What Are The Chakras And What Do They Mean?
You might think working on your chakras is something only esoteric people do but think again. Working with your chakras not only can benefit your energy, it can also benefit your mind and body. We all have energy within us that impacts how we feel in our mind and body. The chakras are basically like a road map to this energy. They help us to understand how our energy relates to our body and mind. Remember that the mind, body, and soul are all connected. The chakras help us understand how to work with all three parts of our being and understand how we can use one part of ourselves to impact another.
So, what are the chakras?
Although you can get super detailed into the chakra system, the basic principles are quite simple. This system is a really great way to understand the connection of your entire being meaning the mind, body, and soul.
The word chakra is actually in the language of Sanskrit. When you translate the word chakra to English, it means wheel. You can think of this wheel (or chakra) as a wheel of energy spinning around.
I know many people get confused on how to pronounce the word “chakra”. The “ch” in chakra is pronounced like the “ch” in chair.
Everything in our world is made up of energy including us as humans. The chakras provide us with a roadmap to understanding our energy. They also help us understand how our energy relates back to our physical body as well as to us mentally. 
Where did the chakras come from?
Chakras are becoming very popular today in different energetic practices so I think it’s important to remember their origin. The first detected mention of the chakras was from the Vedas. The Vedas are the world’s most ancient spiritual texts and they also happen to be the source of yoga’s traditions. So the concept of the chakras originated from India long, long ago. It’s wonderful how this has spread to so many different traditions but we should remember where they came from and show our gratitude to that culture.
How many chakras are there?
The answer to this question varies which is probably because there are many energetic channels throughout our body. The chakras that are most often referred to relate to our major central energy centers. There are 7 of these chakras that are located from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. This is why when when you meditate, it’s recommended to sit up tall with the spine straight. This allows your energy to flow freely.
All the 7 chakras need to work together and all of them are important. Some people tend to think that the lower chakras are not as important but these are the ones that really help us function in this physical world. (We’ll go into more detail on this later in this post.)
Interacting and working with our energy is so important in being able to live our lives to the fullest, but if you’re not ready for this stage yet, the chakras are still a great way to assess and keep balance in your life.
Another point to note is that people tend to think that energy can only be low or blocked in a chakra. While this can happen, the opposite can also happen where there is too much energy in one specific chakra. It’s all about balance.
I’m going to give you a very general overview of each of the 7 chakras. Basically, we will be looking at a general view of how each chakra relates to your life and your body so that you can have a basic understanding of this system.
I will share with you what an energy imbalance in each chakra could look like physically. It doesn’t mean that an energy balance is the cause of the issue, it’s just to give you an idea of what each energy center is all about to help you start to understand the mind, body, energy connection within us.
1. Root chakra
This energy center is located at the base of your spine and extends through your legs down to your feet.
This center is important for our sense of stability and security.
To keep this center in balance we need to take care of our basic human needs such as finances, shelter, and food.
When this center is not in balance, it could present in us physically as issues in the feet, knees, hips, or coccyx (tailbone).
2. Sacral chakra
This energy center is located in the pelvis and lower abdomen.
It’s associated with our intimate relationships as well as our creativity.
An imbalance here could present in the physical body as pelvic pain, low back issues, or urinary issues.
3. Solar plexus
The solar plexus is located in the upper abdomen.
This is where we get the energy to get up and go and is how we share our gifts with the world.
You can think of this energy center as where your personal power lives.
Problems here may appear physically as digestive issues.
4. Heart chakra
This chakra is located in the center of your chest and spreads out through your arms.
It’s all about unconditional love for our world. It’s about trying to understand others without judgements.
A physical presentation of this area being closed off is forward posture with the shoulders rounded in.
5. Throat chakra
As the name suggests, this chakra is located in the throat as well as the rest of the neck and including your ears.
This center is about speaking your own personal truth and about uplifting others when you communicate with them.
Issues with this energy center may present as neck issues.
6. Third eye chakra
The third eye is located between the brows and a little above. Basically it’s in the center of your forehead.
This center is associated with your intuition. It’s about how we see and perceive things.
Issues with the third eye can possibly be related to headaches.
7. Crown chakra
The crown chakra is located at the top of your head.
This is related to our connection with a higher source which allows us to feel empowered. This is where we connect with our highest self as well.
Issues here can present as boredom or depression.
This is a very general overview of the chakra system but it’s a good way to start to understand energy flow in the body.
Keep in mind that the issues associated with each chakra are a deeper way to look at physical symptoms in the body. It’s not to say that there isn’t a physical cause of these symptoms because there very well could be.
This book is a really great resource for learning about the chakra system: Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith
Love and light,
Tara
Discloser: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links provided I may receive a small commission.
