What are Chakras?
The chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC in the ancient text the Vedas. The word “Chakra” in Sanskrit means wheel. Chakras refer to the energy centres in your body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs. For you to functions at your best your Chakras need to stay balanced and open. If the Cakras are blocked you may experience emotional, physical symptoms related to the part of the body. When all the Chakras are open energy can run through the body freely. This creates harmony between the physical body, mind and spirit.
The 7 main chakras, which align with the spine, starting from the base of the spine (root chakra) through to the top of the head (crown chakra). By learning about the 7 chakras, you can become more in tune with the natural energy cycles of your body.
Spring into 2021 with well-being on top of your agenda and balance your Chakras with The Jai Jais. Follow the next 7 days of the new year for a fun facts file of the Chakras and how these can influence and benefit you.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The Muladhara, or root chakra, represents our foundation. On the human body, it sits at the base of the spine and gives us the feeling of being grounded. When the root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet. When it's blocked, we feel threatened, as if we're standing on unstable ground. Increase balance and focus in life and overcome fears.
Location: Base of spine, in tailbone area
What it controls: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food
When it’s blocked: A variety of ailments can occur from energetic blockages of this chakra. Often including anxiety disorders, fears, disconnection from body, and poor boundaries. Physically, the first chakra is associated with problems in the colon, bladder, lower back, legs, or feet issues.
Mantra: "I am a divine being of light. I am peaceful, protected, and secure”
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Stone: Hematite
Yoga pose: Warrior I
When it develops: 1-7 years old
Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)
The Swadshisthana, or sacral chakra, helps inform how we relate to our emotions and the emotions of others. It also governs creativity and sexual energy. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives. Good self-esteem to express emotions creatively and find deeper connections in relationships.
Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel
What it controls: Your sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and sexuality
When it’s blocked: Energetic blocks in this chakra will often lead to feelings of emotional instability or feeling uninspired creatively. Fearing change, lack of desires, or addiction-like behaviours are also common. On a physical level can be linked with disorders of the reproductive system, menstrual difficulties, and sexual disfunction.
Mantra: "I always honour others but not before myself."
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Stone: Tiger's Eye
Yoga pose: Bound Angle Pose
When it develops: 8-14 years old
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The third chakra, the solar plexus chakra, speaks to your ability to be confident and in control of your life. Think back to the last time you had butterflies or felt a pit in the stomach: That's the Manipura chakra at work. If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are free to express their true selves. Establish an inner drive and determination to succeed in your goals. Increase your will power.
Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area
What it controls: Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem
When it’s blocked: Energetic blocks in this chakra can often be seen as low self-esteem, having difficulty making decisions, and may have anger or control issues. On a physical level most imbalances will be seen in the digestive system and metabolic systems like diabetes and hypoglycaemia.
Mantra: " I am powerful, confident, and successful in all my ventures"
colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Stone: Amber
Yoga pose: Boat Pose
When it develops: 15-21 years old
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The Anahata, or heart chakra, is the bridge between the lower chakras (associated with materiality) and the upper chakras (associated with spirituality). As the name suggests, this chakra can influence our ability to give and receive love—from others and ourselves. Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life. If someone's heart is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy. Evoke an empathetic approach, with kindness and compassion for oneself and others. Finding forgiveness and gratitude.
Location: Centre of chest, just above the heart
What it controls: Love, joy, and inner peace
When it’s blocked: If your heart chakra is closed, there will often be lots of emotions of grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, or hatred toward yourself and others. This can also create depression, loneliness, judgemental feelings, or jealousy blocking your opportunities to love. Physical manifestations are often related to the heart and circulatory issues or the lungs and breathing issues.
Mantra: "When I love myself, loving others comes easily."
Colour: Green
Element: Air
Stone: Rose Quartz
Yoga pose: Camel Pose
When it develops: 21-28 years old
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The Vishuddha, or throat chakra, gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power. When it's functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.
Location: Throat
What it controls: Communication, self-expression, and truth
When it’s blocked: Most often when there is a block in this chakra you’re holing in your emotions and not speaking your truth. You could have a fear or speaking, difficulty putting feelings into words, shyness or a weak voice. Often there is a fear of judgement from others. In an overactive state you could also talk too much (possibly as a defence mechanism) or struggle to listen to others. Physical issues are most often sore throats, thyroid issues, neck and shoulder stiffness, or tension headaches.
Mantra: " I am speaking clearly and truthfully with grace and ease”.
Colour: Light Blue/Turquoise
Element: Sound/Music
Stone: Aquamarine
Yoga pose: Fish Pose
When it develops: 29-35 years old
Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna)
As we move up the body, we're getting closer to communion with the divine. The Anja, or third-eye chakra, controls our ability to see the big picture and Connect to intuition. Think of it as the eye of the soul: It registers information beyond the surface level. Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra. Tapping into your intuitive whispering voice. Honest self and artistic expression with a calmer composure.
Location: Forehead between the eyes (also called the Brow Chakra)
What it controls: Intuition, imagination, and wisdom
When it’s blocked: If your lower chakras are unbalanced, the third-eye will most likely be as well. You may have trouble tapping into your intuition or not trusting it if you do. You could end up acting more judgemental, dismissive, and even introverted often with feelings of anxiety and depression. On a physical level it can be associated with issues such as headaches, dizziness, vision problems, memory issues, or other brain health issues.
Mantra: "I am open to exploring what cannot be seen."
Colour: Dark Blue/Purple
Element: Light
Stone: Amethyst
Yoga pose: Child's Pose
When it develops: 36-42 years old
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The Sahasrara, or crown chakra, the highest chakra, sits at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. When you fully open your crown chakra—something very few people ever do!—you're able to access a higher consciousness. Discovering peace and purpose, with deeper love and understanding of the universe and spiritual unity with one another.
Location: The very top of the head
What it controls: Inner and outer beauty, spiritual connection
When it’s blocked: When the crown chakra is imbalanced, it can cause you to feel out of sorts, and put stress on your body and mind. This can create feelings of isolation and disconnection from everyone and everything. It can also hinder your ability to let go of materialistic needs. If overactive you can experience a disconnection from your physical body and earthly matters and even create a lack of empathy. A good balance is needed with the crown chakra so not to get lost in the expansiveness of the universe.
Lesson: "I am a vessel for love and light."
Colour: Violet/Gold
Element: Divine Consciousness
Stone: Clear quartz
Yoga pose: Headstand
When it develops: 43-49 years old
(Ref: mbgnindfulness & Holistic Harmony Health)
Balance your chakras with our Yoga and Mindfulness Cards.
