Chakras and their meaning: the chakras explained
I remember the first time I took a deep dive into the Chakras during my first YTT. My yoga philosophy teacher pulled up a chart of all the chakra colors and meanings, the different symbols of the chakras, and even got out her collection of chakra crystals and stones… and I spent the next hour trying not to roll my eyes. The chakras explained all sounded like New Age hippie mumbo jumbo to me.
But, also, you know me, I kinda love this stuff, and I’m always curious as to whether it could teach me a thing or two. Along my spiritual journey, this curious spirit of mine showed me the (scientifically verified) power of self-love affirmations, got me into Shamanic plant medicines and Ayahuasca retreats and many yoga retreats. It even led me down the spiky Shakti mat road.
Understanding chakras meaning has become central to my yoga practices and overall spiritual well-being. Chakras are part of yoga and Angamardana, and I swear by daily yoga, asana practice, and meditation practice for keeping my physical body, nervous system, and mind in order. So perhaps not surprisingly, I’ve dabbled with some chakra stones and even worn items of clothing in different chakra colors in an effort to help my overall health and bring my own seven chakras into balance (spoiler, I loved the chakra crystals and having my energy centers into alignment, I’m not sure co-ordinating my underwear to the 7 chakra colors made much of a difference for me personally, haha).
Is there really anything to the Chakras? What actually are the 7 chakras meaning? What physical ailments could arise from imbalanced chakras, and where do the chakra symbols come from? What is the relationship between chakras, the eight limbs of yoga, and a yoga class, and what are the best ways to perform chakra healing and realign your energy centres?
This guide covers everything you need to know about the concept of chakras and how they affect your physical health, spiritual growth, and personal growth.
The Chakras Explained: What Are Chakras?
Are the chakras actually some ancient anatomical concept that gives insight into the emotional complexity of our bodies, or are they just some recently made-up phenomenon touted by spiritual hacks and wellness gurus? Well, it’s sort of complicated, and it’s somewhere between the two.
Chakra (also spelled cakra, but pronounced cha-kruh) means wheel or disk in Sanskrit. The word comes from ancient India and literally translates to “spinning wheel.” They refer to energy centers in the human body, where the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual connections converge. A chakra is an invisible, spinning flow of energy that can be either balanced and aligned, or overactive or underactive — and therefore out of alignment, which will manifest in different physical and psychological ways. Your mental health, your sense of security, your immune system, your circulatory system, as well your state of emotional health or pure consciousness, all could be influenced by blocked chakras.
Chakras are part of the energetic body, which also includes the Nadis (energy channels like the sushumna nadi that runs along the spine) and Kundalini energy flow. Some yoga studios and Reiki practitioners offer sequences including yoga poses, breathing exercises, chakra meditation, and spiritual practices specifically targeting the chakras to regain your optimal life energy and inner peace.
How Many Chakras Are There?
Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different answer. Some people say six, some people say 12, and others say 114! But, most often, you will hear seven primary chakras, and this tradition is where we get the 7 chakra colors and specific symbols for the chakras. These seven main energy centers run from the base of your spine to the top of your head.
History of the Chakras
Some people say that chakras are first mentioned in the Vedas, the foundational Hindu text to which some yogic practices and principles are traced to. However, although the word chakra does technically appear in the Vedas it means wheel, as opposed to the energetic center. The debate continues about when the word Chakras as energetic centers first originated in Yogic, Hindu, or Buddhist texts. However, energetic bodies, chakras, and nadis were definitely on the scene by around the first millennium.
The concept of chakras has roots going back to ancient India around 1500 BCE. Chakras and the energetic body were, and remain, a significant part of the Tantric yoga tradition. Tantra has many lineages relating to different deities and practices, and as chakras are associated with such a diverse tradition, this is why there are conflicting numbers of chakras and varying energetic systems depending on who you consult. According to James Mallinson and Mark Singleton in Roots of Yoga, (which is a good, if somewhat dry, academic source), the six chakra system, which directly leads to the seven chakra system, was popularized around the 12th century.
Another interesting element that Mallinson and Singleton stress is that chakras were likely never considered to have ‘existed’, at least not in a physical sense. Instead, they were used as ‘subtle focuses for meditation distributed along the central channel of the body that aligned with rituals and metaphysical beliefs of the specific doctrine of that Tantric tradition (Roots of Yoga, 175). They served as a focal point for spiritual belief systems and meditation practices.
During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, when different yogic traditions began to make their way over to the West, the chakras came too! It’s likely that a mix of ancient texts, interpretations, and some general free-wheeling spiritual goons, led to the contemporary conception of the 7 chakras, the popularization of chakra symbols and colors, as well as chakra stones — all of which I will discuss below!
Chakras and Modern Yoga
So when we hear about chakras today, it is most often in association with the seven chakra systems… and how much you buy into them, well, that’s up to you. They are definitely part of the most esoteric side of yoga, but that doesn’t make them ‘bullshit’. They have been used historically as meditation aids and a helpful way to connect the physical and emotional body for hundreds of years. However, I have also heard of people having ‘chakra surgery’ and having their chakras removed… and, well, I’m happy to be proven wrong, but that’s not a thing so please don’t go down that road.
Chakras have always been and remain a part of the more esoteric side of yoga. Depending on which style of yoga you practice and which yoga tradition you connect to alters the significance of the role of the chakras. For example, Ashtanga yoga leans heavily on Patanjali’s yoga sutras, and there is no mention of the chakras. However, in Tantric yoga traditions, chakras are key, especially in healthy relationships to the movement of Kundalini energy through the seven chakras.
In contemporary yoga, the seven chakra system is most common. Like their traditional representation, they are wheels of energy located along the central energetic channel of the body, which runs from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Chakra balancing has become a popular focus for those seeking good health and spiritual well-being.
7 Chakras and Their Meanings: A Beginner’s Guide
Not only does each individual chakra have a different location, meaning, and imbalances that I cover below, but the major chakras also have a distinct visual representation that includes different colors and unique chakra symbols. The symbols for chakras are different lotus flowers. Each chakra also has its own seed mantra used in chakra meditation.
I will also discuss the 7 main chakras stones and crystals as this is something that I connect with, and whether there is any truth in it or not, I find the stones beautiful and a helpful, tangible object to carry with me on the days I feel a little out of whack and experiencing negative emotions.
Root Chakra (Muladhara Chakra)
Sanskrit name: muladhara chakra
Color: red
Location: base of the spine, pelvic floor area
Meaning: Groundedness, basic needs, survival
Symbol: four-petal lotus flower
Seed Mantra: LAM
When aligned and balanced, the 1st chakra, base chakra, or root chakra represents feeling grounded and having a strong foundation, particularly when it comes to material needs and security. You feel safe in your body and your environment. A balanced root chakra gives you inner strength and stability.
When imbalanced or blocked, a blocked root chakra manifests as feeling ungrounded, anxiety and insecurity about our deepest sense of self, and often anxiety around money. Physical issues can include lower back pain, colon problems, digestive issues, and problems with legs and feet. You might experience chronic stress, fear, or restlessness.
How to Balance Your Root Chakra:
Standing in mountain pose is a great way to stimulate your root chakra. Walking barefoot on earth, eating root vegetables, and practicing grounding meditation help restore balance. Spending time in nature reconnects you to your foundation.
Root Chakra stones: red crystals such as garnet, red jasper, or rubies.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana Chakra)
Sanskrit word: swadisthana chakra (also spelled svadhisthana chakra)
Color: orange
Location: an inch below the belly button, in the lower abdomen, adrenal glands, sexual organs
Meaning: Sexuality, Creativity, Pleasure
Symbol: six petal lotus
Seed Mantra: VAM
When aligned and balanced, the second chakra, which is also associated with the water element, represents feeling sexually and creatively fulfilled, passionate, motivated, and recognizing our own self-worth. A balanced sacral chakra allows you to experience pleasure, embrace change, and express your creativity freely.
When imbalanced or blocked, it manifests as sexual and creative blocks, lethargy, lower back pain, and a lack of confidence in our passions. Physical issues can include reproductive problems, urinary tract infections, and kidney problems. Emotional symptoms include guilt, lack of passion, and difficulty with intimacy.
How to Balance Your Sacral Chakra:
Hip-opening yoga poses like pigeon pose help release blocked energy. Dancing, creative expression, and spending time near water restore balance. Chakra therapists often recommend orange foods like oranges, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Both the root and sacral chakras have to do with the reproductive organs, large intestine, and spinal column and are your energy center or your life force.
Sacral chakra stones: orange-colored stones, such as carnelian and tiger’s eye.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura Chakra)
Sanskrit name: manipura chakra
Color: yellow
Location: upper abdomen, digestive system
Meaning: Personal Power, Self-Esteem
Symbol: 10 petal lotus
Seed Mantra: RAM
When aligned and balanced, the third chakra, or navel chakra represents having a strong sense of self, good self-esteem, and confidence in our abilities. A balanced solar plexus chakra gives you willpower, motivation, and personal power.
When imbalanced or blocked, it manifests as either low self-esteem and no personal power, in the subtle body, or arrogance and inflated sense of self. Physical issues include digestive problems, stomach ulcers, liver problems, and chronic fatigue. You might struggle with control issues or feel powerless in your life.
How to Balance Your Solar Plexus Chakra:
In yoga, boat pose activates this chakra. Core-strengthening exercises build confidence. Breathing exercises and affirmations for self-worth restore balance to your third chakra.
Solar plexus chakra stones: yellow gems, such as citrine and yellow jasper
Heart Chakra (Anahata Chakra)
Sanskrit term: anahata chakra
Color: green (also pink)
Location: heart center, thymus gland
Meaning: Unconditional love, Compassion
Symbol: 12 petal lotus
Seed Mantra: YAM
When aligned and balanced, the fourth chakra or green chakra represents being open to giving and receiving love in a healthy way, as well as self-love and compassion. A balanced heart chakra allows you to love deeply, feel empathy, and maintain healthy relationships.
When imbalanced or blocked, it manifests as either wearing your heart on your sleeve and being excessively open to love leaving scope for heartbreak, having high blood pressure or heart problems, or having a guarded heart and not being open to love at all. Physical issues can include chest pain, respiratory problems, and immune system weakness. You might struggle with jealousy, loneliness, or fear of intimacy.
How to Balance Your Heart Chakra:
Heart-opening yoga poses like camel pose and backbends help release blocked energy. Practicing gratitude, self-compassion, and loving-kindness meditation restores balance. The color green in nature also supports heart chakra healing.
Heart chakra stones: green stones such as aventurine and pink stones such as rose quartz
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha Chakra)
Sanskrit name: vishuddha chakra
Color: blue
Location: the throat center, base of the throat
Meaning: Communication, Truth, Expression
Symbol: 16 petal lotus
Seed Mantra: HAM
When aligned and balanced, the fifth chakra means we are able to communicate clearly and confidently, are connected to our voices, and feel empowered to speak our truth. You express yourself authentically and listen actively to others.
When imbalanced or blocked, a blocked throat chakra manifests as either not feeling able to speak up and having no confidence in your voice and expressing your opinions, having a sore throat, or talking excessively, such as loudly over other people and gossiping. Physical issues include thyroid problems, neck pain, jaw tension, and mouth ulcers. You might fear judgment or struggle to express your needs.
How to Balance Your Throat Chakra:
Shoulder stands and fish pose stimulate this chakra. Singing, chanting mantras, and journaling help clear blockages. Speaking your truth in small ways builds confidence in this energy center.
Throat chakra stones: precious gems such as sapphire, Angelite crystal, and aquamarine
Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna Chakra)
Sanskrit name: ajna chakra
Color: Indigo
Location: third eye center, between the brows (pineal gland)
Meaning: Intuition, Wisdom, Insight
Symbol: two petal lotus, crescent moon
Seed Mantra: OM
When aligned and balanced, the sixth chakra means we have strong intuition and are able to see the big picture (sixth sense), with an insightful understanding of ourselves and others. You can access higher states of consciousness and trust your inner wisdom.
When imbalanced or blocked, it manifests as either not being able to connect to our intuition or being completely divorced from reality. Physical issues can include headaches, vision problems, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. You might struggle with confusion, lack of clarity, or obsessive thinking.
How to Balance Your Third Eye Chakra:
Child’s pose and forward folds calm the mind. Meditation, especially focused on the space between your eyebrows, activates this chakra. Limiting screen time and spending time in darkness support your inner world.
Third eye chakra stones: Lapis lazuli and sodalite
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara Chakra)
Sanskrit name: Sahasrara chakra
Color: Violet or pure white
Location: The crown of your head, top of your head, pituitary gland
Meaning: Spiritual enlightenment, Divine connection
Symbol: A thousand petal lotus
Seed Mantra: Silence or OM
When opened, the 7th chakra or seventh chakra represents complete spiritual enlightenment and bliss. Once this chakra is open, it helps keep all the other ones aligned and balanced. A balanced crown chakra connects you to something greater than yourself and brings a sense of peace.
When imbalanced or blocked, it manifests as feeling disconnected from spirituality, experiencing existential crisis, or becoming overly attached to material world. Physical issues can include depression, chronic fatigue, and neurological disorders. You might feel isolated, purposeless, or unable to find meaning.
How to Balance Your Crown Chakra:
Headstand and meditation in silence activate this energy center. Fasting, prayer, and spending time in spiritual contemplation support your connection to higher consciousness. The top of the head chakra is perceived in different ways by some and could be the gateway to an eight chakra, where vortexes of energy converse into your external energy body.
Crown chakra stones: White and clear stones such as selenite and moonstone, and amethyst
Working with Chakras: Symbols, Colors, Crystals, and Meanings
If you resonated with any of the descriptions of the 7 chakras meaning and qualities, particularly if you felt like you could do with a little more of one quality or another — for example, feeling more grounded by connected to the root chakra, or more empowered in your voice by connecting to the throat chakra — you might like to work with some of the chakra images and objects and add them to the bigger picture of improving your higher self.
Hanging a chakra color chart or the different lotus symbols of chakras in your home or yoga practice is a useful way to get a quick reminder of the various chakras (and it’s actually pretty easy to remember the chakra colors in order as they are the same as the rainbow). Don’t worry about remembering all the symbols and chakra colors meaning in one go — pick one that you particularly connect to and focus on it in your meditation using mantras or visualizing the chakra symbol.
Each specific color corresponds to a particular chakra and carries its own energy. The use of the chakras through color therapy has become popular in modern wellness practices. Chakra stones and crystals placed around your home or even in your pocket can also feel super empowering when you need to feel more confident or grounded.
Chakra Balancing Practices
Different methods work for different people when it comes to chakra balancing. Yoga practices remain one of the most effective ways to work with your energy centers. Each physical form or asana targets specific chakras along your spine.
Chakra meditation involves focusing on each energy center, visualizing its specific color, and using its seed mantra. Many practitioners work with chakra therapists who combine various spiritual practices to restore balance.
Anodea Judith, a renowned chakra expert, emphasizes the connection between chakras and personal growth. Her work shows how blocked chakras impact both your physical form and your emotional well-being.
Most importantly, find the way that works best for you, whether connecting with the chakras and colors, symbols, or qualities. Or, if chakras aren’t your thing, then just give them a miss! There are so many other ways you can connect to different aspects of yoga, whether that’s practicing with friends or on retreat, reading yoga books, or even watching movies about yoga.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chakras
What does chakra mean?
Chakra means “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit. The term refers to spinning energy centers in your body where physical and spiritual energy meet.
How do I know if my chakras are blocked?
Blocked chakras show up as physical issues, emotional imbalances, or recurring patterns in your life. A blocked root chakra might cause money anxiety. A blocked throat chakra might make speaking up difficult. Pay attention to where you feel stuck.
Can I work on all seven chakras at once?
You can, but most chakra therapists recommend focusing on one or two chakras at a time. Start with whichever chakra feels most out of balance. Root chakra work provides a strong foundation before moving to higher chakras.
Are chakras real or just spiritual belief?
Chakras exist within spiritual belief systems and have been part of yoga philosophy for thousands of years. While Western science doesn’t recognize chakras as physical structures, many people report real benefits from chakra work. The practices associated with chakras — meditation, yoga, breathwork — have documented health benefits.
What is the best chakra for beginners to start with?
Start with your root chakra at the base of your spine. A balanced root chakra creates stability for all other energy work. Once you feel grounded, move up to your sacral chakra and continue from there.
How long does it take to balance a chakra?
This varies for everyone. Some people notice shifts within days. Others need weeks or months of consistent practice. Chronic stress or long-held patterns take longer to shift than recent blockages.
Do I need a teacher to work with chakras?
You can explore chakras on your own, but a qualified yoga teacher or chakra therapist helps if you feel stuck. They provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and can spot imbalances you might miss.
Amélie is a health and wellness junky. Certified yoga instructor with Yoga Alliance in the Vinyasa and Ashtanga styles, she has a Yoga Instructor Certification – Level I (300 hours) and Yoga Instructor Certification – Level II (200 hours) under her belt. She also has a certified Open Water Diver certification with PADI and SSI Scuba Schools International Freediving Level I certification with SSI Scuba Schools International. She’s been vegan for over 15 years and is obsessed with anything wellness-related.