Your Ultimate Guide to the Chakras: Unlock the Power of your Energy Centres

What are the Seven Main Chakras?

The chakra system, a fascinating ancient energy system that originated in India, is a key component of holistic health and spirituality. It refers to energy points known as the seven main chakras that run along the body’s midline. This midline, often called your central column or Sushumna, is flanked by Chinese acupuncture meridians, which the Hindus call nadis. These nadis can act as subtle energy channels. Chakras, often depicted as flowering lotuses or spinning wheels of light, are associated with different aspects of consciousness.

Different texts have stated that three nadis, Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna, are related to the nervous system. 

In the chakra system, Sushumna represents the central nervous system along the spine or central column. The autonomic nervous system has two aspects on either side of the spine: the parasympathetic system, represented by Ida, and the sympathetic system, represented by Pingala. Pingala is the activating aspect, while Ida is the relaxing aspect. These nadis, when they cross, form physical bundles of nerve fibres connected to each area’s organs, playing a crucial role in the chakra system. 

The chakras, intricately related to glands from the endocrine system responsible for hormone production and the body’s general functioning, are not just a fascinating concept but a practical tool for self-improvement. As an energy system, the chakras can empower you to understand how your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected. Working with your chakras can enhance your well-being and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Balancing the Chakra System

Each of the seven main chakras is represented by a colour, which signifies the different frequencies at which they vibrate. The frequency and speed of each chakra can change due to imbalances in diet, lifestyle, environment, subconscious belief patterns, etc. An imbalance starts creating problems with the distribution of the energy flow through the chakra system. When you hear phrases such as closed or open chakras, blocked or unblocked chakras, and balanced or unbalanced chakras, this is simply about returning chakras to their regular speed or optimal energy flow. The best way to work with your chakra system is by reflecting on the quality of energy flow rather than worrying about being ‘out of balance’ or ‘blocked’ and sinking into a mindset of ‘fixing’. You can reflect on the quality of your lifestyle, diet, thought patterns and beliefs, not from a place of judgment but curiosity.

An Overview of the Seven Chakras

Carolyn Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit, says each chakra energy centre contains a universal spiritual life lesson. Therefore, we must learn that lesson as we evolve into a higher consciousness. Start by learning to interpret life’s challenges symbolically and finding meaning in the challenges that arise. Then, you gain self-knowledge that becomes integrated into the chakra system, benefiting your overall physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

Chakras	Meaning	Location	Colour	Element	Focus	Lessons
Base Chakra (Sanskrit: Muladhara)	Root/Support	Base of spine	Red	Earth	Physical needs and basic human survival	Lessons related to the material world
Sacral Chakra (Sanskrit: Svadisthana):	Sweetness	Just below the navel	Orange	Water	Pleasure, sensuality, nurturing, movement, and change	Lessons related to sensuality, work, and physical desire
Solar Plexus Chakra (Sanskrit: Manipura)	Lustrous gem	Between the navel and ribcage	Yellow	Fire	Personal power. The power of being unique while celebrating and connecting with humanity	Ego, personality, and self-esteem lessons
Heart Chakra (Sanskrit: Anahata)	A sound made by two things: striking or unstuck	Chest	Green or Pink	Air	Forgiveness, compassion, unconditional love, and self-acceptance	Lessons related to love, forgiveness, and compassion.
Throat Chakra (Sanskrit: Vishuddha)	Purification	Throat	Blue	Sound Vibration Space	Communication, self-expression, and creativity	Lessons related to will and self-expression
Third Eye Chakra (Sanskrit: Ajna)	Perceive or know	Centre of forehead	Indigo	Light	Vision, insight, clarity, and wisdom	Lessons about mind, intuition, insight, and wisdom
Crown Chakra (Sanskrit: Sahasrara):	Thousandfold	Top of head	Violet	Thought	Spiritual enlightenment, inner awareness, divine connection, and self-realisation	Lessons related to spirituality

How to work with your Chakra Energy System

There are various ways to support optimal energy flow for your chakra system. If you enjoy yoga, you can practice different postures (asanas) corresponding to each chakra. Perhaps you enjoy music or singing and can incorporate sound practices by chanting mantras or vowel sounds associated with each chakra. Alternatively, if you don’t want to chant aloud, you can listen to music playing the frequency or note associated with the chakra you are focusing on. You can use essential oils in self-massage or a diffuser that supports each chakra centre. I use the elements associated with the chakras to help my energy flow and connection to my chakras. 

Explore the Chakras and The Elements Card Deck. Use this empowering tool to deepen your practice with your Chakra System.

For inspiration on connecting with your chakras using the elements, click here.

For reflection questions and affirmations for each chakra, click here.