What are chakras?

Where are the chakras? What do chakras do? There are 7 chakras in the body Root (Muladhara) Sacral (Svadhisthana) Solar plexus (Manipura) Heart (Anahata) Throat (Vishuddha) Third eye (Ajna) Crown (Sahasrara)

Chakras are energy points located in different parts of the body. Each one associated with specific aspects of life, health and consciousness. The chakras are linked to physical, emotional and spiritual functions.

Here is an overview of each chakra:

The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine, near the tail bone. The colour this chakra is linked with is red, and its element is earth. The rook chakra is associated with stability, grounding, survival and security. Its key focus is linked to your sense of being and connection to the physical world, it is also responsible for your feelings of safety and security. Crystals linked with the root chakra are red jasper, obsidian and tourmaline. If your Root Chakra is blocked or unbalanced you may have feelings of fear, anxiety, instability or lack of direction.

The Sacral Chakra is in your lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel. This chakra is linked to the colour orange and its element is water. The Sacral Chakra is associated with creativity, sexuality, pleasure and relationships. Its key focus is to form healthy relationships, it is connected to your ability to experience pleasure both physically and emotionally. This chakra governs emotions, desires, sexuality and creativity. Carnelian and tigers eye are crystals associated with this chakra. If the Sacral is blocked or unbalanced your may have difficulty with intimacy, guilt, emotional instability or lack of creativity.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is in the upper abdomen, around the area of the diaphragm. This chakra is linked to the colour yellow, and its element is fire. The Solar Plexus chakra is associated with personal power, self esteem and confidence. This chakra is the centre of your self-confidence, will power and motivation. Its responsible for your sense of identity and personal strength. Crystals that are linked to the solar plexus are Citrine and tiger’s eye. If you feel like this chakra is blocked you may have low self- esteem, feelings of powerlessness or lack of confidence.

The Heart Chakra is in the centre of your chest, near the heart. Its main colour is green but sometimes pink, and its element is air. This chakra is all about love, compassion and emotional balance. It is the centre of love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness. It governs your ability to connect with others and experience unconditional love for yourself and for others. Aventurine, rose quartz and green agate are crystals linked to this chakra. Having difficulty forming relationships, having lack of empathy, feelings of loneliness or holding onto emotional wounds are all signs that this chakra may be unbalanced.

The Throat Chakra is located at the throat, neck and jaw area. Its colour is lighter shades of blue and its element is ether (space). the Throat Chakra is associated with communication, expressing yourself clearly and speaking your truth. To listening and understanding the world around you. Sodalite is a crystal associated with the throat chakra. If you find you have difficulty expressing yourself, are afraid of speaking up or you tend to supress your emotions, you may find that your throat chakra is blocked.

The Third Eye Chakra in located in your forehead, between the eyebrows. It’s associated with the colours darker blue and indigo and with the elements of light. This charka is all about your intuition, inner wisdom and your ability to see beyond the material world. It can be linked to your mental clarity and your ability to access higher consciousness. Clear quartz and lapis lazuli are crystals for the third eye chakra. Lack of clarity, difficulty with decision making and disconnection from intuition are all signs that your third eye chakra is off balance.

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of your head. Its colour is violet or white and its element is thought or cosmic energy. The crown chakra is the centre of spiritual connection, enlightenment and divine wisdom. Its about connecting to your higher self and to the universe. This chakra focuses on your sense of purpose. Amethyst, clear quartz and moonstone are all connected to the crown chakra. If the crown chakra is blocked you may feel a spiritual disconnection, a lack of purpose or feelings of being disconnected from the world.

If you feel any of your chakras are blocked meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, crystals, affirmations and sound therapy are a few ways to help rebalance them. Having all 7 of your chakras balanced can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life.