The 7 Chakras: Complete Guide to Understanding Your Energy Centers

Ever feel low on energy, emotionally off, or disconnected from yourself and the world around you? According to ancient Indian wisdom, the root of that imbalance may lie in your chakras, the invisible yet powerful energy centers in your body that influence every aspect of your well-being.

Rooted in Hindu and yogic traditions, these energy centers govern the flow of life force (prana) throughout your body, influencing your physical, mental, and emotional health as well as spiritual awareness. You’re more likely to feel centered, energized, and emotionally aligned when your chakras are open and balanced, but when one or more become blocked or imbalanced, it can cause fatigue, mood swings, or even physical symptoms.

Chakra healing is more than just a spiritual idea—it’s a practice that promotes holistic wellness. Healing and activating your chakras has become a powerful tool for restoring inner balance in today's time.

Read on to learn what chakras are and why they matter, how to recognize signs of imbalance, and simple techniques, yoga poses, and daily practices to activate and heal them.

What Are Chakras: History and Context

The concept of chakras has its roots in ancient Indian philosophy and first appeared in the Vedas—sacred texts written between 1500 and 500 BCE. The word chakra, derived from Sanskrit, means “wheel” or “disk,” symbolizing spinning energy centers within the body.

In yogic tradition, chakras are visualized as wheels of energy aligned along the spine. Each governs different aspects of your physical, emotional, and spiritual health, impacting everything from your survival instincts to your sense of purpose. When energy flows freely through these centers, you feel balanced, vibrant, and emotionally clear. But when that flow is blocked due to reasons like stress, trauma, or mental clutter, it can affect everything from your posture to your mood.

The 7 chakras of the human body are:

1. Root Chakra
2. Sacral Chakra 
3. Solar Plexus Chakra 
4. Heart Chakra 
5. Throat Chakra
6. Third Eye Chakra 
7. Crown Chakra

The Relevance of Chakras in Everyday Life

Today, the relevance of chakras lies in their ability to explain the deep connection between the mind and body. Each chakra corresponds to a specific area in the body and is tied to emotional patterns and physical functions.

For example:

• The Heart Chakra governs your ability to give and receive love and is connected to the heart and lungs.
• The Throat Chakra influences communication and expression, and corresponds to the thyroid and vocal cords.
• The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with confidence and personal power, and is connected to the digestive system and adrenal glands.

This explains how emotional stress, unresolved trauma, or chronic overthinking can manifest in the body, making chakra work relevant in everyday life.

Moreover, chakra concepts have now gained wider acceptance in modern wellness spaces. Many researchers, wellness practitioners, and therapists use the chakra system to explore how emotional blocks and energy imbalances may affect physical health. So, when you feel physically depleted, emotionally scattered, or disconnected from yourself, tuning into your chakras can help you:

• Reconnect with how you’re feeling—mentally and emotionally
• Understand where your energy feels stuck or depleted
• Create space for healing, clarity, and personal growth

By tuning into your energy centers, you learn how to take better care of yourself on each level.

How to Integrate Chakra Practices into Your Routine

Working with your chakras doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. Simple, intentional practices can help keep your energy in balance:

• Yoga and breathwork to stimulate specific energy centers
• Meditation and visualization to build awareness
• Sound therapy and mantras to shift blocked energy
• Reiki and energy healing to restore flow
• Journaling and self-reflection to process emotional blocks

Each of the seven chakras represents a specific energy center in your body, linked to physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your well-being. These include:

1. Root Chakra
2. Sacral Chakra 
3. Solar Plexus Chakra 
4. Heart Chakra 
5. Throat Chakra
6. Third Eye Chakra 
7. Crown Chakra

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra)

• Location: Base of the spine (tailbone area)
• Color: Red
• Element: Earth
• Associated Body Parts: Legs, feet, colon, spine, adrenal glands
• Significance: The root chakra governs your sense of safety, security, and stability. If you often feel “on edge,” ungrounded, or in survival mode, your root chakra might need attention.

Signs of Balance:

• Feeling calm and stable
• Trust in life’s process
• A strong connection to your body and surroundings

Signs of Imbalance:

• Anxiety, restlessness, fear
• Financial stress or instability
• Disconnection from the body

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Issues with legs, feet, or elimination

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana Chakra)

• Location: Lower abdomen (just below the navel)
• Color: Orange
• Element: Water
• Associated Body Parts: Reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, hips
• Significance: This chakra is about creativity, sensuality, pleasure, and emotional flow. It governs your ability to enjoy life and connect with others.

Signs of Balance:

• Healthy emotional expression
• Creativity and passion
• Joy in relationships and physical intimacy

Signs of Imbalance:

• Guilt, shame, or emotional numbness
• Creative blocks
• Struggles with intimacy

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Lower abdominal pain
• Sexual dysfunction

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura Chakra)

• Location: Upper abdomen/stomach area
• Color: Yellow
• Element: Fire
• Associated Body Parts: Digestive system, pancreas, liver
• Significance: This chakra governs self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to take action. If you feel stuck, unmotivated, or you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, your solar plexus needs balancing.

Signs of Balance:

• Strong willpower
• Clear sense of self
• Healthy motivation and ambition

Signs of Imbalance:

• Low self-worth
• Anger or need for control
• Inability to take initiative

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Digestive issues
• Fatigue
• Ulcers or acidity

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra)

• Location: Center of the chest
• Color: Green
• Element: Air
• Associated Body Parts: Heart, lungs, arms, thymus
• Significance: When your heart chakra is open, you connect more deeply with yourself and others. You love freely without fear and can show compassion and forgiveness.

Signs of Balance:

• Loving relationships
• Emotional openness
• Deep compassion and gratitude

Signs of Imbalance:

• Loneliness, jealousy
• Holding grudges
• Fear of vulnerability

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Heart palpitations
• Shallow breathing
• Upper back or shoulder pain

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra)

• Location: Throat
• Color: Blue
• Element: Ether/Space
• Associated Body Parts: Throat, vocal cords, thyroid, neck
• Significance: This chakra governs communication, truth, and self-expression. It enables you to speak your mind and stay true to your opinions.

Signs of Balance:

• Clear, honest communication
• Speaking with confidence
• Active listening

Signs of Imbalance:

• Fear of speaking up
• Gossiping or over-talking
• Feeling unheard or misunderstood

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Sore throat
• Thyroid issues
• Neck stiffness

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna Chakra)

• Location: Between the eyebrows
• Color: Indigo
• Element: Light
• Associated Body Parts: Brain, eyes, pituitary gland
• Significance: The third eye chakra is the seat of intuition. Tuning into it can help you make wiser decisions, see through confusion, and trust your inner voice.

Signs of Balance:

• Strong intuition
• Clarity of thought
• Insight and imagination

Signs of Imbalance:

• Overthinking or indecisiveness
• Disconnect from intuition
• Nightmares or lack of focus

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Brain fog

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra)

• Location: Top of the head
• Color: Violet or White
• Element: Cosmic energy
• Associated Body Parts: Brain, nervous system, pineal gland
• Significance: The crown chakra brings clarity, spiritual grounding, and a deep sense of purpose.

Signs of Balance:

• Feeling connected to something greater
• Spiritual awareness
• Inner peace and wisdom

Signs of Imbalance:

• Spiritual disconnection
• Cynicism or closed-mindedness
• Feeling “lost” or without purpose

Physical Symptoms of Blockage:

• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light or sound

How to Activate and Balance Your Chakras

Balancing your chakras starts with small, intentional steps. Whether you’re new to energy healing or simply looking to feel more centered and aligned, a few techniques can make a meaningful difference. Read on to learn how to recognize signs of imbalances in each chakra and discover practical ways to activate them in your day-to-day life.

Signs Your Chakras Need Balancing

Some signs to look out for include:

• Root Chakra: You may feel anxious, fearful, restless, or disconnected from your body and surroundings. A lack of stability or safety often points to an imbalanced Root Chakra.
• Sacral Chakra: Emotional numbness, creative blocks, low libido, or lingering guilt can be signs this chakra is out of sync.
• Solar Plexus Chakra: If you’re feeling powerless, frequently doubtful, or struggle with self-worth and confidence, your Solar Plexus may be unbalanced.
• Heart Chakra: Emotional detachment, bitterness, holding grudges, or difficulty trusting others often indicate an imbalance in the Heart Chakra.
• Throat Chakra: Struggling to express yourself clearly, feeling misunderstood, or swinging between being overly talkative and silent could signal a blocked Throat Chakra.
• Third Eye Chakra: When you feel mentally foggy, disconnected from your inner voice, or unable to trust your intuition, your Third Eye may be imbalanced.

Crown Chakra: A sense of spiritual disconnection, apathy, or feeling lost and without purpose may mean your Crown Chakra needs balancing.

Tips to Activate Them

While yoga can greatly support chakra alignment, these simple lifestyle practices can also help restore balance:

• Root Chakra: Walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass or sand. Eating grounding foods such as carrots, beets, and root vegetables can also be beneficial.
• Sacral Chakra: Reconnect with joy and creativity through dance, art, or any activity that gives you pleasure and makes you feel alive.
• Solar Plexus Chakra: Build confidence by setting small, achievable goals. Incorporate foods like bananas, turmeric, and oats into your meals.
• Heart Chakra: Practice gratitude daily—journaling, affirmations, or expressing love openly can open the heart chakra.
• Throat Chakra: Hydrate with herbal teas, coconut water, or warm lemon water. Singing or practicing mindful speech can also help.
• Third Eye Chakra: Meditate with your eyes closed, reduce screen time, and journal your thoughts to enhance inner clarity.
• Crown Chakra: Spend time in silence, practice breath awareness, intermittent fasting, or eat light meals to feel more connected to your higher self.

Even small shifts in your routine can support your energy flow. Explore more ways to balance and activate your chakras here. Also, discover ways to clear your chakras here!

Chakras in Yoga Practice

Yoga not only strengthens and stretches your body but also works with your subtle energy system, making it one of the most effective tools to balance your chakras. But before you get started, check out these Mudras for Chakras to elevate your yoga practice!

Now, let’s take a look at how yoga can support each of the 7 chakras through postures, breath, and movement that aligns them, helping you feel more grounded, open, and connected:

1. Root Chakra Yoga Poses

Here are some poses to help you feel more rooted and secure, especially in times of stress or uncertainty:

• Mountain Pose (Tadasana) – Promotes a deep sense of connection to the Earth
• Garland Pose (Malasana) – Grounds energy and opens hips
• Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I) – Builds strength and stability

2. Sacral Chakra Yoga Poses

Some poses to unlock your creative center and support emotional release include:

• Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) – Opens the hips and inner thighs
• Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana) – Taps into feminine energy and emotional flow‍
• Pelvic Tilts – Encourages fluid movement in the lower belly

3. Solar Plexus Chakra Yoga Poses

Some poses to boost confidence, motivation, and drive are:

• Boat Pose (Navasana) – Activates the core and inner fire
• Plank Pose – Builds core strength and personal power‍
• Twists (e.g., Revolved Chair) – Detoxify and stimulate the digestive system

4. Heart Chakra Yoga Poses

Try these heart-opening poses:

• Camel Pose (Ustrasana) – Opens the chest and heart space
• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) – Gently stretches the heart area
• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) – Promotes an open, receptive posture

Here are some poses that can help if you struggle with communication:

• Fish Pose (Matsyasana) – Opens the throat and chest
• Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) – Stimulates thyroid and voice‍
• Lion’s Breath – Clears blockages and encourages vocal release

6. Third Eye Chakra Yoga Poses

Some poses that can help balance this chakra include:

• Child’s Pose (Balasana) – Calms the mind, connects inward
• Seated Meditation (Sukhasana) – Focuses attention between the eyebrows‍
• Forward Fold (Uttanasana) – Encourages introspection and clarity

7. Crown Chakra Yoga Poses

These poses can help you feel more connected with your surroundings:

• Corpse Pose (Savasana) – Deep rest that opens you to spiritual awareness
• Headstand (Sirsasana) – Stimulates the crown (for advanced practitioners)
• Lotus Pose (Padmasana) – Encourages stillness and spiritual reflection

Chakra-Focused Yoga Sequence: A Simple 20-Minute Flow

For days when you want a full-body energetic tune-up, try this:

1. Mountain Pose (Root)
2. Goddess Pose (Sacral)
3. Boat Pose (Solar Plexus)
4. Camel Pose (Heart)
5. Fish Pose with Lion’s Breath (Throat)
6. Child’s Pose with focus on the third eye (Third Eye)
7. Savasana with silent meditation (Crown)

Even just 2–3 breaths per pose can make a difference. The key is awareness and moving with mindfulness—feeling the energy shift as you transition between poses.

Not sure how to start? Book a free 1-on-1 session with a dedicated coach here!

Chakra Frequencies and Sound Healing

Sound healing emphasizes that our bodies naturally respond to specific frequencies and vibrations. When it comes to the chakras, each of the seven chakras resonates with a unique frequency, and by using sound through instruments, chanting, or tonal frequencies, these vibrations can help activate, balance, and harmonize your energy centers.

Just like musical notes, chakras resonate at specific frequencies:

‍

These frequencies are often used in sound baths and healing sessions to support the corresponding chakra. For example, chanting mantras like OM, listening to solfeggio tones, or simply humming can create subtle vibrations in the body that help “tune” your chakras—similar to tuning an instrument.

Tools for Chakra Sound Healing

• Singing Bowls: Each bowl is tuned to a chakra frequency and can be played during meditation or savasana.
• Tuning Forks: Strike them and place them near chakra points for direct vibration.
• Mantra Chanting: Simple, powerful, and always accessible. Repeating “YAM” for the heart or “OM” for the third eye can help activate those centers.‍
• Binaural Beats or Chakra Frequency Tracks: Listen with headphones to entrain brainwaves and harmonize energy.

Discover more benefits of sound healing here!

You can also try this group class on Chakra Sound Healing and experience the benefits of dedicated coaching first-hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chakras real?

Yes, chakras are real! While these energy centers aren’t visible, many people experience real emotional, mental, and even physical shifts when working with chakras.

How long does it take to balance chakras?

Balancing the chakras depends on your consistency, intention, and their current state. Some people might feel shifts after just one session of focused work (like meditation or energy healing), while for others it’s a gradual journey over weeks or months. Small daily practices, even just 10–15 minutes, can lead to noticeable results over time.

Can blocked chakras cause physical illness?

Yes! Chakras are linked to specific glands of the body, and blockage may manifest as tension, fatigue, or other physical symptoms. For example, a blocked throat chakra may coincide with recurring throat issues. While these imbalances are not a medical diagnosis, they can contribute to discomfort that affects overall well-being.

How do I know which chakra is blocked?

You can learn about blocked chakras by observing the emotional and physical symptoms. If you struggle with communication, you may have a Throat Chakra imbalance. Constant anxiety or fear indicates an imbalanced Root Chakra. Physical sensations like tightness or pain in certain areas can also offer clues to specific blocked chakras. Self-assessments, journaling, and working with a coach or energy healer can help you identify these imbalances more clearly.

How often should I work on my chakras?

Chakra healing isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing and consistent practice. A few minutes daily or 2–3 sessions a week can keep your energy flowing smoothly. You don’t have to work on all chakras at once—focus on one or two that feel most relevant, depending on your symptoms, then gradually build a routine over time.

Can trauma affect chakras?

Yes. Unresolved emotional trauma can deeply impact the energy flow in your body. For example, early childhood insecurity can affect the Root Chakra, while heartbreak may impact the Heart Chakra. Healing these chakras through safe, supportive practices (like therapy, yoga, or meditation) can aid emotional release and inner balance.