Chakra is Sanskrit for spinning wheel, vortex or disc. The 7 Chakras, energy centres, in the body each correlating to the major nerve ganglia (plexus) branching from the spinal column and operates as a pump or valve for regulating Pranic life force energy through the body. Each Chakra can be associated with particular parts of the body and functions within the body. They are linked in a line along the spine and effect each other greatly. The 7 Chakras are aspects of consciousness, and represented as a multi-petalled flower containing the energy of the soul linked to the higher self.
Muladhara
The 1st Chakra is the Base or Root Chakra (survival). Our physical identity with a primary focus of self-preservation. Located at the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation. It is related to our survival instincts: food – shelter – our sense of grounding – connection to our physical bodies and the physical plane.
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Sense: Smell
Body Parts: Legs, feet, bones, large intestine & teeth
Disorders: Weight problems, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, arthritis & knee problems
Bija Mantra: LAM
When balanced
Can take care of own needs – Good sense of Identity – Self-sufficient – Confident – Abundant – Trusts that the universe will provide
When too closed
A victim – blames others – Paralysed by fear – Low self-esteem – Lacks vitality – Unstable – Idealistic – Needy
When too open
Consumer – excessive – workaholic
Svadhisthana
The 2nd Chakra is the Sacral Chakra (sweetness). Our emotional identity with a primary focus of self-gratification. Located around the abdomen, lower back and sexual organs. It is related to our emotions and sexuality helping us to connect with others through: – feeling – desire – sensation – sexuality – movement – pleasure.
Colour: Orange
Element: Water
Sense: Taste
Body Parts: Womb, genitals, kidneys, bladder, circulatory system
Disorders: Impotence, frigidity, bladder/kidney problems, stiff lower back
Bija Mantra: VAM
When balanced
Emperor – Wellbeing for all – Creates/shares abundance – Sense of fluidity and grace – Depth of feeling – Sexual fulfillment – Capacity to accept change.
When too closed
Forsakes happiness for others – Can’t accept pleasure – Not sexually satisfied.
When too open
Pleasure for pleasures sake – Self-obsessed – Puts themselves 1st.
Manipura
The 3rd Chakra is the Solar plexus Chakra (power). Our ego Identity with a primary focus of self-definition. Located in the solar plexus, it is related to our personal power, will, autonomy & metabolism. It brings us: energy – effectiveness – spontaneity – non-dominating power.
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Sense: Sight
Body Parts: Digestive system & muscles
Disorders: Ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, digestive disorders
Bija Mantra: RAM
When balanced
Warrior – Strength – Open to change -Good self-esteem – Strong willed – Chooses battles wisely
When too closed
Servant – Self-evaluation – Obedient – Needs recognition – Seeks approval
When too open
Dictator – Impatient – Controlling – Well organized – Obsessive compulsive disorder – Judgmental – Easily angered
Anahata
The 4th Chakra is the Heart Chakra (compassion & love). Our social identity with a primary focus of self-acceptance. This is the middle chakra located at the heart and rules our center for love. It’s the integrator of opposites in the psyche, this being personal effects like – mind and body – male and female – ego and unity. This allows us to love deeply ourselves and others, understand and feel compassion and helps develop a deep sense of peace and centeredness.
Colour: Green
Element: Air
Sense: Touch
Body Parts: Lungs, heart, pericardium (fascia around the heart), arms, hands
Disorders: Asthma, high blood pressure, heart & lung disease, jealousy, drama
Bija Mantra: YAM
When balanced
Lover – Open – Can commit – Gives freedom – Love & acceptance
Wen too closed
Timid – Fear – Shy – Doesn’t deserve love – Defensive
When too open
Actor – Dramatic emotions – Shallow love affairs – Possessive – Controlling
Vishuddha
The 5th Chakra is the Throat Chakra (creativity). Our creative identity with a primary focus of self-expression. Located in the throat, it is related to: – communication – creativity of expression – the voice. It is at this center that we experience the world symbolically through vibration, such as the vibration of sound representing language.
Colour: Blue
Element: Ether
Sense: Hearing / sound (vibration)
Body Parts: Ears, throat, neck, shoulders, arms, hands
Disorders: Sore throat, stiff neck, colds, thyroid & hearing problems
Bija Mantra: HAM
When balanced
Communicator – Integrity – In-touch with emotions – Honest – No guilt – Thinks before speaking
When too closed
Quiet – Emotionally repressed – Incapable of expression – Doesn’t cry easily
When too open
Addict – Talks a lot – Arrogant – Dogmatic – Deluded – Prone to exaggeration
Ajna
The 6th Chakra is the Brow Chakra or third eye center (psychic faculties). The supreme identity with a primary focus of self-reflection. Located in the forehead, in between our eyes, it is related to: the act of seeing, both physically & intuitively. Awareness of this Chakra opens our psychic faculties and our understanding of supreme levels. It helps us see clearly, in effect letting us see ‘the bigger picture’.
Colour: Indigo
Element: Light, telepathic energy
Sense: Intuition, sixth sense (psychic)
Body Parts: Skull, head, eyes
Disorders: Blindness, headache, nightmares, eyestrain, blurred vision
Bija Mantra: OM
When balanced
Intuitive – Spiritual – Physical & mental wellbeing – Perceptive – Inner wisdom
When too closed
Lac of discipline – Fear of success – low goals
When too open
Arrogance – Dogmatic – Does not trust his/her own intuition
Sahasrara
The 7th Chakra is the Crown Chakra (pure awareness). The universal identity with a primary focus of self-knowledge. Located at the crown of the head, it is related to consciousness as pure awareness. It is our connection to the greater world beyond, to a timeless dimension of all knowing. When developed brings divine knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection and bliss.
Colour: Violet to white
Element: Thought / cosmic energy
Sense: Beyond the self, the witness
Body Parts: Cerebral cortex, central nervous system
Disorders: Depression, alienation, confusion, boredom, apathy, inability to learn
Bija Mantra: OM
When balanced
Wise – Connected to their spirituality – Great level of understanding – Abundant
When too closed
Atheist – Empty – Will not accept help – Self Sufficient – Lacks fulfillment
When too open
Narcissist – Vain – Ungrateful – Psychotic – Enjoys everything in their control[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
.
When the 7 Chakras are balanced, not over or under active, you will feel a harmonious union of the spirit, mind and body. Unblocking the 7 Chakras allows them to align in such a way that the energy flows through smoothly and freely. When blocked they can cause discomfort, unease or even disease. Yoga and it’s philosophy is designed to bring a healthy flow of energy through the whole body.
See Paul’s YouTube channel for free videos and yoga information.
Also see Paul’s on-demand library with over 600 yoga, meditation and breathing videos.
