We are made up of millions of little wheels of energy, which coalesce into seven major Chakras.

◊ By Darpan Kaur

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Chakra’ is the Sanskrit word for wheel, and in metaphysical terms, it refers to the wheels of energy or energy vortices within our physical body. Practitioners of Yoga and almost all alternative healing practices refer to the Chakras for determining the health and well being of a person. Most practices talk about the seven major Chakras of the body. However, we are made up of millions of little wheels of energy, which coalesce into seven major Chakras.

As with all wheels, the Chakras turn in a clockwise motion at a particular frequency. When the Chakra is underactive or blocked, this causes distress and disease. However, an overactive Chakra can also cause problems. At a basic level, a sluggish or blocked Chakra can cause physical health issues, and at a metaphysical level, it can cause life issues, such as not finding love or losing one’s job. It may even create negative patterns such as frequently attracting people or situations that cause distress—for example, always getting cheated or people not being around when you need them. It may even create negative patterns such as frequently attracting people or situations that cause distress—for example, always getting cheated or people not being around when you need them.

At a basic level, a sluggish or blocked Chakra can cause physical health issues, and at a metaphysical level, it can cause life issues, such as not finding love or losing one’s job. It may even create negative patterns such as frequently attracting people or situations that cause distress.

So without further ado, presented below are the mighty Chakras!

Root Chakra or Mooladhara Chakra

‘Mool’ literally translates as root or base, so this is our base Chakra, located at the base of the spine. This Chakra represents our roots, groundedness and connection to earth. Our basic survival needs and instincts reside here: the fight-or-flight urge, desiring a roof over our heads and all our material wants and desires. Think ‘Roti, Kapda, Makaan’ here.

When the Root Chakra is open and active, one feels safe and secure. Sometimes we use words like ‘solid’ and ‘well rounded’ to describe certain people—these are people whose Root Chakra is working well.

At the physical level, when this Chakra is not working optimally, this affects the feet, legs, hips, lower back or base of the spine and coccyx. Any wound, pain or disease in these areas is related to the Root Chakra. Metaphysically, its malfunction can cause financial or material problems.

There are many ways to get this Chakra whirling at its best. Yoga or exercise is one method. Reiki or Pranic healing can help it function well, as can crystals and affirmations, or even Mantras. One of the simplest affirmations for the Root Chakra is “I am safe. I am grounded”. Affirmations are generally said 21 times for 21 days for complete benefit, but one can say them all the time, like a personal Mantra.

Some of the crystals that can help are Red Jasper and Black Tourmaline. Even the colours we wear or food we eat can help us feel more grounded—wear deep reds and browns and eat ground vegetables.

Sacral Chakra or Swadhistana Chakra

The Sacral Chakra is our pleasure and joy Chakra, located above the root and below the navel. Joy, creativity and procreation emanate from this Chakra. When it whirls freely, we open ourselves to the pleasures of life, surrounding ourselves with beauty and enjoyment.

Physically, this Chakra affects our sexual organs, the kidneys, bladder and lower back. At the emotional and spiritual level, its dysfunction leads to lack of enjoyment of life and diabetes, frigidity and even hormonal imbalances.

Orange is the colour associated with this Chakra, so add some orange to one’s attire or home. Include foods like mangoes, oranges and carrots in one’s diet. Crystals that can help are Carnelians and Coral. A great affirmation is “I am open to joy”.

Solar Plexus Chakra or Manipura Chakra

Between the navel and the heart is our Solar Plexus Chakra. This is the seat of our power, control, confidence and self worth. Consider the butterflies in one’s stomach before giving a presentation! That is your Solar Plexus Chakra acting up. When working well, we are stress-free and calm under pressure.

Stress and lifestyle diseases impact here. The stomach, liver, pancreas and middle vertebrae are affected by this Chakra. When one feels that things are out of control or ‘not good enough’, it is this Chakra that is affected.

The famous “All is well” is a fantastic affirmation for this Chakra. Bright, happy yellow is the colour of this Chakra and the effervescent Citrine is the crystal to balance it.

Heart Chakra or Anahata Chakra

Right in the centre of the chest, this Chakra is about love, compassion, gratitude and forgiveness. It extends from the heart to the arms, right down to the hands. It is concerned with relationships and giving and receiving love.

“I am open to giving and receiving love” is a great affirmation for this Chakra.

Use pinks and greens to activate this Chakra. The beautiful Rose Quartz is the perfect crystal for this Chakra.

Throat Chakra or Vishudha Chakra

We use this Chakra for expressing and communicating, and it is our Identity Chakra. It affects the throat, neck, oesophagus and thyroid. Being understood, expressing oneself, speaking truthfully or just speaking up are the spiritual aspects of this Chakra. Consider how difficult it is to speak when one has a sore throat!

This Chakra responds to pure blues and, therefore, if one has an important presentation to give or interview to attend, wear blue. Aquamarine is a great crystal for this Chakra, or even Turquoise. To open this Chakra, one can say: “I choose to express myself, easily and effortlessly”.

Third Eye or Ajna Chakra

Between our brows is our Third Eye Chakra, our mind’s eye. It is responsible for seeing, perceiving and having vision or strategy. All psychics and clairvoyants have well developed Third Eye Chakras. Balancing this Chakra helps the eyes, ears, nose and the neurological system.

“I see and perceive clearly” is a good affirmation for this Chakra, especially for people who have eyesight problems. The colours indigo and violet work well for this Chakra, as do the crystals Lapis Lazuli and Amethyst.

Crown Chakra or Sahasrara

Just as the root is our connection to the earth, the crown is our connection to the divine. This Chakra is actually a few inches above our heads. Faith and connectedness to a higher power, humanity and oneself are the keywords for this Chakra. The thousand petal lotus depicted in all Buddha paintings represents this Chakra being fully opened. Halos around enlightened beings display this Chakra in its full glory.

This Chakra relates to the pituitary gland and the central nervous system. When this Chakra is imbalanced, one feels frazzled, disconnected or even depressed. To open up this Chakra, try saying “I am connected”. Violet or pure white are the colours of this Chakra. Use a Clear Quartz or even an Amethyst for balance.

The author is a Hypnotherapist, reiki healer and certified Angel Card Reader.