A Chama Violeta (The Violet Flame)

 

 

The seven chakras are the main energy centers of the body. You’ve probably heard people talk about “unblocking” their chakras, which refers to the idea that when all of our chakras are open, energy can run through them freely, and harmony exists between the physical body, mind, and spirit.

 

 

Chakra translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy.

 

 

 

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll summarize the defining characteristics of the seven main chakras, explain how to tell when any of them are blocked, and share how to unblock each one—from root to crown—using mantras, yoga poses, and more.

 

What are chakras?

The name “chakra” is the Sanskrit word for “wheel.” In yoga, chakras are used to describe the way energy “moves” throughout the body. Each of the seven chakras (described below) are said to correlate with different abilities, expressions, and types of health.

 

 

 

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.

 

Location: Base of spine, in tailbone area

 

What it controls: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food

 

Mantra: “I can’t grow from an unsteady foundation.”

 

Color: Red

 

Element: Earth

 

Stone: Hematite

 

Yoga pose: Warrior I

 

When it develops: 1-7 years old

 

 

 

The Swadhisthana, 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.

 

Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel

 

What it controls: Your sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and sexuality

 

Mantra: “I always honor others but not before myself.”

 

Color: Orange

 

Element: Water

 

Stone: Tiger’s Eye

 

Yoga pose: Bound Angle Pose

 

When it develops: 8-14 years old

 

 

 

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.

 

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area

 

What it controls: Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem

 

Mantra: “Self-love starts when I accept all parts of myself.”

 

Color: Yellow

 

Element: Fire

 

Stone: Amber

 

Yoga pose: Boat Pose

 

When it develops: 15-21 years old

 

 

 

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.

 

Location: Center of chest, just above the heart

 

What it controls: Love, joy, and inner peace

 

Mantra: “When I love myself, loving others comes easily.”

 

Color: Green

 

Element: Air

 

Stone: Rose Quartz

 

Yoga pose: Camel Pose

 

When it develops: 21-28 years old

 

 

 

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

 

Mantra: “I speak my truth, always.”

 

Color: Light Blue/Turquoise

 

Element: Sound/Music

 

Stone: Aquamarine

 

Yoga pose: Fish Pose

 

When it develops: 29-35 years old

 

 

 

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.

 

Location: Forehead between the eyes (also called the Brow Chakra)

 

What it controls: Intuition, imagination, and wisdom

 

Mantra: “I am open to exploring what cannot be seen.”

 

Color: Dark Blue/Purple

 

Element: Light

 

Stone: Amethyst

 

Yoga pose: Child’s Pose

 

When it develops: 36-42 years old