The Chakra System Explained: How Energy Flows Through the Body in Yoga

July 14, 2025

You’ve probably heard the word Chakra tossed around in yoga classes, spiritual circles, or wellness posts online. But what does it really mean, and why does it matter?

Let’s start from the beginning.

The three bodies, according to Yogic philosophy

In yogic tradition, we’re not just physical beings. We are made of three interconnected bodies:

The Physical Body – the one you live in and move with
The Energetic Body – the subtle layer where Prana (life force) flows
The Spiritual Body – your soul, the unchanging core of who you are

These bodies are woven together through Prana, or life energy. When Prana flows freely, we feel vibrant, grounded, and aligned. When it doesn’t... we feel stuck, low, or off-balance.

So... What is a Chakra?

The word Chakra means “wheel” or “disc” in Sanskrit. A Chakra is a spinning energy centre within the energetic body. It’s where Prana moves, shifts, and radiates.

There are 114 Chakras in the body, but in yoga, we focus on the 7 main Chakras that run along the spine -from your tailbone to the crown of your head. Think of them as a ladder that bridges your physical body and spiritual self.

Each Chakra is linked to:

A specific area of your body
Mental and emotional patterns
A colour, mantra, symbol, and element

Together, these Chakras form your energetic blueprint.

The connection between Yoga and Chakras

Here’s where it gets exciting.

When you practice yoga, through breath, movement, or meditation, you’re not just stretching muscles. You’re working with your energetic body too. Every conscious breath, every intentional asana, gently opens the flow of Prana through your Chakras.

That’s why yoga doesn’t just make your body feel better. It shifts your mood, your energy, and even your thoughts. The work you do on the mat ripples through all three of your bodies.

The Rainbow Bridge

The Chakra system is sometimes referred to as the Rainbow Bridge. That’s because the 7 primary Chakras are often visualised in colour order - from red (root) to violet (crown).

This pathway symbolises your journey from:

Physical survival to spiritual connection
Fear to freedom
Earth to higher self

As you move up the Chakras, you evolve -from grounded action to inner wisdom and expanded consciousness.

What does it mean to be “Balanced”?

When your Chakras are open and balanced, your energy flows freely. You might feel:

More grounded in your body
Emotionally stable
Intuitively guided
Connected to something bigger than yourself

But when a Chakra is blocked, it can show up as:

Physical tension or pain
Emotional overwhelm or detachment
Mental fog or lack of motivation

This is why Chakra work can be such a powerful part of a holistic yoga practice.

What’s coming in this series

Over the next few posts, I’ll guide you through each of the 7 main Chakras -one by one. You’ll learn:

What each Chakra represents
Asanas and Mantras that support them
Breathwork to move stuck energy
Reflection prompts to go deeper

First up: Muladhara, the Root Chakra - your centre of safety, survival, and belonging.