You’ve probably heard of the 7-chakra system as they are often referenced in the context of emotional healing or meditation practice. However, you may have found the concept of chakras confusing. Or, you have not quite understood what place it might have in your life. As it turns out, everyone can work with chakras, not just experts. Each of these potent energy centers has a unique vibrational frequency. So, even a basic understanding of the 7 chakras can enhance your life in surprising ways.

Whether you’re trying to heal a specific wound, looking to improve your manifestation work with the Law of Attraction, or just hoping to boost your overall well-being, it pays to know more about the 7 chakras. In this beginner’s guide to chakras, we’ll explore each chakra’s meaning and ways to balance your 7 chakras most effectively.

What are chakras?

A chakra is a center of energy. Originating from Sanskrit, it literally means “wheel”. This is because the life force, or prana, that moves inside of you is spinning and rotating. This spinning energy has 7 centers in your body, starting at the base of your spine and moving all the way up to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, that is depicted through a specific chakra color, and governs specific functions.

In a healthy, balanced person, the 7 chakras provide the right balance of energy to every part of your body, mind, and spirit. But, if one of your chakras spins too quickly, is blocked, or moves slowly, you will likely experience blockages in your physical, as well as emotional and mental health.

By learning about the 7 chakras, you can become more in tune with the natural energy cycles of your body and begin to balance your chakras so that you can live a healthier and more harmonious life.

 

What is chakra balancing?

Chakra balancing is the process of restoring a harmonious flow of energy across the chakra system. The effect of well-balanced chakras often translates into a feeling of well-being, relaxation, centeredness, increased vitality and embodiment of oneself.

The idea of balancing a chakra is only addressing part of the picture: Each chakra is part of a system that functions as a whole. If we look at how chakras work, we see that they have a dynamic connection with each other and interact energetically. Therefore, when doing chakra balancing, it’s not only important to consider each chakra, but also the neighboring centers, and the energy through the whole system.

What is chakra healing?

Chakra healing can be defined as a process aiming at influencing how energy moves through the chakras of the human body. It is often referred to as chakra balancing because its goal is to restore the optimal balance between the energy centers.

There are many energy healing modalities, some rooted in ancient wisdom and practices, some more recent. Some common practices in today’s alternative medicine are reiki therapy, sound healing and crystal healing.

The 7-chakra system

1. ROOT CHAKRA- MULADHARA

The first chakra is the Root chakra. The Root chakra’s role is to connect you with the Earth, which is also referred to as grounding. This chakra provides a sense of security and survival. When your Root chakra is balanced you will feel a sense of peace when thinking of certain aspects of your life, like finances, shelter, and safety.

Element: Earth

Color: Red

Sound: Lam

Location: At base of your spine and extends up to your lower stomach

Signs of an imbalanced Root chakra:

• Pain and stiffness in your feet and legs
• Degenerative arthritis, knee pain, sciatica, eating disorders, and constipation
• Low sense of physical stability
• Feeling ungrounded, unsafe, and insecure
• Home life feels chaotic and unsettled
• Stress about money and financial security

How to balance the Root chakra:

• Connect with the earth: go for a hike, walk in the sand, or sit in a garden.
• Eat vegetables and fruit—food from the earth, such as potatoes, radish, and other root vegetables
• Wear the color red
• Meditate with, carry or wear Root chakra crystals such as Black Onyx, Bloodstone, Red Jasper and Hematite

2. SACRAL CHAKRA- SVADHISHANA

The second chakra is the Sacral chakra. The Sacral chakra is all about the creative forces inside of you. If your Sacral chakra is balanced you will relish in all the wonderful things life has to offer, without overdoing them.

Element: Water

Color: Orange

Sound: Vam

Location: Right below the belly button and extends to the center of your abdomen

Signs of an imbalanced Sacral chakra:

• Pain and stiffness in your low back and hips
• Sexual and reproductive health issues
• Urinary problems, kidney dysfunctions
• All types of addiction
• Feeling easily overwhelmed emotionally
• Loss of imagination and no creativity
• Constant fear of betrayal

How to balance the Sacral chakra:

• Connect with the element of water: drink water, swim, take a soothing bath
• Explore creative self-expression activities, for example. painting, dancing, photography
• Get in touch with your feelings through journaling or therapy
• Meditate with, carry or wear Sacral chakra crystals such as Tiger’s eye, Carnelian, Orange Calcite

3. SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA- MANIPURA

The third chakra is the Solar Plexus chakra. The Solar Plexus chakra is the birth place of your identity and self-confidence. You’ve probably heard this referred to as your “gut.” A balanced Solar Plexus chakra provides feelings of wisdom and power.

Element: Fire

Color: Yellow

Sound: Ram

Location: In the center of your abdomen and extends up to the center of your chest

Signs of out of balance the Sacral chakra:

• Digestive issues and abdominal pain
• Low self-esteem
• Overinflated ego
• Inability to commit
• Inability to follow through with goals

How to balance the Solar Plexus chakra:

• Connect with the element of fire: meditate on a candle flame or bonfire
• Break out of routine and take a risk
• Get out in the sunshine
• Engage your willpower by setting goals
• Meditate with, carry or wear Solar Plexus chakra crystals such as Tiger’s eye, Citrine, Amber, Topaz

4. HEART CHAKRA- ANAHATA

The fourth chakra is the Heart chakra. The Heart chakra is the middle one of all 7 chakras, meaning it connects the higher chakras to the lower chakras. The role of the Heart chakra is to empower your love, compassion, and kindness. When your Heart chakra is balanced you are able to feel love for yourself and others equally.

Element: Air

Color: Green

Sound: Yam

Location: Right over your heart, radiating down to your breastbone and up to your throat

Signs of an imbalanced Heart chakra:

• Pain in your upper back or chest
• Tight shoulders or, alternatively, overly flexible shoulders
• Asthma
• Inability to receive love in any of its forms
• Lack of self-compassion
• Feeling a sense of lack or loss with regards to love

How to balance the Heart chakra:

• Connect with the element of air: get outside in fresh air and breathe deeply
• Go forest bathing: “Forest bathing” is actually a term that originated in Japan known as Shinrin Yoku, and it has many scientifically proven benefits.
• Practice loving-kindness for yourself and others
• Practice self-care, self-love, and express love to others
• Wear the colors green or pink
• Meditate with, carry or wear Heart chakra crystals such as Rose Quartz, Jade, Aventurine, Rhodonite

5. THROAT CHAKRA- VISHUDDHA

The fifth chakra is the Throat chakra. This chakra is your voice; it allows you to speak your truth with clarity. When your Throat chakra is balanced, you will clearly communicate with love, kindness, and truth.

Element: Ether

Color: Blue

Sound: Ham

Location: In between your collar bone

Signs of an imbalanced Throat chakra:

• Sore throat or laryngitis
• Jaw pain or habit of grinding your teeth
• Pain or stiffness in your neck
• Thyroid issues
• Ear infections
• A habit of talking all the time/not knowing when to stay quiet
• Inability to speak up, set boundaries, or stand up for yourself

How to balance the Throat chakra:

• Eat more of the fruit and vegetables that resonate with the throat chakra: blueberries, blackberries, blue grapes, currants, kiwifruit, apples, grapefruit, lemons, pears, plums, peaches, figs, and apricots
• Sound healing using singing bowls, gongs, and tuning forks
• Start journaling your thoughts
• Spend time in silence can help you tune into your subtle inner voice
• Meditate with, carry or wear Throat chakra crystals such Larimar, Aquamarine, Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli

6. THIRD EYE CHAKRA- AJNA

The sixth chakra is the Third Eye chakra. The role of the Third Eye chakra is to open up your mind to things beyond the physical world. Intuition and extrasensory perception come from the third eye. A balanced Third Eye chakra is truly a beautiful thing, and is the ultimate achievement on the path to enlightenment. You will feel equally in tune with the physical and material worlds all at the same time, without allowing it to consume your reality.

Element: Light

Color: Indigo

Sound: Om

Location: In between your eyebrows

Signs of an imbalanced Throat chakra:

• Headaches
• Brain fog
• Blurred vision and eye strain
• Sinus issues
• Lack of intuitive guidance
• Lack of inspiration
• Overactive, overwhelming imagination

How to balance the Third Eye chakra:

• Keep a dream journal
• Practice balancing postures like Tree Pose and Dancer’s Pose
• Decalcify your pineal gland by avoiding products and water sources that contain fluoride
• Explore your limiting beliefs
• Become an observer of your thoughts
• Meditate with, carry or wear Third Eye chakra crystals such Amethyst, Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Kyanite, Sapphire

7. CROWN CHAKRA- SAHASWARA

The last chakra is the Crown chakra. The Crown chakra is the energy that connects you to the universe. It is pure consciousness energy. The Crown chakra is the sum of the human experience and a balanced Crown chakra brings you happiness, good health, and wisdom.   

Element: Cosmic energy

Color: Violet or White

Sound: Om

Location: At the top of your head

Signs of an imbalanced Crown chakra:

• Headaches
• Inability to concentrate or focus on the task at hand
• Seemingly constant drama in your life
• Inability to see beyond your own small corner of the world
• Inability to take on other’s perspectives or practice empathy

How to balance the Crown chakra:

• Practice mindfulness meditation
• Energy healing is a good way to improve the health of your crown chakra, for examples, qigong, falun gong, reiki, yoga, etc.
• Commit yourself to your own spiritual practice
• Explore plant medicine and find a good shaman who has experience with plant teachers such as San Pedro cactus, Psilocybin mushrooms, or Ayahuasca
• Meditate with, carry or wear Crown chakra crystals such Amethyst, Selenite, Clear Quartz, Labradorite

Final thoughts

The chakra system is one way to understand the human body. Even minor disturbances in the “subtle body” can manifest as pain, disease, discomfort or general disharmony in your body, mind, heart, and spirit.

As you make your way on your journey toward balance, bliss, and happiness, consider checking in with your chakras regularly. Working on your chakras teaches you how to better care for your mind and body. It also teaches you the importance of addressing blockages before they overwhelm you.

You don’t have to be an expert to benefit from the above tips on chakra healing and balancing. Allow your journey to be intuitive and guided by your inner wisdom. You are a spiritual being having a human experience, and sometimes that human factor can be challenging. Go easy on yourself and practice compassion. 

Our 7-chakra bracelets are designed to help you realign the chakras that are out of balance and bring harmony to your physical, emotional, and mental health.

 

***The information in this article is intended for your educational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.