What is a Chakra?

A Charka is essentially concentrated energy centres within the body, and in Sanskrit Chakra means disk or wheel. There are 7 main Chakras in total and they all sit at different parts within the body aligning along the spine. They run along the spine but also extend outwardly throughout the front, back and sides of your body. They can’t be seen but are sensed with your own intuition. They hold the energy we call Prana which is your life force.

The 7 Charkas 

1) Name: Root Chakra / Muladhara
Location: Base of the spine
Colour: Red
Meaning: Stability

Posture: Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

The word Muladhara breaks down into two Sanskrit words: Mula meaning “root” and Adhara, which means “support”. Muladhara provides the foundation for your everyday life, and is comprised of all the things that ground you and that give you stability. Your basic needs such as water and food, but also your emotional needs. When these needs are met, you feel grounded and safe.

Imbalances

Excessive negativity

Eating disorders

Greed

Illusion

Constantly living in survival mode

2) Name: Sacral Chakra / Svadhishthana
Location: Just below the navel
Colour: Orange
Meaning: Creativity
Posture: Goddess Pose (Deviasana) 

In Sanskrit, Svadhisthana means “the dwelling place of the self”. Svadhisthana relates to emotional and sexual energy in the body and our ability to accept change. When balanced, you can expect to feel an abundance of creativity and pleasure. You will radiate warmth, you’ll feel playful and free to express yourself. Svadhisthana also relates to the water element. Like water, the energy form this chakra controls versatility, and freedom.

Imbalances 
Dependency

Lack of satisfaction

Feeling stuck in a mood
Ruled by your emotions

Overindulgence

3) Name: Solar Plexus Chakra / Manipura
Location: Just below the navel
Colour: Yellow
Meaning: Self-esteem

Posture: Boat Pose (Navasana)

Manipura relates to our gut instincts and is said to be responsible for gathering and storing of energy. It is considered to be the centre of ambition, confidence, and is associated with self-control, a clear mind and the ability to make decisions, and it provides us with the drive to move forward in life. A balanced Manipura will give us a clear sense of who we are, of self-esteem, and self-respect. As a result, we are able to create change in our lives, and reach goals. This can lead to being better off financially, in good health, and life in general. We feel optimistic, confident and determined.

Imbalances

Being obsessed with minute details

Manipulative

Lack of clear purpose

Excessive control and authority 

Feeling of irresponsibility

4) Name: Heart Chakra / Anahata
Location: Centre of the chest
Colour: Green
Meaning: Compassion
Posture: Camel Pose (Ustrasana) 

Anahata is at the centre of the cardiac plexus. Anahata allows you to love, and also show and give compassion. When your heart is open, you aren’t afraid to give or receive love, you can accept yourself and others more. A balanced Anahata will give you the ability to experience better relationships, and appreciate more. Love experienced through Anahata is not just about romance, but going beyond the the ego to open us up to be more compassionate and accepting.

Imbalances

Relying on other’s approval and attention

Being overly defensive

Feeling closed down

Being antisocial

Holding grudges

5) Name: Throat Chakra / Vishuddha
Location:  Base of the throat
Colour: Blue
Meaning: Inner truth

Posture: Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) 

Vishuddha is the keeper of the mouth and gives you the ability to be truthful to yourself and to others. When Vishuddha is balanced, we can speak and listen, and have the ability to express openly. There are different ways you can stimulate Vishuddha on and off the mat - you can do it through aromatherapy, burning things like sage, peppermint, lavender and tea-tree. Another way is through meditation, connecting with our inner truth. Breath work is a great way to calm the mind by bringing the attention to your breath.

Imbalances

Speaking too much or inappropriately

Not listening 

Not being able to keep your word

Telling lies

Excessive shyness

6) Name: Third Eye / Ajna
Location: Between the eyebrows
Colour: Indigo
Meaning: Intuition

Posture: Easy Pose (Sukhasana)

Ajna is really associated with light and seeing the bigger picture, because with light comes the ability to see more, and through seeing more hopefully gain a better understanding of things. It also relates to being responsible and following your own intuition. We are able to strengthen Ajna though meditation.

Imbalances 

Not being able to see the bigger picture

Lack of clarity

Inability to see beyond your problems 

Not being able to establish a vision for yourself

Rejection of everything beyond the usual

7) Name: Crown Chakra / Sahasrara
Location: Top of the head
Colour: Purple
Meaning: Enlightenment

Posture: Corpse Pose (Shavasana) 

Sahasrara is said to be like a meeting point between your body, soul, and universe. It is also sometimes referred to as the “Thousand-Petalled Lotus” or in Sanskrit “Brahmarandhra”. The reason behind its associated colour, is that it represents Sahasraras connection with blue (spiritual energy) and red (matter). It influences the central nervous system, muscular system, and the skin.

Imbalances 

Being disconnected

Constant cynicism 

Living in your head

Obsessive attachment 

Closed-mindedness

Want to know more? 

If this blog has interested you please take a look over the syllabus on the courses section of our website (www.yogacourse.com) for our online Yoga Basics course and 200hr Yoga Teacher Training, where you can learn more about Chakras!