When you say the word chakra people to most people they either say “Yeah I know what chakras are, don’t they have something to do with yoga” or body language is visible that shows whoever you’re talking to is uncomfortable. I think this makes sense since chakras are a difficult topic to broach in many circles because of the energetic or mysticism that often surrounds them. Nonetheless, they are an important aspect of yogic philosophy and there are definitely some strong links to psychology that only further support their importance. One of which is the high similarity to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs which is highlighted below, and you can find more about it by clicking here. According to Maslow and yogic philosophy we all have aspects of our inner and outer world that require a level of balance in order for us to truly thrive.

The charkas are best balanced from the ground up, just like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. This is the case because the lower chakras cover more primary needs, and once established in these, it is much easier to sustain balance in the upper chakras. Essentially, you need to build a solid foundation within yourself so when life gets stressful, you have something to fall back on (just like a house). According to yogic philosophy, the chakras are said to be located along the spine, and when they are in balance, optimal health is achieved. There are mental, emotional, and physical symptoms that indicate whether a chakra is balanced or imbalanced, which I will touch on briefly in the remainder of this post.

Below is a brief introduction to each of the seven main chakras, including the location, element, what it governs, signs of imbalance, and ways to balance them. Lastly, whether you believe you have energetic centers called chakras within your body or not, a deeper understanding of concept can help you create your dream life more easily.

Root Chakra

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine, it’s associate with the earth element, and in Sanskrit “Muladara” means root. Existential fear (no longer existing or existing in the way one is used to) is governed by this chakra so it is important to keep it balanced to feel safe in life. You’ll know your root chakra is in balance when you feel grounded in yourself and safe in your life. 

Signs of Imbalanced Root Chakra: Excessive fear of losing something that makes you feel safe ie; home, spouse, child, job, money, dying, 

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: Downward dog, table poses, any kind of yin yoga, seated yoga, bhu mudra with kakhi breath, or pretty much pose where you’re very connected to the ground 

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Spending time in nature, physical activity, organizing your life, and say affirmations such as “I am safe” or “I am secure”

Sacral Chakra

The second chakra is said to be located just below the navel, it’s associated with the water elements, and in Sanskrit “Svadhishthana” means dwelling place of the self. Creative expression and sexuality are governed by this chakra so when balanced you have healthy relationships with yourself and others. Your sacral chakra is balanced when you’re content with who you are on the inside and your closest relations.

Signs of Imbalanced Sacral Chakra: Being consumed by your emotions, obsessive affection that’s not reciprocated, being overly or underly sexual, and in conflict with your closest relations

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: Hip openers, triangle and side angle with twists, bow pose, rock pose, and anything that stretches the psoas 

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Journaling, express your emotions in a healthy way, and say affirmations such as “I am creative” or “I am attractive.”

Solar Plexus Chakra

The third chakra is situated just below the rib cage, it’s associated with the fire element, and in Sanskrit “Manipura” means seat of power. Intuition, socialization, and personal power are governed by this chakra. Your solar plexus is in balance when you feel confident, self-motivated, and have a sense of purpose in your life. 

Signs of Imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra: Control issues, low-self esteem, and being overly reclusive

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: Most backbends, core (planks & side planks), seated forward folds, and twisting poses 

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Practice allowing things outside of your control to simply be, take responsibility for your own self, and say affirmations such as “I am standing in my power”.

Heart Chakra

The fourth chakra is located in the center of the chest, is associated with the air element, and in Sanskrit “Anahata” means unstuck. Love is the focus of this chakra so making sure you love yourself first is usually a good place to start. This chakra is in balance when you’re able to love freely without any attachments or expectations.

Signs of Imbalanced Heart Chakra: Being closed off from others, not feeling anything, unhealthy amounts of anger, and lack of self-love.

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: All backbends (especially restorative ones), chest openers, and any heart centered meditation or mudras. 

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Self-care of any kind, practicing gratitude, and say affirmations such as “I am loved” or “I am kind to myself and others” .

Throat Chakra

The fifth chakra is located at the base of the throat, is associated with space, and in Sanskrit “Vishuddha” means especially pure. This chakra is strongly related to truthfulness and communication. You’ll know your throat chakra is completely in balance when what you think, say, and do are in all in alignment. 

Signs of Imbalanced Throat Chakra: Refusing to listen to your inner self or others, inability to speak your truth when you should, and unclear communication with others.

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: Shoulderstand, plough pose, fish pose, neck rolls, and chanting.

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Mean what you say and say what you mean, jaw releasing exercises, speak your truth, and say affirmations such as “I am speaking my truth” or “I am a clear communicator”.

Third Eye Chakra

The sixth chakra is located at the center of your brain approximately 4 inches behind your eyebrows, is associated with the element of light, and in Sanskrit “Ajna” means foremost. Perception, consciousness, and intuition are said to be governed by this center. When this chakra is in balance one is able to look beyond material possessions and focus on the greater good of all.

Signs of Imbalanced Third Eye Chakra: Inability to focus your mind, regular unstable emotional states, and lack of foresight or big picture.

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: Yoga in general as it focuses the mind when done properly, inversions (especially headstand), child’s pose, and meditation. 

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Trusting that everything will be okay, believing in your own self, and say affirmations such as “I am open minded” or “I am listening to Jesus/God/higherself”.

Crown Chakra

The seventh chakra is located at the top of the head, is associated with the element of conciousness, and in Sanskrit “Sahasrara” means great sound or thousand petals.  When this chakra is balanced one has a positive outlook on life and emotions like gratitude, compassion, and acceptance become second nature.  

Signs of Imbalanced Crown Chakra: Feeling like there is no direction or purpose to your life and high levels of dissociation from your body.

Ways to Balance On Your Mat: Inversions (especially headstand), shavasana or corpse pose, and meditation/prayer. 

Ways to Balance Off Your Mat: Meditation or prayer and saying an affirmation such as “I am trusting in the divine plan”.

To better deal with your stress check out this post.

To just relax and unwind try our most popular yin video here.

Or

Other Helpful Posts