When you take a yoga class, you may hear your yoga teacher mention the word “chakra.” This term may leave beginners feeling confused. They may have only heard the term in passing from their friend who loves astrology.
So what exactly is a chakra? Let’s break it down.
The chakras are energy centers that are a part of the subtle body where energy flows. There are seven chakras in the subtle body that begin at the bottom of the spine through the crown of the head. In Sanskrit, chakra translates to “wheel.” When the chakras are aligned, each wheel is open and there is positive harmony in the body.
The chakras can become blocked, which can cause physical, mental and emotional struggles. The blockages can be balanced through practices such as yoga and affirmations.
The Seven Chakras
1. The Root Chakra – Muladhara
The root chakra is associated with our instinctual need for survival. It represents our desire and need for safety and stability in our lives. To feel secure, we must be fed, get proper sleep and rest, have financial stability and have a sense of belonging. When the root chakra is aligned, we feel connected to all beings, the earth and ourselves.
- Location: Base of the spine
- Color: Red
- Element: Earth
- Yoga pose to balance your root chakra: Tree pose (vrksasana)
- Affirmation: I am safe and secure.
2. The Sacral Chakra – Svadhisthana
The sacral chakra is associated with pleasure and creativity. It governs our emotions, how we respond to the emotions of others and our sexual energy. When the sacral chakra is aligned, we are open to pleasure, in touch with our emotions and feel creative
- Location: Lower abdomen
- Color: Orange
- Element: Water
- Yoga pose to balance your sacral chakra: Seated wide-legged forward fold (upavishta konasana)
- Affirmation: I am a creative being who delights in pleasure.
3. The Naval Chakra – Manipura
The naval chakra is associated with self-worth and self-esteem. It impacts our confidence, ego, self-value and vitality. When the naval chakra is aligned, it allows us to confidently set direction in our lives.
- Location: Upper abdomen
- Color: Yellow
- Element: Fire
- Pose to balance your naval chakra: Boat pose (navasana)
- Affirmation: I am strong, confident and know my worth.
4.The Heart Chakra – Anahata
The heart chakra is associated with our longing for love and compassion. It opens us up to a life that embodies love and empathy, having empathy for others, offering forgiveness and living life in gratitude. When the heart chakra is aligned, we are able to fully give and receive love.
- Location: Heart center
- Color: Green
- Element: Air
- Pose to balance your heart chakra: Camel pose (ustrasana)
- Affirmation: I give love freely and know that it will come back to me.
5. The Throat Chakra – Vishuddah
The throat chakra is associated with communication and truth. It is concerned with speech, writing, self-expression and listening. When the throat chakra is aligned, we are free to express ourselves genuinely.
- Location: Throat
- Color: Blue
- Element: Sound
- Pose to balance your throat chakra: Fish pose (matsyasana)
- Affirmation: I express my truth freely.
6. The Third Eye Chakra – Anja
The third eye chakra is associated with intuition and wisdom. It governs our imagination, visualization, inner-wisdom and insight. When the throat chakra is aligned, we trust our inner guidance.
- Location: Space between the eyes
- Color: Indigo
- Element: Light
- Pose to balance your third eye chakra: Easy pose (sukhasana)
- Affirmation: I am tapped into my intuition and trust my inner knowing.
7. The Crown Chakra – Sahasrara
The crown chakra is associated with spirituality. It affects our spiritual growth, connection to the divine and unity with all beings. When the crown chakra is aligned, all of the chakras are balanced and we acknowledge a higher power.
- Location: Crown of the head
- Color: Violet
- Element: All encompassing
- Pose to balance your crown chakra: Headstand (sirsasana)
- Affirmation: I am in complete alignment the divine.
If you are having struggling in an area of your life, determine which chakra is blocked. Then use yoga and affirmations as tools to unblock the chakra and encourage energy, balance and peace in the body.
