Your Chakras

Chakras are energy centers in your body and according to Ayurveda, there are seven of them governing physical, emotional and spiritual health. They work individually and together to form the chakra system.

When one gets clogged, so do the others and your flow is interrupted. These chakra-specific signs of imbalance will help you determine the sources of issues as they arise for you. Taking care of your chakras will help optimize your energy flow, and get the most out of your day to day.

The Root Chakra (or Muladhara) is at the base of your tail bone. It is said to connect us to the earth and create our personal boundaries. Your root chakra may be clogged if you’re feeling disconnected from others (or yourself), easily distracted or confused. Exercises that help you feel firmly rooted to the ground are beneficial.

The Sacral Chakra (or Svadhisthana) is right below your belly button. It’s mean to be our sexual center and the root of all creativity. If you’re experiencing low sex drive, blocked creativity or feelings of powerlessness, your sacral chakra’s flow may be off. Connecting to your core and strengthening your spine would be helpful.

The Solar Plexus Chakra (or Manipura) is at the “v” where your lower ribs meet (between your chest and your navel). It’s the source of intuition (or gut feelings) and the seat of our egos. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or insignificant, like you don’t matter, and you can’t make a decision, this is the chakra that you should focus on. Wringing out your middle (for example with twist poses in yoga, or bridge pose) will help get things going again.

The Heart Chakra (or Anahata) is right in the center of your chest. The focus point of love, heartbreak, grief and fear, you can tell if it’s out of whack if you’re having trouble letting go of the past (relationships or events) and experiencing an inability to trust or get close to others. Opening your heart and chest (as in sun salutations) may make the difference you need to re-charge this chakra.

The Throat Chakra (or Visuddha) is right where it sounds like it should be – in the center of the neck. This chakra is the control center for communication and controls our ability to speak and listen open and honestly. If you’re having trouble speaking up for yourself, are experiencing a lot of miscommunication or are even lying a lot, your throat chakra may be in need of some attention. Salt water gargles and shoulder stands will help set you on the path to a healthier energy flow.

The Brow Chakra (or Ajna) is the so called third eye, located between your eyes, just above the eyebrows. This is the governing chakra of thoughts which also allows us to distinguish between fantasy and reality. Loss of focus, daydreaming and mild forgetfulness signal that something’s up with your Brow Chakra. Nightmares are a symptom of imbalance as well. Meditation and balanced alignment are two ways to properly energize this chakra.

The Crown Chakra (or Sahasrara) is located on the top of the head. Spiritual energy enters our minds and bodies through this chakra, when it’s working properly. Often symbolized by an open lotus flower, the Crown Chakra isn’t working properly if you’re feeling disconnected or pessimistic and avoiding any new experiences or ways of seeing things. Deeper relaxation may be key to correcting the problem. Take slow deep breaths and tense, then relax all the muscles in your body beginning at your feet. When you come back into your body, you may find that you feel more focused instantly.

It’s important to remember that energy flow is constant. All of these processes take work and regular maintenance. Care for your chakras and you’ll see how they care for you.