Chakras – Wheels of Energy

In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” or “wheel” and refers to the energy centers in your body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs in our physical body.  These energy centers play a crucial role in our overall well-being, mentally, physically and spiritually.

We have seven main chakras that run along the spine. They start at the root, or base, of your spine and extend to the crown of your head.  They support the creation of our life force energy and correspond to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic and physical body.   Imbalances and blocks in these centers affect our emotional and physical well-being.

Root Chakra (Muladhara):

• Located at the base of the spine.
• Associated with the color red and the Earth element.
• Represents our foundation, stability, and sense of security.
• When balanced, it promotes feelings of safety and groundedness.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana):

• Located in the lower abdomen, just below the navel.
• Associated with the color orange and the Water element.
• Governs creativity, sexuality, and emotional well-being.
• A balanced sacral chakra enhances creativity and emotional expression.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura):

• Located in the upper abdomen, near the diaphragm.
• Associated with the color yellow and the Fire element.
• Represents personal power, self-esteem, and confidence.
• A balanced solar plexus chakra fosters self-assuredness and a sense of purpose.

Heart Chakra (Anahata):

• Located in the center of the chest.
• Associated with the color green and the Air element.
• Governs love, compassion, and harmony.
• A balanced heart chakra promotes healthy relationships and empathy.

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha):

• Located at the throat.
• Associated with the color blue and the Ether element.
• Represents communication, self-expression, and truth.
• A balanced throat chakra enhances clear and authentic communication.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna):

• Located between the eyebrows.
• Associated with the color indigo and intuition.
• Governs perception, intuition, and inner wisdom.
• A balanced third eye chakra enhances insight and intuition.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara):

• Located at the crown of the head.
• Associated with the color violet or white and consciousness.
• Represents spirituality, connection to the universe, and enlightenment.
• A balanced crown chakra leads to a profound sense of oneness and spiritual awakening.

The balance and alignment of the chakras play an important role in our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. When one or more of our energy centers are blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to physical and emotional issues.  What I am finding with myself as I continue a path of healing and with my clients is that so much of our physical pain, overactive mind, anxiety, depression, difficulties sleeping are most often the symptoms of energetic blocks, unprocessed emotions and trauma and being in a constant state of fight or flight.

Creating a morning or daily practice of mediation and practicing mindfulness can help to balance your energy and bring your mind, body and spirit back into balance.  Energy healing modalities such as Reiki, Sound Healing Therapy, Yoga Nidra and Somatic Therapy can also help to remove blocked and stagnant energy from the body so that our hearts, minds and bodies can process our unfelt emotions and trauma.