chakra meditations can help keep this chakra open and flowing.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)
- Colour: Orange
- Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel
- Focus: Creativity, sensuality, emotional balance
The Sacral Chakra governs our emotional well-being and creativity. When in balance, we feel joy, creativity, and fluidity in relationships. You can balance this chakra through creative activities, eating orange-coloured foods, and practicing fluid movements like dance or yoga.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
- Colour: Yellow
- Location: Upper abdomen, near the diaphragm
- Focus: Confidence, personal power, will
The Solar Plexus is the centre of our self-esteem and confidence. When aligned, it fuels our motivation and personal power. Sun exposure, eating yellow foods, and practicing affirmations like "I am strong" can help energise this chakra.
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)
- Colour: Green
- Location: Centre of the chest
- Focus: Love, compassion, emotional healing
The Heart Chakra is the bridge between the lower physical and the upper spiritual chakras. It governs unconditional love and empathy. Practices like loving-kindness meditation, using rose quartz, and deep breathing can help open and balance this chakra.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
- Colour: Blue
- Location: Throat
- Focus: Communication, self-expression, truth
The Throat Chakra is about expressing our truth and communicating effectively. A blocked throat chakra can lead to difficulty in communication or self-expression. Singing, chanting, and journaling can help clear this energy centre.
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
- Colour: Indigo
- Location: Between the eyebrows
- Focus: Intuition, insight, imagination
The Third Eye Chakra is the seat of intuition and inner wisdom. When open, it allows us to connect with our higher selves and gain clarity. Practices like meditation, visualisation, and consuming dark blue foods (like blueberries) can help awaken this chakra.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
- Colour: Violet or White
- Location: Top of the head
- Focus: Spiritual connection, higher consciousness
The Crown Chakra is our connection to the divine and universal consciousness. It’s the energy centre that links us to higher realms of understanding. Meditation, spending time in silence, and surrounding yourself with beauty in nature can help align this chakra.
Chakra Balancing for Mind, Body, and Spirit
Balancing your chakras is essential for maintaining holistic health. When energy flows freely through the chakras, we experience vitality, emotional stability, and mental clarity. Here are some practices to keep your chakras aligned and healthy:
- Meditation: A regular meditation practice, focusing on each chakra’s energy, can help you tune into your body and identify areas that may need balancing.
- Yoga: Yoga poses like tree pose (for the root chakra), cobra pose (for the solar plexus), and fish pose (for the throat chakra) align the body and allow energy to flow freely.
- Crystal Healing: Crystals like amethyst (for the crown), citrine (for the solar plexus), and rose quartz (for the heart) can help activate and balance specific chakras.
- Breathwork: Pranayama (breathing exercises) can be a powerful way to clear energy blockages and restore balance. Try deep belly breathing to ground your root chakra or alternate nostril breathing for balance.
- Affirmations: Positive affirmations can help align your energy centres. For example, saying “I am safe” for the root chakra or “I speak my truth” for the throat chakra can reinforce balance in those areas.
By becoming aware of the chakra system and incorporating balancing practices into your life, you can maintain a harmonious flow of energy, leading to physical health, emotional peace, and spiritual growth. Whether through yoga, meditation, or affirmations, paying attention to your chakras can help you stay grounded, inspired, and connected to your higher self.
Balance your chakras, and you’ll unlock the key to holistic well-being, allowing your mind, body, and spirit to thrive.
At Healing Horizons we offer a variety of therapies that can help you with balancing your chakras and your overall energy/wellbeing.
