The Complete Guide to the 7 Chakras

The Complete Guide to the 7 Chakras – For Beginners
By Anodea Judith (MindValley blog)

(https://blog.mindvalley.com/7-chakras/)

Whether you’ve come across the term mid-downward dog in your yoga class or heard it mentioned on your favorite meditation app…knowing what your chakras are, where to find them and how to unblock them may well be the missing key to a happier, healthier life.

In this article, you’ll learn about the fascinating world of chakras. Firstly, we’ll outline what a chakra is. Secondly, you’ll learn about the origin of this spiritual concept before we pinpoint the chakra locations in your body.

Then, you’ll read a simple description of each chakra. Afterward, you’ll come to understand why the chakras get blocked, and more importantly how to unblock them.

What Is A Chakra?
Where Did The Chakra Concept Come From?
Where Can You Find The Chakra Points?
What Are The 7 Chakras?
Why Chakras Get Blocked
How To Unblock Chakras
How To Balance Chakras for Beginners

What Is A Chakra?

A chakra is an energy center. In a perfectly healthy person, the 7 chakras work in unison to create life force energy. The body, mind and spirit benefit from balanced chakras. In addition, each chakra has its own symbol, color and meaning. That’s all the basic information you need to know.

The term ‘Chakra’ is also Sanskrit for wheel. This refers to the spinning, spherical energy center that makes up a chakra. That energy is ancestrally known as ‘prana’. You may also recognize this word coming up in other practices. This includes yoga and meditation. ‘Pranayama’ means breath control.

In addition, each chakra corresponds to a very specific area of the body, which we’ll explain in more detail soon.

Where Did The Chakra Concept Come From?

The chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BC. Moreover, the data on each chakra was recorded in one of the most ancient, prized spiritual texts in human history: the Vedas.

Where Can You Find The Chakra Points?

The chakra points make up a straight line starting at the bottom of your spine and end at the crown of your head. There are 7 chakras in total: The Root Chakra, The Sacral Chakra, The Solar Plexus Chakra, The Heart Chakra, The Throat Chakra, The Third Eye Chakra and The Crown Chakra.

  • Your 1st chakra is located at the bottom of the tailbone–in the perineum for men and in the cervix for women.
  • Then, you’ll find the 2nd chakra in your pelvic region, a couple of inches below the belly button.
  • The 3rd chakra sits in your stomach–around 2-3 inches above the belly button.
  • Your 4th chakra is located in the chest, in and around the heart space.
  • Then, you’ll find your 5th chakra right in the middle of your throat.
  • The 6th chakra is between the eyebrows–extending to your brain’s pineal gland.
  • Finally, you’ll find your 7th chakra at the very top of your head, resting on your crown.
What Are The 7 Chakras?

Here’s a breakdown of the 7 chakras and their numbers in order:

  1. The Root Chakra – Muladhara
  2. The Sacral Chakra – Svadhisthana
  3. The Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura
  4. The Heart Chakra – Anahata
  5. The Throat Chakra – Vishuddha
  6. The Third Eye Chakra – Ajna
  7. The Crown Chakra – Sahasrara

In today’s hectic, stress-inducing world, fully balanced chakras are extremely rare to come by. Therefore, don’t feel disheartened if you suspect something’s not quite right.

Now you have a general overview of the 7 chakras, we’ll dive into more detail regarding each individual chakra. By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to know about the role they all play. More importantly, you’ll also know how to work with them for enhanced health and happiness.

The Root Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Muladhara
Color: Red
Location: At the bottom of the tailbone–in the perineum for men and the cervical area for women.

The official name of this chakra, Muladhara, actually translates as ‘root’ and ‘support’. This chakra’s role is to connect all of your physical, bodily energy with the Earth itself. In other words, this chakra ‘grounds’ you. Your Root Chakra is also linked to everything you need to survive. This includes the act of breathing, eating, sleeping, and experiencing physical security.

When your 1st chakra is balanced, you’ll feel a deep sense of peace. You’ll feel safe in the knowledge that all of your core needs are met. Because of this, all total body healing starts here.

The Sacral Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Svadhisthana
Color: Orange
Location: In your pelvic region, a couple of inches below the belly button.

Also known as ‘the place of the self’, the Sacral Chakra is therefore all about your creative identity as a human. This chakra helps you enjoy your life here on Earth. It’s the energy that motivates you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Above all, indulging in pleasurable activities like sex, artistic activities and good food.

When your 2nd chakra is balanced, you’ll truly relish in all the finer things in life. Because of this, you’ll enjoy them without overdoing them.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Manipura
Color: Yellow
Location: In your stomach–around 2-3 inches above the belly button. The Manipura energy center further translates as ‘the lustrous gem.’ This is because this is the chakra where your self-confidence and personal power sit together in harmony.

Many call the Solar Plexus chakra the ‘Warrior Chakra’ as well. This is because this is by far the most powerful supporting chakra for bravery and boundary-setting. For instance, you can most probably physically feel its raging energy when you feel angry. You’ll feel it when you need to defend yourself. For better or for worse, it’s your fight and flight response’s right-hand man!

When balanced, high self-esteem and self-worth are bonus by-products. 

The Heart Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Anahata
Color: Green
Location: In the chest, in and around the heart space.

Interestingly, the Sanskrit term for the Heart Chakra translates to the state of being ‘unhurt.’ Because of this, when you’re experiencing feelings of love, compassion, and kindness…it’s this energy center you’re connecting to.

In spite of all its translations, this chakra is fundamentally just about love. Love is the most healing frequency of all. Similarly, when your Heart Chakra is balanced, you are easily able to feel love and empathy for yourself and others.

The Throat Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Vishuddha
Color: Sky Blue
Location: Right in the middle of your throat.

Carrying the meaning of the words ‘very pure’, this chakra helps you to quite literally speak up. Because of this, you’ll do so in a smooth, confident, authentic way. In addition, this chakra is your official seat of self-expression. The Throat Chakra also gives a voice to your personal preferences, beliefs and values.

When balanced, you openly and lovingly speak the truth. Moreover, you express yourself in whichever way feels most in alignment at any given time. In other words, there’s nothing that enlightens and inspires those around you like an open Throat Chakra.

The Third Eye Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Ajna
Color: Indigo
Location: Between the eyebrows–extending to your brain’s pineal gland.

The infamous Third Eye Chakra, Ajna, roughly translates as ‘beyond wisdom’. This is because this mystic energy center opens you up to expanded states of consciousness. They go way beyond the 5 senses and the material world we live in. Extrasensory perception, intuition and psychic abilities are all born from the third eye. This is because of the brain’s small yet extremely powerful pinecone-shaped gland. It sits just behind Ajna, and goes by the name of the ‘pineal gland‘.

Furthermore, long before brain imaging, many ancient cultures knew about the third eye’s presence. They believed it to be our human connection to the divine. when your Third Eye is balanced, you’ll feel equally in tune with the physical and spiritual world. You’ll also be able to connect with both your ego and your soul. 

The Crown Chakra

Sanskrit Translation: Sahasrara
Color: Violet/White
Location: At the very top of your head, resting on your crown.

According to most tantric yoga traditions, the final chakra translates as ‘a thousand petals’. This refers to its beautiful, petal-ladened symbology. Sahasrara is nothing but pure consciousness, connecting you to the Universe. This complete Universe is also known as ‘Om’. And it’s quite literally nothing personal…

When it comes to the concept of The Crown Chakra, it’s something we all have in common. Every human, animal, plant, eco-system, planet and star has that same lifeforce energy. It’s also worth noting that this chakra exists beyond your unique ego. It is your connection to ‘God’, whatever you deem that to be.

Achieving a balanced crown chakra is the goal of any spiritual practice. Moreover, it’s not easy to do. Once truly balanced–you’ve achieved enlightenment. In other words, you discover the secret of who you really are. Transcending suffering is known in Buddhist tradition as ‘Nirvana’.

Why Chakras Get Blocked

Chakras can get clogged and cause numerous problems in our everyday lives.

Imagine a beautiful, flowing stream in a mountainous forest. Undisturbed, the water will flow from the very top of the mountain to the very bottom. It will eventually lead to the sea. This is water’s natural course, right? But imagine now that due to an extreme storm, the biggest, heaviest, boulder you’ve ever seen rolls into the stream. It’s now blocking the flow. Because of this, the current stops, unable to access any land below the boulder.

This is a perfect analogy for how the chakras work, because the flowing water mirrors the flow of energy through the energy centers. The giant rocks of life that can block our chakras are:

  • Work stress
  • Financial turmoil
  • Poor diet
  • Sexual oppression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Suppressed anger
  • Illness
  • Grief
  • Heartbreak
  • Rejection
  • Resentment
  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Stubbornness & ‘Tunnel Vision’
  • Denial

It is, of course, a chicken and egg scenario. Whether the work stress comes first, or whether the root chakra blockage comes first…it’s all a mystery.

Why Multiple Chakras Block Together

What remains clear is that once one chakra is out of alignment, it tends to have a knock on effect on the surrounding chakras. Even though the chakras can get clogged individually, they can also get clogged in clusters.

For example, let’s say that your partner has seriously crossed a boundary. They’ve crushed your self-esteem with something they said. That clogs up your Solar Plexus Chakra. In addition, you’re most likely going to feel betrayed, less appreciated, and perhaps less loving towards them too. This is a classic example of a Heart Chakra blockage. That’s two blocks for the price of one!

So as you can see, although the chakras are powerful beyond measure–they’re also pretty sensitive to all of your human experiences.

Thankfully, just as the chakras can be blocked and closed, so too can they be cleared and opened.

How To Unblock Chakras

There are a variety of ways you can unblock your chakras, and it can be quite easy to do.

As we said before, perfectly healthy, flowing chakra energy is pretty hard to come by–so don’t feel disheartened if you suspect an imbalance. 

We’ll give you a breakdown of how to unblock your energy centers.

How To Unblock The Root Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: feeling generally ungrounded and unsafe. In fear, anxiety, lack, and the ‘I don’t have enough’-ness mindset. Potential digestive upset.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing red ball of energy in the perineum/cervical area. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I am safe and grounded.’
  • Stones: Hematite, Black Onyx and Smoky Quartz
  • Behavioural Changes: Self-soothing, taking time to engage in psychical body experiences like eating hearty meals. Getting enough sleep and walking in nature, for example.

How To Unblock The Sacral Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: feeling ‘zapped’ with little to no creativity or sex drive. Potential urinary/sexual/hormonal disturbances.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing orange ball of energy in the pelvic region. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I enjoy the pleasures of life.’
  • Stones: Orange Calcite and Citrine
  • Behavioural Changes: Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, playing an instrument, tantric sex and mindful eating, for example.

How To Unblock The Solar Plexus Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: feeling frustrated, weak-willed and insecure. Lacking self-esteem, confidence and personal power. Because of this, potential stomach tightness and nausea may occur.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing yellow ball of energy in the stomach. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I am strong and I know my worth.’
  • Stones: Tiger’s Eye and Sunstone
  • Behavioural Changes: Setting boundaries, practising saying ‘no’, enhancing self-esteem, exercising, and doing things you’re good at, for example.

How To Unblock The Heart Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: hurt, grief, ‘heartbreak’, loneliness, disconnection, lack of compassion. Potential chest pain, heart-burn, heaviness and stooped posture.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing green ball of energy in the heartspace. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I am loved and I am loving.’
  • Stones: Rose Quartz and Aventurine
  • Behavioural Changes: Practising self-compassion, gratitude and random acts of kindness. Engaging in activities such as cuddling, intimacy, gift-giving and expressing love, for example.

How To Unblock The Throat Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: Telling lies, little to no self-expression, fear of speaking up. Potential sore throat and stiffness in the neck.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing sky-blue ball of energy in the neck/throat. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I speak my truth and express myself openly.’
  • Stones: Aquamarine and Sodalite
  • Behavioural Changes: Telling the truth, finding ways to uniquely express yourself, and speaking your needs aloud, for example.

How To Unblock The Third Eye Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: Stubbornness, narrow-mindedness and denial of the spiritual world. Lack of inner intuitive guidance. Potential headaches.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing indigo ball of energy between the eyebrows/pineal gland. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I know who I am and I trust my intuition.’
  • Stones: Amethyst, Fluorite and Lolite
  • Behavioural Changes: Frequent meditation, mindfulness, and listening to one’s ‘inner voice’, for example. Moreover, a new openness to spirituality may come occur. 

How To Unblock The Crown Chakra:

  • [Common Symptoms Of Blockage: Suffering ‘the human condition’. No connection to spirituality or ‘God’–in whatever way one defines the concept.]
  • Meditation: Sit in a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed and imagine a glowing white/violet ball of energy on the crown of the head. Then, imagine the energy spinning smoothly in a clockwise motion. Start repeating the affirmation below silently to yourself. Practice this for 10 minutes. You may choose to hold the corresponding chakra stone as you do so.
  • Healing Affirmation: ‘I am the Divine–connected to all life in the Universe.’
  • Stones: Clear Quartz, Amethyst and Moonstone
  • Behavioural Changes: An increased commitment to balancing all of the chakras. Frequent meditation, mindfulness, and an awareness of the oneness of all life. In addition, one may feel drawn to star-gazing, travelling, and lucid dreaming. 
How To Balance Chakras For Beginners

To balance your chakras in a quick and easy way, you should start with a simple chakra meditation. Chakra activation involves focussing on each chakra individually and breathing into them with your full concentration. To enhance the experience, many people like to use affirmations and chakra stones.

An Example of a Chakra Meditation

In order to balance all of the chakras, you can opt for this chakra meditation. In other words, you can think of it as energetic maintenance!

Now you know exactly where the chakras are in the body, as well as their colors, their affirmations and even their stones, you can now enjoy a full-immersion experience.

Start by focussing on each chakra individually for a couple of minutes or so. While you do this, pay full attention to the chakra’s location and the energy you wish to infuse it with. Also, feel free to imagine a glowing, colored light spinning clockwise for every chakra. Remember to start with the root chakra and end with the crown chakra.

For each chakra, use the affirmation. Say it with belief, concentration and passion. The way you meditate will make all the difference. So, go all in, even if it feels like your comfort zone is being pushed to its limits.

Why Use Chakra Stones?

Chakra stones are optional when you meditate. But they may aid your concentration and make the process smoother energetically too. When you change the chakra you’re meditating on, don’t forget to gently place your current chakra stone down and swap it for the new one. We hope this guide has served you in your journey to a better understanding of the 7 chakras.