Get to know the Chakras
Let's talk about CHAKRAS.
Ever heard of chakras and being confused about it?
Chakras are energy centers along the line of your spine. Each chakra is connected to a specific organ or gland in the body, as well as areas in the mind that influence your personality.
In yoga, we focus on the 7 major chakras. Your wellbeing and health blossom when energy (Prana) flows in a balanced way through each of the 7 chakras. And when all chakras are in balance, you are in a state of equilibrium and harmony.
1. The first Chakra: Muladhara Chakra
Muladhara means root support.
Located at the base of your spine, between the perineum and the coccyx, the root chakra governs our sense of groundedness, instinct and survival. It is the most instinctual of all chakras.
Its associated element is the Earth and the Mantra for this chakra is "Lam".
When the energy of the root chakra is flowing well, you feel grounded, yet free as a bird.
2. The second Chakra: Svadhishthana Chakra
Located at the lower abdomen(four fingers below the belly button), the sacral chakra governs our sexuality, desires and pleasures.
It's associated element is the Water and the Mantra for this chakra is "Vom".
Signs of a balanced sacral chakra: you are open to new experiences and pleasure, you feel creative and graceful.
Signs of an unbalanced sacral chakra: you may feel jealous, guilty, possessive, shameful of your body/sexuality.
3.The third chakra: Manipura Chakra
Manipura literally means "the city of jewels".
This chakra is the centre of vitality. It is related to your sense of self-assertion, dynamism and dominance.
This chakra is associated with the fire element and the Mantra for this chakra is "Ram".
Signs of a balanced solar plexus chakra: you feel like you control your destiny and achieve your dreams, and you feel your power.
Signs of an unbalanced solar plexus chakra: obsessive-compulsive control, feeling powerless, stagnant or quick to anger. Physical signs: digestive issues.
4. The fourth chakra: Anahata Chakra
This chakra is associated with the air element and the Mantra for this chakra is "Yam".
Signs of a balanced heart chakra: you are able to form stable and pure emotional connections with others, you are able to see love and beauty all around the world.
Signs of an unbalanced heart chakra: dysfunctional relationships, feeling isolated, respiratory problems, chest pains and blood pressure issues.
Connecting with nature, meditation, asanas and practicing gratitude can be great ways you can balance your heart chakra.
5. The fifth chakra: Vishuddha Chakra
This chakra is associated with the element of ether and the Mantra for this chakra is "Ham".
Signs of a balanced throat chakra: you feel the possibility for change, transformation and healing.
Signs of an unbalanced throat chakra: not listening to the inner self and others, hesitation and inability to express emotions, feeling misunderstood and isolated. Physical signs: susceptibility to infection and hormonal imbalances.
Keeping the throat protected (sore throat tea, wearing a scarf), mantra chanting or singing (feeling the throat vibrating), asanas that stretch the neck and practicing Ujjayi prayanama be great ways you can balance your throat chakra.
6. The sixth chakra: Ajna Chakra
The Mantra for this chakra is "Aum".
Signs of a balanced 3rd eye chakra: you see how the world around you is interconnected and you understand your place in it. Your mind is steady, strong and in full control. Your intuition helps you to make great decisions .
Signs of an unbalanced 3rd eye chakra: lack of insight, awareness or guidance.
Physical signs: headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, or dizziness.
Other signs: issues concentrating, nightmares, sleep disturbances, mental fog, and confusion.
Developing your imagination, practicing visualisation meditation and Asanas such as headstand (Sirsasana) can be great ways you can balance your 3rd eye chakra.
7.The seventh chakra: Sahasrara Chakra
Sahasrara literally means "command" or "perceive". It refers to your power connection to the wider world and your connection with the higher state of consciousness.
This chakra is associated with the element of thought, and the mantra for this chakra is "Aum".
Signs of a balanced crown chakra: you have a sense of peace, wellbeing, and confidence.
Signs of an unbalanced crown chakra: feeling of physical imbalance and instability, lack of focus, confusion.
Developing your imagination, practicing visualisation meditation and alternate nostril breathing can be great ways you can balance your crown chakra.