Intro To Chakras

What are Chakras?

In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” or “wheel” and refers to the energy centers in your body. It was first mentioned in ancient Hindu texts that date to around 1,500 BCE. Throughout history, many cultures, religions, and tribes have all known about these energy centers, known as the chakra system, to be a reflection of the natural law which exists within the universe.

Each chakra, or “disks” of energy, correlates with certain nerves and major organs. To stay healthy, and for chakras to be high functioning, you need to keep them open and balanced. Once they become blocked, your quality of life may be hindered due to physical or emotional symptoms related to a particular chakra. 

How many Chakras are there?

The foundation of the chakra system consists of seven major chakras, but there are many other smaller chakras within you. Similarly how your spine is made up of 33 smaller vertebrae that make up the spine as a whole. 

Where are they located?

The seven main chakras run along your spine, starting at the base of your spine, extending to the top or “crown” of your head. Each holds a specific energy in an area of your body for a specific bodily function. 

What are the seven main Chakras?

Each chakra serves a specific purpose and holds a corresponding color.

Starting at the base of your spine is the root chakra, which is represented by the color red. It aligns with survival, being, and family. 

Right below your belly button is the sacral chakra, represented by the color orange. It aligns with sexuality and creativity.

In your stomach area lies the solar plexus, or manipura, chakra which is represented by the color yellow and aligns with self-esteem.

Next up is the heart, or anahata, chakra located in the center of your chest and represented by the color green. The heart chakra aligns with love and balance. 

The throat chakra, at the base of your throat, is represented by the color blue and aligns with communication. The third eye chakra around your forehead is represented by the color indigo. It aligns with your intuition.

Finally, the crown chakra at the top of your head is represented by the color purple and aligns with your spirituality. 

What are mantras for your chakras?

Each chakra has a meaning or purpose. Saying mantras, or sounds repeatedly to assist with meditating, allows you to  focus on that specific part of your body and can help balance your chakras and allow for healing to begin.

Root Chakra - "I Am"

Starting from the root chakra, repeating the mantra  “I am”,  provides one to focus on the specific part of the base of your spine which is the body part the root chakra targets. 

Sacral Chakra - "I Feel"

For the sacral chakra, the mantra is “I feel” and targets the lower vertebrae, pelvis, kidneys, and hip area. As you repeat this mantra, you should begin to feel the energy shift in these areas.

Solar Plexus Chakra - "I Can"

For the solar plexus chakra, the mantra is  “I can'' and targets the abdomen, stomach, liver, and middle spine.

Heart Chakra - "I Love"

In the middle lies the heart chakra, whose mantra is “I love”, targeting the heart, circulatory system, lungs, shoulders, arms, ribs, breast, and diaphragm. 

Throat Chakra - "I Speak"
Above the heart, lies the throat chakra, whose mantra is “I speak”. The throat chakra targets the neck vertebrae, throat, mouth, shoulders, and arms.

Third Eye Chakra - "I See"

The third eye chakra mantra is “I see” and targets the brain, nervous system, eyes, ears, and nose. 

Crown Chakra - "I Know"
Lastly, the crown chakra mantra is “I know”, which targets the muscular system, skeletal system, skin, and central nervous system.

Overall, these seven major chakras are all interconnected and you can think of your chakras as a system similar to a spiritual bloodstream. Blood carries oxygen, hormones, and nutrients throughout the body; helps regulate the body; and protects the body by removing waste and clotting when the body is harmed. Similarly, your  chakra system connects and supports your physical self and your energy self. 

What are the "upper" and "lower" chakras?

Chakras can be categorized into two groups, known as the “upper” and “lower” chakras. 

The upper three chakras are considered to be the spiritual chakras. They focus on your spiritual connection to the Divine, as well as the version of yourself that is tapped into the purest expression of love, wisdom, and power- your highest self. 

The lower three chakras are considered the physical chakras, which ground us as human beings. The upper and lower chakras, or rather the spiritual and physical chakras, are connected in the center through the heart chakra.