Chakra 101: Beginner's Guide to Activate Your 7 Energy Centers

Do you ever get an uneasy sensation in your stomach when you are anxious or nervous?  Have you ever felt a tightness or soreness in your lower back when you're under stress or unsupported? Do you remember feeling a lump in your throat the last time you cried?

This shows how emotions are associated with specific parts of the body. We can attribute it to the 7 chakras of the body.

What is a chakra?

The term "chakra" is derived from the Sanskrit word for "wheel" or "disc," and each chakra is thought of as a spinning wheel or center of energy.

The human body has seven primary chakras, which are located along the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head. Every chakra has a unique colour, element, and aspect of human experience tied to it, including physical health, emotions, creativity, and spirituality.

The idea underlying the 7 chakras is that the mind and body are in a state of optimal health when they’re balanced. On the other hand, a blocked or imbalanced chakra affects different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well being.

However, there are no objects in particular present in these areas of the body. These parts of the body are where the prana or life force energy resides. With yoga postures, breathing techniques, or meditation, you can unblock or balance these chakras.

Read further for a detailed beginner’s guide to the 7 chakras in the human body.

Why activate the chakras?

All the seven chakras lie along the spinal cord. When the energy centers are dormant, it induces negative feelings within us.

All seven chakras can be activated to promote happiness and create new opportunities in life. It's crucial to engage each chakra to encourage happiness because they can all elicit both positive and negative feelings.

Also read: Role of balanced chakras in cultivating leadership

What are the 7 chakras of body?

There are various chakras (more than 7) in the human body, each corresponding to a separate gland. Here are the main 7 chakras of human body:

1. Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)

This chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the color red. The Muladhara Chakra is the base of who we are and is linked to our relationship with the earth. The Root Chakra oversees our fundamental needs, including food, shelter, and safety. We get a sense of security, safety, and stability when this chakra is balanced.

2. Swadhisthana Chakra (Sacral Chakra)

The Swadhisthana Chakra, also referred to as the second chakra, is located in the lower abdomen right below the navel. It is linked to the element of water and associated with the colour orange. Our emotions, creativity, sexuality, and pleasure are all governed by the Sacral Chakra. When we are at ease with our own sensuality, it helps us to express ourselves freely. It also helps us develop strong emotional connections with other people.

Also Read: Which of your 7 chakras is out of balance

3. Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus Chakra)

The third chakra is located in the belly button region. It is linked to the element of fire and associated with the colour yellow. We feel a sense of self-power and confidence when the Solar Plexus Chakra is in a state of balance. We possess the capacity to establish appropriate boundaries, make thoughtful decisions, and actively pursue our objectives. We strongly believe in our own values and self-worth.

4. Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)

The Anahata or Heart chakra is located in the center of the chest, near the heart. It is linked to the element of air and associated with the colour green. The Heart Chakra controls our capacity for giving and receiving love as well as our emotional balance. Instead of feeling alone and lonely when the chakra is blocked, we instill thoughts of kindness and empathy towards ourselves and others.

5. Vishuddha Chakra (Throat Chakra)

This chakra is located in the center of the chest, near the throat. It is related to the element of ether, or space, and is associated with the colour blue. Do you find it difficult to speak up or express your emotions? To cope with this, you need to balance your Vishuddha Chakra to experience clear communication and authenticity.

6. Ajna Chakra (Third Eye Chakra)

The Ajna Chakra or Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead, between the eyebrows. It is linked to the element of light and is associated with the colour indigo. To tap into your intuition and inner wisdom, it’s open to open your Ajna Chakra, ultimately helping you understand yourself and the world around you in a better manner.

7. Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra)

The Sahasrara Chakra, also called the Crown Chakra is located at the top of your head. It is associated with the colour violet or white. This chakra energy center is linked to every other chakra and determines your sense of purpose and how open minded you are. Ultimately, when this chakra is open, it provides you with enlightenment in life.

Do Chakra meditation for peak performance

The chakras or energy centers can be blocked or imbalanced due to a variety of reasons:

• Lack of exercise

• Emotional stress

• Poor lifestyle habits

• Physical injury/ illness

One of the best ways to heal your chakras is through Chakra meditation. And you don’t have to go anywhere else. Visit the Level Supermind app and try out the 7-day Chakra meditation series in Hindi by Zeel.

Merely knowing about the chakras isn’t helpful. You need to take action to balance them to achieve free flow of energy. The best part? You don’t need a prior experience in meditation to try out these guided meditations made exclusively to balance each chakra through fun and effective techniques like alternate nostril breathing, musical healing, beej mantra chanting and much more.

Go balance your chakras now!