Your Definitive Guide to the 7 Chakras

Chakras have become a bit of a buzz word in recent years; with the increasing popularity of spirituality and alternative therapies, the term is regularly used by yogis, spiritual leaders, and Hindus and Buddhists alike. But what exactly is a chakra? Where did the concept come from? What can I do to support my chakras and harness their power? In this article I will be explaining what a chakra is, the widely acknowledged system of the 7, the origins of the concept and some information on how to approach chakra wellbeing.So let’s begin with what exactly chakras are. Chakras are energy centres throughout the body; there are said to be 7 chakras, each positioned at a different point down the spine, and each is said to be linked to different sets of nerves, organs and mental or emotional issues. The original term in Sanskrit means “wheel”, referring to the idea of a disk spinning with energy.The chakra system theory originates during the period between 1500 and 500 BC, and evidence of this is found in some of the oldest texts relating to Hinduism and Buddhism such as the Vedas and some of the Upanishads. The modern understanding of chakras however began to arise during the 1800s and was developed and built upon in the 20th century in texts such as Sir John Woodroffe’s book The Serpent Power and Charles W. Leadbeater’s publication The Chakras.To explain the system which is widely known and acknowledged today, here is an explanation of the 7 chakras, what they do and how to harness their powers: 

1. The Root Chakra

The root chakra (Muladhara) is positioned at the base of the spine. It is associated with the physical body that includes the adrenal glands, colon, kidneys, skeleton/bones, muscles, and arterial blood that flows through the left chamber of the heart. Mentally it determines your foundation for life, including your basic needs such as food, water, safety, shelter, as well as your emotional needs and the need for interconnection. It also aids with withstanding challenges and feeling grounded, as well as influencing your personal sense of stability and security. It is identified by the colour red, and represented symbolically by a lotus with 4 petals.How to harness the power of your root chakra: [NB: there are many different methods for balancing and stimulating each chakra, from activities, different meditations, certain foods, yogic flows, aromatherapy, crystal healing… but here I will offer you some easy and accessible approaches.] For the root chakra, many recommend an enjoyable physical activity, such as dancing, walking, yoga, or something along the lines of self care, like taking a shower or getting a pedicure. A useful healing crystal for the root chakra is Red Jasper. 

2. The Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra (Svadhisthana) is found just below your belly button. It is associated with your sexual and creative energy, as well as how you handle and relate to emotions. It also holds power in terms of your relationships and being able to engage in what you enjoy. It is colourized by orange and its symbol is a lotus with 6 petals.How to harness the power of your sacral chakra: Some people recommend certain sacral chakra healing foods, such as oranges, melons, coconuts and other sweet fruit, as well as cinnamon and drinking lots of water. A useful healing crystal for the sacral chakra is Carnelian. 

3. The Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) is located in the area of the stomach. It corresponds to your personal power, self-esteem, self-confidence, and helps you with feeling in control of your life and destiny. It influences personality ego and identity too. The colour associated with the solar plexus chakra is yellow and its symbol is a lotus with 10 petals and a downward facing triangle in its centre.How to harness the power of your solar plexus chakra: Repeating positive affirmations and mantras, especially on healing from the past, can be healing to the chakra and taking up a a new hobby or playing a game which sharpens the mind can also help to stimulate it. A useful healing crystal for the solar plexus chakra is Amber. 

4. The Heart Chakra

The heart chakra (Anahata) is positioned near the heart in the centre of the chest. It is mainly concerned with our ability and capacity for love, affection, tenderness and compassion, and helps you to love unconditionally. It is associated with the colour green and symbolically is represented by a lotus with 12 petals, which contains a yantra – two intersecting triangle showing the union between masculine and feminine.How to harness the power of your heart chakra: Self care can be powerful here, as well as practicing gratitude – try writing a list of 3 – 5 things each morning and night you are grateful for. A useful healing crystal for the heart is Rose Quartz. 

5. The Throat Chakra

The throat chakra (Vishuddha) governs the mouth, tongue and neck, and is linked to your ability to communicate verbally, speak your truth – including your needs, desires and opinions – stay true to yourself and your personal growth. Its colour is blue and symbol is a lotus with 16 petals containing a circle surrounded by a downward facing triangle.How to harness the power of the throat chakra: Journal writing, particularly on the subject of your unconscious, massage and music can all be helpful in clearing and stimulating the throat chakra. A useful healing crystal for the throat chakra is Amazonite. 

6. The Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra is located between your eyes. It is responsible for intuition, gut instinct and imagination. It has been referred to as the gate that leads to the inner realm and spaces of higher consciousness. The colour which is linked to the third eye chakra is purple and the symbol consists of a lotus with 2 petals, containing an inverted triangle surrounded by a circle with a Shivalingham above.How to harness the power of the third eye chakra: Meditation can be very useful here, as well as different essential oils. Sleep is also very important for a balanced third eye chakra. A useful healing crystal for it is Amethyst. 

7. The Crown Chakra

The crown chakra (Sahasrara) is positioned at the top of the head. It represents your spiritual connection, to the universe, to others, and to yourself, and can also influence your life’s purpose, including transformation. It is associated with the colours white or purple, and it’s symbol is a circle of a thousand petals.How to harness your crown chakra: Many people use meditation to balance or stimulate their crown chakra, which can be done in lots of different ways. A useful healing crystal for the crown chakra is Lepidolite. The ancient chakra system and the ideas surrounding it which have been made more accessible to modern times can bring positivity and a sense of self empowerment into your life. Whether or not you believe in the actual powers and qualities attributed to the theorized energy centres, the practices encouraged, from doing positive work on yourself and keeping your body and mind healthy is only going to bring more happiness into your life. If it works for you, great, and if it doesn’t I hope this article has inspired you in some way to take control of your health and happiness in some way – remember, you always have the power!Some practitioners of Vedic Yoga have theorised that there are up to eleven chakras. To find out more, please read our next article on the subject.Important: the solutions suggested in this article should not be used in place of treatments advised by a medical professional, only as a complimentary therapy. If you are suffering seriously with any of the conditions discussed please consult your doctor.