Explained by Krishna Nand, the chakra system runs lengthwise from the base of the spine upwards to the top of the skull. A chakra is a nucleus of energy. It acts as a vortex of revolving energy that interacts with different neurological and physiological structures in the body. The chakras help to regulate every process in the body from emotions to organ functions and immune system operations. There are 7 main chakras in the human body. They are as follows, starting from the bottom of the body and working up….
The Root Chakra - Location: the base of the spine, the pelvic floor and the first three vertebrae. Think about your root chakra as the foundation of a house, but for your body—when in balance, it's sturdy, stabilizing and supportive. As such, it's responsible for your sense of security and survival. It's also connected to whatever you use to ground yourself, including basic needs, such as food, water, shelter and safety, as well as your more emotional needs, such as letting go of fear and feeling safe. As you well know, when these needs are met, you tend to worry less. When it's blocked, a variety of ailments can occur from blockages, including anxiety disorders, fears or nightmares. Physically, the first chakra is associated with problems in the colon, bladder, secretion, or lower back, leg or feet issues. Over indulging in physical pleasures like food or sex, becoming too attached to money and an obsession with feeling secure are all markers of an overactive root chakra. The color red and the element Earth are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with it are red jasper, onyx and hematite.
The Sacral Chakra - Location: above the pubic bone and below the navel. Consider the second chakra the most fun out of the seven. This chakra houses our emotions, passions and pleasures—the things that emotionally satiate us and give us joy—and is considered the creative and sexual energy center of the body. When your sacral chakra is aligned, you'll likely feel great, you're friendly, passionate and successfully fulfilled while also eliciting feelings of wellness, abundance, pleasure and joy. By honoring your body and expressing yourself creatively, you're keeping the energy wheels turning and fluid. When it's blocked you may feel uninspired creatively or have some emotional instability. Likewise, this can also be associated with physical sexual disfunction, while also potentially experiencing fear of change, depression or addiction-like behaviors. The color orange and the element water are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with it are carnelian, tiger's eye and sunstone.
The Solar Plexus Chakra -Location: from the navel to about the ribcage; associated with all things metabolic, digestive, and stomach-related. The third chakra is said to be your source of individual power, ruling over self-esteem. When it's blocked you can suffer from low self-esteem, have difficulty making decisions and may have anger or control issues. Likewise, you'll also possibly have a tummy ache of some kind, such as digestive issues or gas. A blocked solar plexus chakra will make us struggle with self-doubt and being our highest, most authentic selves. But the flip side isn't much better, signs of an overactive solar plexus include a rampant ego—being power hungry and egotistical, resulting in manic behavior and hyperactive energy. The color yellow and the element fire are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with it are citrine, pyrite and amber.
The Heart Chakra - Location: the center of the chest, encapsulating the heart, thymus gland (which plays a vital role in your endocrine and lymphatic system), lungs and breasts. As the central chakra, the fourth chakra represents where the physical and the spiritual meet, according to the Chopra Center. And as its name implies, it is all about love. It's the awakening to spiritual awareness, forgiveness and service. It's believed that when your heart chakra is aligned and balanced, love and compassion are flowing freely—both in terms of giving it out and getting it back. When it's blocked, a closed heart chakra can give way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal and hatred toward yourself and others. If overactive, we may become too loving. You wouldn't think this would be a problem, but it's usually masking co-dependency. This will have a ripple effect on our relationships, being overly dependent, needy, jealous and possessive, with a lack of boundaries. The color green or pink and the element air are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with it are rose quartz, jade and malachite.
The Throat Chakra - Location: your throat; is associated with the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue and larynx. Do you have zero problem saying how you feel? Your fifth chakra, which is all about speaking your inner truth—or, specifically, ensuring that your inner truths are properly communicated—is likely well-balanced. The throat chakra rules all communication. When this chakra is in check, you're able to fully listen as well as speak and express yourself clearly. When it's blocked, a person may find it hard to truly express themselves. In addition to having trouble speaking your truth, you find it hard to pay attention and stay focused, or fear judgment from others—which can further hinder your ability to keep it real. Physically, this blockage can manifest itself as a sore throat, thyroid issues, neck and shoulder stiffness or tension headaches. The color blue and the element ether are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with this chakra are lapis lazuli, aquamarine and kyanite.
The Third Eye Chakra - Location: between the eyebrows; rules organs including the pituitary gland, eyes, head and lower part of the brain. The third eye actually governs your intuition—plus the ability to recognize and tap into it. What's more, the third eye is also said to be responsible for all things between you and the outside world, serving as a bridge between the two. It allows you to cut through any illusions and drama to see the clear picture. When it's blocked, you may have trouble accessing your intuition, trusting your inner voice, recalling important facts or learning new skills. A third eye blockage is associated with a broad range of issues, including depression, anxiety and a more judgmental attitude—while physically, it's said to cause headaches, dizziness and a slew of other brain-health issues. Meanwhile, having a wide-open third eye can lead to an overactive imagination and a mind that runs away with us. The color indigo and the element light are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with it are amethyst, purple fluorite and labradorite.
The Crown Chakra - Location: the top of the head. The crown is the center of enlightenment and our spiritual connection to our higher selves, others and ultimately, the divine, according to the Chopra Center. When aligned, the realizations that occur within you are said to be along the lines of pure consciousness—undivided and all expansive. Basically, bigger than yourself and part of one giant universe. When it's blocked, we may feel apathetic and listless, almost energetically numb and feel a sense of disconnection which results in a lack of direction and purpose in life. Or, you might feel like your regular self—just not in an exalted state of spiritual connection and enlightenment, which is totally okay and seriously normal. Unlike the other chakras, the crown chakra is often only opened up fully through specific yoga or meditative exercises, or at certain times—which is not a skill set you can call upon at any given moment. You may be able to get a taste of it, though, through daily practices—anything from meditation or prayer to moments of silence and gratitude—to have those moments of spiritual connection. Greed, superficiality and arrogance often result in a disconnection from others as well as the universe. The color violet and the element thought are associated with this chakra. The crystals associated with it are selenite, clear quartz and lepidolite.
Chakras rotate clockwise and counter clockwise. When it is moving is a clockwise motion it is absorbing energy. And when it is moving in a counter clockwise motion it is releasing energy. In normal scenarios this system stays balanced. If a chakra is blocked, OR too open, it causes problems. But the chakras can be balanced or awakened by using different measures including, but not limited to meditation, aromatherapy, crystal therapy, reflexology or music therapy. Different methods suit different people.