Understanding The Seven Chakras

We all seek balance in some form or another. We hear the word used in all aspects of life - from physical activity, to finances, to emotional wellbeing. Perhaps you spend your waking hours in pursuit of a healthy work/life balance that seems ever out of reach. Or maybe you are striving for balance in another aspect of your life entirely.

When we find ourselves feeling out of alignment in some way, whether that is emotionally, physically, mentally, or energetically, we must seek a deeper kind of balance.

The Chakras

You have doubtless heard of the Chakras. The word is uttered with reverence in some circles, and disdain in others. I have heard it referred to as ‘new age nonsense’, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the concept is more than 3,000 years old. 

The Chakras are referenced in Ayurveda, the traditional medical system originating from India, and you will find the Chakra system written about in the Vedas (ancient Sanskrit writings relating to Hinduism).

There is nothing ‘new’ about the idea of these seven vital energy centres which run through our astral body, along our spine from root to crown. 

What Are They?

The word Chakra is Sanskrit for disk. This is why some people picture the Chakras as spinning disks of energy. The ancient texts tell us that they are more like balls of light, unseen on the physical plane. 

Chakras are the energy centres of the spiritual body, each radiating energy and colour, and each with its own specific purpose. They influence every aspect of our wellbeing, and if one or more is blocked, or out of balance, it will result in some kind of physical, emotional, or mental discomfort or disorder. 

The path to achieving balance and wellness begins with an understanding of the purpose of each one, and how it relates to our overall wellbeing.

The Root Chakra: The Base of the Spine

Colour: Red

Element: Earth

The Root Chakra (also known as the Muladhara Chakra) provides a stable foundation for the body. Located in the pelvic floor, at the base of the spine, the Root Chakra is linked to our sense of safety and stability. When it is balanced, the Root Chakra contributes to a sense of strength and confidence. When our Root Chakra is balanced, we feel more able to take on challenges independently.

The Root Chakra Out of Balance

When it is blocked, we might find ourselves more prone to insecurity, anxiety, and fear. We may feel that our basic needs are not being met, and that our ‘foundations’ are crumbling from beneath us. It may also manifest physically as bladder or colon issues, or lower back pain. 

When it is overactive, The Root Chakra can prompt one to feel overly concerned with the physical world and material possessions. While a little bit of this is natural, and something we all strive to overcome at times, when it becomes an unhealthy preoccupation, it must be addressed. 

The Sacral Chakra: The Lower Abdomen

Colour: Orange

Element: Water

The Sacral Chakra is also known as the Svadhishthana Chakra. It is located below the navel, and is the centre for passion, sexuality, and self worth. Emotions and inspiration are greatly influenced by the Sacral Chakra. It is also linked with creativity and self expression. The second Chakra is closely connected with our sense of self and personal exploration. 

The Sacral Chakra Out of Balance

When the Sacral Chakra is blocked, it’s likely to result in a lack of energy and creativity, low libido, and a general ‘low’ feeling. It’s difficult to get excited about the world when the passion disappears. Physically, a blocked Sacral Chakra may manifest in hormonal imbalances, joint problems, and sexual issues. 

When the Sacral Chakra is overactive, it can result in obsessive, addictive, or compulsive behaviour. 

The Solar Plexus Chakra: Just Above the Navel

Colour: Yellow

Element: Fire

The Solar Plexus Chakra (the Manipura Chakra) is found between the bottom of your rib cage and your navel. It is linked to the ego, and connected strongly to our sense of personal power. The third Chakra has great influence over digestion and metabolism. 

The Solar Plexus Chakra Out of Balance

When the third Chakra is blocked, you’re likely to suffer from low self esteem, anger, and potentially depression. Physically, a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra is likely to cause digestive issues, stomach problems, liver problems, and even diabetes.

The clearest sign of an overactive Solar Plexus Chakra is an inflated sense of self - often resulting in egotistical and aggressive behaviour. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to be described as ‘manic’ in their behaviour.

The Heart Chakra: The Centre of the Chest

Colour: Green

Element: Air

The central Chakra, or the Anahata Chakra is linked to emotions like love, trust, and compassion. This Chakra radiates an energy aligned with giving, forgiveness, and openness. When it is balanced, it encourages us to freely share our love and take the time to understand others.  

The Heart Chakra Out of Balance

A blocked Heart Chakra creates a disconnect between ourselves and others. It isolates us and makes us feel as though we are alone. When the fourth Chakra is blocked, it can result in fear of rejection, difficulty accepting love, and anger. 

When the Heart Chakra is overactive, it can lead to jealousy, possessiveness, and becoming overly dependent on others. 

The Throat Chakra: The Throat

Colour: Blue

Element: Space

As its name might suggest, the Throat Chakra is closely linked to communication and self expression. Also known as the Vishuddha Chakra, the fifth Chakra is intimately linked with our ability to communicate in an effective and healthy way. It is also linked to the thyroid gland.

The Throat Chakra Out of Balance

When the Throat Chakra is blocked, we may find ourselves being commonly misunderstood. It is common to find it difficult to describe how we feel. This can result in aggressive behaviour, born of frustration. Physically, a blocked fifth chakra could cause a sore throat, or stiffness and pain in the upper body (neck, shoulders, and head).

An overactive Throat Chakra most commonly manifests in being overly talkative, domineering, and potentially judgmental of others.

The Third Eye Chakra: Between the Eyebrows

Colour: Indigo

Element: None

The sixth Chakra is the Ajna Chakra, also called the Third Eye Chakra. It is linked to our intuition and connection with the spiritual world. It helps us to see things as they truly are.

The Third Eye Chakra Out of Balance

When the Third Eye Chakra is blocked, we may find ourselves distanced or even cut off from the spiritual world. We may find ourselves missing what is happening in the world around us as we struggle to truly see. We may find our intuition unreliable, and realise we can’t trust our instincts. Physical manifestations of a blocked sixth chakra may include headaches, migraines, insomnia, and brain disorders.

While rare, an overactive Third Eye Chakra would likely lead to a sense of overwhelm and can even lead to hallucinations and delusions. 

The Crown Chakra: Top of the Head

Colour: Violet/ White

Element: None

The seventh Chakra is the Crown Chakra, also known as the Sahastrara Chakra. This is the centre of spirituality and enlightenment. It is from here that divine energy flows. When it is aligned, we connect with our True Self, and gratitude, acceptance, and compassion flow freely. 

The Crown Chakra Out of Balance

When the Crown Chakra is blocked, it can result in a sense of apathy, a lack of openness, and disconnectedness. It’s highly likely that the Crown Chakra will be closed most of the time. It’s not realistic to maintain an ongoing connection to the divine at all times. There are specific meditations which can help you to open the Crown Chakra and achieve that enlightenment. 

An overactive Crown Chakra can sometimes result in self destructive behaviour, arrogance, and an addiction to spirituality. 

Balancing The Chakras

When the Chakras are out of balance, our life is out of balance. We can only be the best version of ourselves when all 7 are aligned and balanced. Meditation and yoga are a wonderful place to start if you are interested in bringing balance to your spiritual self, and should be explored in detail to achieve the enlightenment you seek. Learning from others is always a good idea. 

Connecting with nature is also a great way to bring balance to the Chakras. Spend time outside and be truly present. No technology, no distractions.

There are other things you can explore too, including sound healing, and various holistic treatments including Reiki and Bowen Therapy.